Mirage

The powerful story of a woman locked behind the oppressive walls of a modern-day harem.

Stunning! I couldn't put it down! Lifts the veil of secrecy from Muslim traditions, relationships and, above all, family ties

One of those rare books on Middle Eastern women that is lively, provocative and thought-provoking

Soheir Khashoggi was born in Alexandria, Egypt. A member of one of Saudi's most prominent families, she has used her influence to highlight the plight of women across the Arab world. She has participated in conferences worldwide and was a speaker at the international Women's World Forum Against Violence, an organization founded by Queen Sofia of Spain. Her acclaimed first novel, Mirage, was published in 1996 and was followed by Nadia's Song in 1999. Her latest novel, Mosaic is also published by Bantam Books. She has four daughters and lives in New York City.

The engrossing story of Amira, a young girl from a wealthy and powerful family, Mirage takes readers behind the veil of secrecy to expose the real lives of women in today's harems. Amira expects to be sold into marriage and never to step outside her house without being swathed in black veils and accompanied by an escort. But she's not prepared for the savagery of the husband she first meets on her wedding night, or the increasingly oppressive control he is allowed to exert over her. Finally, in a daring attempt to save her life and sanity, Amira escapes with her baby to start a new life in the United States. But her past - and her powerful husband - won't give her up easily. 
Mirage is also the story of other harem women. From the death by stoning of a young mother convicted of adultery to the desperate measures taken by a woman whose husband has brought a second wife into their home, Mirage tells the stories of the enduring strength and courage of women who defy the yoke of male dominance. 
 
Born to a prominent Saudi Arabian family, author Soheir Khashoggi has seen first-hand the lives of the pampered, indulged - and sometimes abused - women of modern-day harems. The sister of financier Adnan Khashoggi, she has also seen the glittering playgrounds of the western world. In Mirage she brings these two worlds together in a magnificent novel of passion and power. It is the novel that only Soheir Khashoggi could write.

Soheir Khashoggi

A fascinating story of divided loyalties, forbidden love and tender camaraderie

Brought up on his father's cotton plantation in Alexandria, Charles Austen had always led a privileged life.But when Charles falls hopelessly in love with Karima Ismail, his world is turned upside down.For although beautiful, and blessed with a magnificent singing talent, Karima is merely a servant and her forbidden love affair with Charles is destined to end in tragedy. 
 
All too soon Karima is forced to accept a hastily arranged marriage and learns to live contentedly with her husband and daughter, Nadia, the only tangible link that remains between her and Charles.In time, she also becomes one of the most admired and successful singers of her generation - the adored 'Nightingale'. 
 
Yet Karima's success counts for nothing when Nadia suddenly disappears.For years this traumatic event casts a shadow over Karima's life and the life of her beautiful daughter who, with a new identity and a new name, grows up thousands of miles away.It is only when an unexpected chain of events leads 'Gaby' back to Egypt, that she can begin to unravel the mystery of her past - and discover the happiness she longs for.

Soheir Khashoggi

Books by Soheir Khashoggi

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