Search - Mayada, Daughter of Iraq

So heart wrenching it was hard to read every word at times. As other reviewers before me wrote, "I am glad to live in the USA"! Jean Sasson is very meticulous in her research and ultimately in her writings. So much detail, with strong descriptions. I felt like I was in the cell with Mayada. I read a series by Jean Sasson before reading this book, and was not disappointed in "Mayada". It is always good to read about other cultures, and what people do to just survive.

This is a heartbreaking true story about Mayada and her imprisonment in cell 52. She speaks about the terrible, unjust imprisonment and torture of men and women and how she and the other prisoners cope with the "horror of it all". She speaks of her life before Saddam and also of the terrors inflicted on Iraqi citizens while he was in power.
I could not put this book down. It is very powerful reading. This book is very graphic and it really makes me thankful that I live in the United States of America.

I have enjoyed both books written by Jean Sasson, that I have read.. I enjoyed the immense detail and heartfelt writting of this author for this book!! I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in what is was like in Iraq for women and many others while Saddam Hussein was ruling..

from the back page cover:

That first night in Baladiyat cleared Mayada's mind about Iraq, and she promised herself that if she got out of prison alive, she would pause no longer than it took to pack a bag and grab her children. She would leave her home and her country and never return, even if she had to stand on the street corners of Amman and beg. She stared for a moment at the three guards questioning her and wondered what they might say if they knew she had Saddam's private telephone number, but she quickly dismissed the idea of placing such a call, for the small pad where she kept his number was hidden in a secret place in her home....

Jean Sasson stays true. Great read.

Horrifying! Makes me feel very priviledged to be living in the U.S., despite whatever differences and flaws our people and government may have!!

When you are thinking your life is not where you want it to be.... read this book and feel fortunate for who you are and where you live. A real reality check. Very well written and heart-wrenchingly true. Life under Saddam Hussein must have been unbearable!