Jean Sasson

Jean Sasson is an American writer who writes mainly about women in the Middle East.

Sasson grew up in a small southern town, where she had read all the books in the school library by the time she was 16 years old. She was heavily involved in history topics, and her heroes were Dr. Thomas Dooley, the physician humanitarian who devoted his life to the sick of Cambodia and Laos, and Raoul Wallenberg, the gentle but firm humanitarian who saved many people from the Nazi death camps. Sasson was known to be an avid animal lover, owning many pets, and saving others. In 1978 she traveled to Saudi Arabia to work in the King Faisal Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh as an administrative coordinator in Medical Affairs. She worked at the hospital for 4 years, then married Peter Sasson, a British citizen who lived in the Kingdom. Jean remained in Saudi Arabia until 1991 when she continued her travels of the world, visiting 64 countries.

Her first book was about the first day of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The book, "The Rape of Kuwait", was published in 1991. It quickly became a New York Times bestseller, selling over a million copies and reaching number two on the list. Since then she has written many titles, mostly non-fiction, all with a Middle Eastern theme.

Sasson first met 'Sultana', the Saudi Princess, at an Italian embassy in 1985. The two women became friends, and Sasson learned more about inequalities in Saudi society from 'Sultana'. 'Sultana' requested that Sasson write her life story, revealing the hidden life of a Saudi princess, as well as issues affecting the lives of women living in the kingdom, albeit the information had to remain anonymous for her safety. "", was the first of the Middle Eastern woman genre and quickly became a "New York Times" and international bestseller. Princess was chosen as one of the best 500 books to be written by a woman. Princess is also to be made into a movie. The book's popularity prompted two sequels about Princess 'Sultana'. Both became international bestsellers.

"Ester's Child" is her only historical fiction, although many readers claim it to be their favorite of all of Sasson's books. In 2008, "((Ester's Child))" was chosen by the prestigious Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Foundation of Dubai in The United Arab Emirates, a non-profit organization aiming to promote, recognize and reinstate the status of culture, heritage and cross-cultural understanding, as a highly respected work that promotes peace and understanding.

Her sixth book, "Mayada, Daughter of Iraq", tells the true story of Mayada Al-Askari, a woman Sasson met when traveling in Iraq in July 1998. Mayada Al-Askari is of one of the most famous and highly respected families of the area. Mayada's heartrending true story documents the shocking and horrifying story of women imprisoned in one of Saddam Hussein's most notorious prisons.

Her seventh book "", tells the story of a beautiful Kurdish woman who lived through the Kurdish genocide. Joanna was gassed, temporarily blinded, and had to flee from Kurdistan to seek refuge in Iran.

Although at the moment Sasson is working on a secret project, many readers have expressed their hope that Sasson will soon write her own life story, as it is said that her personal life story is as thrilling as those of her heroines.

Reception

While Sasson is mainly known for her true stories about women's issues, she is best known for her ability to bring her readers into the story. Stefan Ulstein renown literature instructor and movie reviewer, has said, "What a blessing that Jean's books continue to speak to people around the world. There are popular books, literary books., etc., but the Princess Trilogy fits into the category of important books. If you think of The Jungle, Grapes of Wrath, etc., you see books that were interesting and compelling to read, but more importantly, helped readers to see big issues through a new paradigm."

Sasson is a popular public speaker and draws huge audiences wherever she appears, including West Point, The 92nd Street Y, and other well-known venues.

Interests

When not working on a new writing project, Sasson spends her time reading or working to save homeless animals. Her greatest reading interests are books on history, and her favorite writers are Sir Winston Churchill and Sir Richard Burton, the famous British traveler.

Works

*The Rape of Kuwait
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*Princess Sultana's Daughters
*Princess Sultana's Circle
*Ester's Child
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References

External links

* [http://www.jeansasson.com/ Personal website]