Veiled Journey [Paperback]

Nell Brien (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999

Newcomer Brien pens a fascinating tale of ambition and choice. Searching for her origins, a dynamic surgeon accepts a position in Saudi Arabia, where she finds herself thrust into the whirlwind intrigue of the royal family and its ancient customs.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A five-year stay in Saudi Arabia inspired this powerful debut novel, set in a land where, as depicted by Brien, women are virtual prisoners in their own homes, decision-making is based on ancient customs, and social and judicial infractions are met with swift and often harsh punishment. A respected Los Angeles surgeon searching for her Circassian heritage, Liz Ryan experiences a heavy dose of culture shock when she accepts a medical position in Saudi Arabia. Brien's spare, realistic narrative follows Liz's search for justice and romance in a politically unstable Islamic country. Ultimately unable to reconcile cultural differences with her lover, Abdullah, Liz turns her attentions elsewhere, risking her own life to give the gift of freedom to a young woman condemned to death. This romantic thriller, complete with detailed descriptions of Arabic customs and royalty, explores the complexities of culture as well as those of the human heart. Doubleday Book Club selection. (Oct.)

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Mira; Edition Not Stated edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155166528X
• ISBN-13: 978-1551665283
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,241,106 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Journey Like No Other, December 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Veiled Journey (Paperback)

This Book by Nell Brien is a must read for any of you wondering what life is about in Saudi Arabia or any other Middle Eastern Country. Having lived in the country for sometime, I felt I was back on the streets there, smelling the smells of incense, perfumes, animals and the dust from the shamals(sandstorms). It is a journey through time and customs from ages ago to modern day life. Women you should appreciate all the freedoms you have in the USA. It is thought provoking, gripping, and romantic all in one with a strong main character. Take a memorable journey through the pages and enjoy. Alhumdulaylah.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great romance that provides a look inside Saudi Arabia, July 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Veiled Journey (Paperback)

In 1958 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Tess and Jim Ryan look forward to returning to the states. However, the night before they are to leave for home, Fateema, a thirteen-year-old pregnant concubine, and several slaves ask Tess for help. Unable to refuse, the American escorts the teen to the nearby USS Murphy where the navy doctor helps Fateema give birth to twins. Fateema leaves with the male, but presses the female onto Tess so that the little girl can live a free life in the West.

In 1990 Beverly Hills, Dr. Robert Gould persuades Dr. Liz Ryan to help him set up surgical units throughout Saudi Arabia. Just before leaving, Liz learns the truth about her being smuggled out of Saudi Arabia over three decades ago. She returns to meet her brave mother and her twin brother. In a country with a different cultural attitude towards women and one that is preparing for war with its neighbor, Liz risks her own life to save the life of Safeya.

VEILED JOURNEY is a superb romantic suspense novel that magically takes westerners behind the veil of Saudi Arabia. The characters are brilliantly drawn to reflect their upbringing. The story line is filled with action and romance, but it is the insider's look at the culture that makes this must reading for fans of tales set in non-western lands. Readers will want more insightful tales like this one from debut author Nell Brien.

Harriet Klausner

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific read!, August 17, 2000

By 

Laura S. Rottmayer (Bartlesville, OK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Veiled Journey (Paperback)

A Veiled Journey is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it. Having lived in Saudi Arabia, I was curious as to how accurate the story would be. I think it could only have been written by one who had actually experienced Saudi first-hand. If this is Ms. O'Brien's first novel, I'm eagerly anticipating the next one!