THE BOOK FAIR

Rania Al-Baz candidly reveals her life story in the gripping memoir, “Disfigured”.  Al-Baz states that her experience is typical to many Saudi women and is also comparable to abuse women suffer world-wide.  Al-Baz insists she loves her country, Saudi Arabia and her religion, Islam, and that her book is in no way meant to disparage either.

Following rebellious teen years and a divorce, Rania Al-Baz becomes the newscaster on Channel 1 News.  Wearing only a headscarf, she becomes the darling and pride of her nation; many suitors follow.  One suitor in particular, an African singer, Rachid catches Rania’s attention.  In spite of her parents’ opposition, following a whirlwind romance, the author marries Rashid.  Not long after, she realizes her mistake.

The memoir is candid, well written and reads quickly.

Rania Al-Baz pleaded leniency for her husband, for which punishment, of destroying her face, he received three months in prison.