Customer Reviews

Perilous Journey

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I absolutely could not stop reading this true story about Patricia, who falls in love with and marries a prince of Malaysia. She thought all of her dreams had come true, but then, after having two children with this man, he abuses her and the children. Through letters written to friends and family, you will gain a profound understanding of domestic abuse, child abuse, and child custody battles which transcend international boarders. I found myself outraged by the curruption and injustice allowed in Malaysia and I was shocked at the blatant prejudice against Westerners that her ex-husband, Mahmood, perpetrated. As I read this book, my heart was breaking for Patty and her children as they had to endure years of separation, confusion, and fear in a country where women have few rights, and the court systems are corrupt. Patricia's determination to be a part of her children's lives by facing down the entire Malaysian system, and then finally escaping to the US with them, is an inspiration. Her continued instistance on being a loving force in the world in spite of all of the betrayal and cruelty she has endured, is also an inspiration to us all. Your buying and reading this book will help raise consciousness in the world.

Anyone contemplating intercultural or inter country marriage should read this riveting day by day account in this book written by gifted writer Patricia Sutherland prior to their marriage decision. I have heard several first hand accounts of marriages similar to this but none so well documented with the frequent letters of the struggle during and after the romantic period. I am absolutely no expert on marriages but it appears to me after reading this harrowing account that the potential destructive variables of the intercultural marriage require very thoughtful consideration.If the maxim that opposites attract,and apparently this is true, it is bound to happen again and again. This micro example and marriage was the ultimate demonstration of a totally free spirit and liberated young beautiful American woman clashing with traditional Muslim values and Royalty was a disaster waiting to happen.This individual situation demonstrates the total major conflict and lack of understanding at play in the world today between Islamic Law and women.
A very insightful and well written book that should be required reading for couples from different cultures and countries during the pre-marriage counseling stage.
Most modern marriages and love bonds are also complicated by religious,racial,value differences and this world view problem is well documented in this book. Every Minister,Priest,Rabbi,Muslim,Hindu,etc should have a copy readily available in their reference library and read this book before giving agreement to preform a intercultural marriage ceremony. Even though Patricia tried extremely hard to adapt and become a total part of the culture and religion that was not enough to ultimately preserve the romantic bond and love between she and her Prince who turned
quickly into a rat.I suspect he always was but kept it well hidden.
The narrative and story actually turns frightening as the author describes her daily efforts to assert herself in the dangerous Malaysian setting.She is lucky to have escaped intact with her three beautiful children and her life.This is an excellent tribute to her personal Northern Michigan strength and a adventurous read written by a obviously gifted survivor.