The Black Book of ArabiaHend Al Qassemi

A modern day Scheherazade, Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi spins fantastic tales of love, betrayal, and heroism from around the Arabian Gulf. These stories offer a surprising look into the personal lives of a whole range of men and women--everyone from princesses to paupers and from sultans to sorcerers.

You'll meet a princess whose best friend literally tries to steal her wedding, right down to her bridal shoes; a bride who mysteriously goes blind on her wedding day; a woman whose romantic Parisian honeymoon proves too good to be true; and a jealous wife who lures her husband into falling in love with another woman.

These candid stories - sometimes moving, sometimes funny, and always entertaining and surprising - will resonate with readers round the world.