Ana Catarina Catarina من عند نيويورك من عند نيويورك

4.25 stars! A pleasant surprise. When I first started to read this book and discovered it was a murder mystery, I almost set it down. You see, I'm not really fond of murder mysteries. I'm so glad I pursued the story though. The solving of the murder is secondary or possibly even third to the real story: the subtle nuances and dance of the Saudi culture regarding men and women. I've read many novels from the woman's point of view but this is the first that also explores a man's perceptions of this culture. If you enjoy exploring other cultures this is the book for you. I was mesmerized by Derraris' writing, descriptions, and portrayals of religious etiquette (not that I could survive the culture, mind you but now understand it a little more). Bravo! I will read another by this author!

Just know that I loved it! Kind of magical and very engrosing.