Paperback: 212 pages

Publisher: Eye Books; New edition edition (15 Sept. 2003)

ISBN-13: 978-1903070192

Product Dimensions: 13.3 x 1.8 x 19.7 cm

Behind the Veil

Lydia Laube

£9.99

“…indomitable spirit and quirky sense of humour…”

Lydia Laube set off in search of adventure, to work as a nurse in Saudi Arabia. She found herself embroiled in a society that did not allow women to drive, vote, or speak to a man alone. As soon as she stepped off the aeroplane, Lydia’s passport was confiscated. She felt like a prisoner, trapped in a country with no means of escape. Lydia showed incredible strength of character in her determination to fulfil her year-long contract. Wearing head-to-toe coverings in stifling heat, and battling against unfathomable bureaucracy, Lydia maintained her sanity and finally got her passport back.

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Extracts

The guard, dressed like a policeman, led me to a place labelled “Women’s Room” in Arabic and English. He knocked on the door and gestured to go in. The room was presided over by two large apparitions covered, eyes and all, in black shrouds. I presumed them to be women, only because of the legend on the door. They could have been gorillas in there for all I could see, and they were about the right size.

Not wanting to give them the novel experience of opening their door at the crack of dawn to behold a naked woman, I toured the flat (on hands and knees) to find some cover. There was absolutely nothing: no curtains or cushions, not even a piece of newspaper. At least I was in the strictly segregated female housing. So, leaving my front door open, I dashed across the corridor, rang their bell, dashed back and retreated behind my door, which I left open a crack…

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Extracts

The guard, dressed like a policeman, led me to a place labelled “Women’s Room” in Arabic and English. He knocked on the door and gestured to go in. The room was presided over by two large apparitions covered, eyes and all, in black shrouds. I presumed them to be women, only because of the legend on the door. They could have been gorillas in there for all I could see, and they were about the right size.

Not wanting to give them the novel experience of opening their door at the crack of dawn to behold a naked woman, I toured the flat (on hands and knees) to find some cover. There was absolutely nothing: no curtains or cushions, not even a piece of newspaper. At least I was in the strictly segregated female housing. So, leaving my front door open, I dashed across the corridor, rang their bell, dashed back and retreated behind my door, which I left open a crack…

quotes

“Laube is a human dynamo. Her writing has a chatty, witty, over-the-fence feel about it, and her books can be read in a few hours, such is their deceptive magnetism.” 

West Australian

“Lydia’s book is written with her indomitable spirit and a quirky sense of humour which demonstrates just how she did survive her experiences.” 

Sunday Mail

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