Customer Reviews

Veiled Journey

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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.

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

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!

I started to browse through this book, and was unable to put it down. I read it overnight and into the next day. It has been a long since I have gotten lost in the words of a good book. This book came alive for me and I was unaware I was reading type on a page.

This book had such an unusual subject matter and was so exciting. I was fascinated by the details of life in the middle east and the last half of the book was a real page turner. I couldn't put this book down. The stories and incidents, especially from a woman's perspective, were exotic and electrifying. Only a person with first hand experience living in that country could have told this tale with such authenticity and detailed knowledge. The heroine's charactor is a woman I could definitely relate to and respect. It is refreshing to read a story about a woman who is strong, intelligent and has made her way in a man's world successfully. But even this had not prepared her for life in the male dominated middle east. The way this book was written was so gripping that in the second half of the book I literally couldn't go to sleep until I found out what happened. Being an avid reader I love it when a book grips me like that, few do, but this one did. I cannot wait for Nell Brien's next book. I can only hope it will be half as good as this one. This was total enjoyment and an "E" ticket ride. Terrific!

This is a book that everyone in a free society should read in order to better appreciate the life they have as well as gain a more compassionate view of those not so fortunate. The book is not, as one reviewer claims, anti-Islam. Rather, it exposes much of the horror caused by the extreme interpretation of Islam forced on the Saudi people by those in charge, and the impossible burden placed on those who truly want change.
Liz Ryan is a young, promising surgeon from California who is living the American dream. Then one day she is offered an opportunity to work in Saudi Arabia with her mentor, Bob Gould. As she considers his offer, she learns that she was born in Saudi Arabia to slaves who gave her to her parents in order for her to have a better life. In order to learn more about the circumstances of her birth, she agrees to accompany her old friend.
This story hit me close to home. I have a friend in Saudi Arabia whose family have been victimized by the horrendous civil rights situation in that country. Both his brother and his cousin have spent time in prison with no formal charges and very little explanation to their family. The world needs books like this one in order to understand the situation in that country and the need for our own governments to support those who work for change.

I've had this book for years as it was written by someone I am acquainted with, but I just didn't get around to reading it until a few days ago. I couldn't put it down! I was shocked at how compelling this story is and wouln't even classify it as a romantic novel. It is clear the author experienced this culture (and I know she did) and she writes of it with the appropriate emotional content. One struggles to understand this religion that so denigrates its' women. Now is the time to read this book with what is going on in the world....

I first read this book in 1999 and it's one of the books that stays with you. I would highly recommend this to anyone who can get their hands on a copy. Of course, this is a keeper on my shelf and one of my favorites.

I read A Veiled Journey specifically because the reviews written by other customers were so positive. I was very disappointed. The novel portrayed the Islamic world and the teaching of the Koran in a negative way. The main character was shallow and very unrealistic and the males were either dumb or egotistical. In this novel Islam is synonomous with female servitude and the Middle East is full of bad men and weak women. I think Nell Brien should visit Saudi Arabia, before writing another novel set in this region. Please don't stereotype.