Girls of Riyadh" (بنات الرياض) by Rajaa Alsanea

 

                   

Introduction

"Girls of Riyadh" (بنات الرياض) by Rajaa Alsanea is a groundbreaking novel that delves into the private lives of young Saudi women. Published in 2005, the novel has since captured the attention of readers worldwide for its candid portrayal of love, relationships, and societal expectations in the ultra-conservative Saudi society. Often referred to as the Saudi equivalent of Sex and the City, the novel unveils the struggles and aspirations of four female friends from affluent backgrounds living in Riyadh. Written in the form of anonymous emails, Girls of Riyadh blends cultural critique with personal narratives, offering readers a rare insight into a world that is often hidden from public view.

Author Biography: Rajaa Alsanea

Rajaa Alsanea (رجاء الصانع) was born in 1981 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Raised in a conservative family, she pursued her education in dentistry, eventually graduating from King Saud University in Riyadh and later receiving a scholarship to continue her studies in Chicago, USA. However, despite her career in dentistry, Rajaa's passion for storytelling drove her to explore Saudi women's experiences, a subject rarely tackled in contemporary Arabic literature.

At just 24 years old, Rajaa Alsanea made her literary debut with Girls of Riyadh. The novel sparked considerable controversy in Saudi Arabia, where many considered it a challenge to the deeply rooted social norms. Some conservative factions went as far as to call for its ban, claiming that it tarnished the reputation of Saudi women. Despite this, the book resonated with a large audience, both regionally and internationally, for its honest depiction of the complexities of women's lives in a patriarchal society.

In her interviews, Rajaa often speaks about her dual identity as both a Saudi and a global citizen, grappling with traditional values while being exposed to more liberal ideas during her education abroad. This tension between the conservative Saudi culture and the broader world is central to her work in Girls of Riyadh.

A Unique Format: Email Narration

One of the most innovative aspects of Girls of Riyadh is its format. The story is told through a series of anonymous emails sent out to a mass audience. The narrator, who remains unnamed, uses these emails to detail the lives of four young women—Sadeem, Gamrah, Michelle (also known as Mashael), and Lamees—over the course of several years.

This narrative technique gives the reader the sense of being privy to something private, almost as if they are receiving gossip firsthand. It also allows the narrator to provide commentary on the broader Saudi society, often with biting sarcasm. As the story unfolds, the readers become familiar with the struggles and triumphs of each character, while also being treated to the narrator's insightful observations on the cultural norms and restrictions placed on Saudi women.

The Four Protagonists: Friendship, Love, and Struggles

1. Sadeem:
   • Sadeem, a romantic and somewhat naïve character, experiences heartbreak when her fiancé suddenly calls off their engagement after they spend a night together, even though the relationship had not crossed any physical boundaries deemed inappropriate. This personal tragedy forms a significant part of Sadeem's character arc, showing how societal expectations can ruin love. Sadeem's journey explores themes of purity, self-worth, and the heavy judgment placed on women in Saudi society.
2. Gamrah:
   • Gamrah's story is one of a more traditional path. She marries young but is soon abandoned by her husband, who leaves her for a life in America. Pregnant and alone, Gamrah is forced to return to Riyadh, where she must navigate the societal stigma associated with being a divorced woman in a conservative culture. Her story reflects the struggles many Saudi women face when dealing with patriarchal structures within marriage and the expectations of being a "good" wife.
3. Michelle (Mashael):
   • Michelle, or Mashael, is a Saudi-American woman who struggles with her dual identity. Having grown up with a Saudi father and an American mother, she is constantly caught between two cultures. Her love affair with a man who ultimately chooses not to marry her because of her "half" status highlights the rigid class and family structures that dominate Saudi society. Michelle’s experiences serve as a critique of the superficial barriers—like family name and heritage—that can determine a woman's fate in relationships.
4. Lamees:
   • Lamees, the most independent and forward-thinking of the group, pursues a career in medicine and is determined to live life on her own terms. She navigates her romantic life carefully and eventually finds a partner with whom she shares mutual respect and love. Lamees’s story is a rare example of a woman who is able to find some balance between societal expectations and her personal desires.

A Glimpse into Saudi Society

Rajaa Alsanea provides readers with a rare and candid glimpse into the daily lives of Saudi women, an area that has often been shrouded in secrecy. The novel addresses a number of key issues:

1. Love and Relationships in a Conservative Society:

• One of the central themes of Girls of Riyadh is the tension between love and tradition. While the women in the novel seek romantic love, they are often thwarted by societal expectations. For example, Michelle's relationship is cut short due to family pressure, as her mixed heritage makes her "unmarriageable" despite her partner's feelings for her.

• A poignant quote from the book captures this internal struggle:

  "Our society makes you marry a stranger, and tells you it is love. But when you fall in love with someone, they tell you it is forbidden."

2. Women’s Rights and Autonomy:

• The novel is also a critique of the lack of autonomy that Saudi women face. The strict guardianship laws in Saudi Arabia, which require women to have male guardians make important decisions for them, are depicted throughout the novel. Each character faces the limitations imposed by society, whether it is Gamrah's failed marriage or Michelle's heartbreak. However, despite the challenges, the women continue to fight for their independence and rights.

• The narrator reflects on this theme, saying:

  "They teach us to dream of love but also to fear it."

3. Friendship and Solidarity:

• Despite their individual struggles, the four women share a strong bond of friendship. Their shared experiences of navigating love, heartbreak, and societal pressures create a strong sense of solidarity between them. This friendship becomes a source of strength, allowing each woman to face her challenges more confidently.

Controversy and Reception

Upon its release, Girls of Riyadh sparked significant controversy in Saudi Arabia. Many saw the book as an attack on Saudi values and traditions, while others praised Alsanea for daring to tackle taboo subjects. The novel was banned in Saudi Arabia for a brief period, though copies were still smuggled in.

Internationally, Girls of Riyadh received more favorable attention. The novel was translated into multiple languages and became a bestseller in many countries. Western readers, in particular, appreciated the insight it provided into the lives of women in one of the world's most conservative societies.

Alsanea has mentioned in interviews that her intent was not to defame Saudi society but to shed light on the real challenges that Saudi women face. She said in one interview:

“I wanted to show that Saudi women, like women everywhere, have dreams, desires, and aspirations. They’re not just passive beings living in a restrictive world.”

Conclusion

"Girls of Riyadh" by Rajaa Alsanea is a powerful novel that challenges stereotypes about Saudi women and offers an intimate look at their lives. Through the stories of Sadeem, Gamrah, Michelle, and Lamees, readers are exposed to the complexities of love, marriage, friendship, and societal expectations in a conservative society. Alsanea's candid portrayal of Saudi women's struggles and resilience makes the novel an important contribution to contemporary Arabic literature. Despite the controversies it sparked, Girls of Riyadh remains a testament to the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides and to shed light on the universal human experience.