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Kutubna Cultural Center

Girls of Riyadh

Girls of Riyadh

The girls of Riyadh are young, attractive and living by Saudi Arabia's strict cultural traditions. In-between sneaking out behind their parents' backs, dating, watching American TV and having fun, they're still trying to be good little Muslim girls. That is, pleasing their families. But can you be a twenty-first century girl and a Saudi girl?

Rajaa Alsanea is a Saudi writer who became famous through her novel Girls of Riyadh, or Banat al-Riyadh. The book was first published in Lebanon in 2005 and in English in 2007. The book was long-listed for the Dublin Literary Award in 2009. Al-Sanea grew up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the daughter of a family of doctors. She currently lives in Chicago where she is a dental graduate student. She received her bachelor's degree in Dentistry from King Saud University in 2005. Her novel and lifestyle have caused controversy especially among the conservative sections of the Saudi society, but more liberal-minded individuals consider her a role model.
Location: Lower level A-4
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