Jeddah Bride
by Patricia Bonis
GENRE: Memoir
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/16/2024
DESCRIPTION:
"Jeddah Bride" is a well-written account of Patricia Bonis’ early life as a young, impetuous American eager for adventure, travel and love. The author’s unique journey is a geographical and emotional roller coaster thanks to her marriage to a Saudi Arabian sheikh. This handsome, ultra-wealthy man with an irresistible British accent draws her away from her Boston party scene at Wellesley in the 1970’s to live an extravagant lifestyle, beginning in Jeddah and continuing across seven cities and countries. All that glitters is not gold and soon, her choice of a life partner becomes a nightmare when her husband kidnaps their two young children back to his homeland, a country that is both closed and hostile to foreigners. Despite years of fighting to secure their return, 14 years pass before Patricia is reunited with her children.
Authentic, heartbreaking, colorful, suspenseful, hard to put down and haunting are all words used to describe this very unusual and unforgettable memoir.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
“Jeddah Bride” is Patricia’s literary debut. When not writing, she runs her own interior design firm and has designed the homes, offices and embassies of CEOs, ambassadors and international financiers for over 30 years. In addition to her work in interior design, Patricia has an equally long-standing and passionate career as an equestrian, actively competing in the World Equestrian Festival, the Hampton Classic and numerous other horse shows across America. Patricia also finds the time to work on the board of Find My Parent, a charity whose mission is to reunite internationally abducted children with their alienated parent. Patricia lives in Wellington, Florida with her husband, Mitchell, and their beloved poodle, Harley.
REVIEWS:
"This well-written book took me on a journey to the inside of an ancient civilization so foreign to my own. The author's ability to articulate the stark differences between middle eastern expectations and rules for women versus western cultures expectations and rules was amazing. In parts, the story is funny, educational, sad and tense which builds throughout the book. I finished the book with a few thoughts. First, it would make a great movie; Second, I hope there is a sequel in the works because there must be much more to the story."
"I read 'Jeddah Bride' in a day. I could NOT put it down. The writer takes you on an emotional journey, providing fascinating insights into life in the 70s and 80s in both the U.S. and in Saudi Arabia. You will feel as though YOU are the protagonist because she tells the story in such a detailed and compelling manner.
The best book I have read in years. I can't wait until the movie!"
COMPARATIVE FILM/BOOK:
Not Without My Daughter / Crazy Rich Asians
CASTING:
Patricia Bonis played by Margot Robbie ; Rahman Abbar played by Riz Ahmed ; Terry Bonis played by Christine Baranski ; Valerie played by Aimee Lou Wood
PRIMARY VENUES/LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BOOK:
Saudi Arabia, New York, London (and environs), Washington DC, Palm Beach, FL, Paris, Marbella.
BOOK EXCERPT:
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