I don't usually read general fiction but this one pulled me in with its excellent writing style and the exploration of a unique culture--Americans living in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the 1960s. Also, Gin is an true women's protagonist--exploring life beyond her comfort zone and the comfort zone of those around her, to both the improvement of her life and to disastrous consequences. Also, she has a different and life-changing relationship (only one of them actively sexual) with each man she meets--a rarity in the literary world but oh so common in real life.

A compelling story. Highly recommended for readers and for book clubs that aren't afraid to explore women's roles in the 60s and in the past and current Arab cultures, and the variety of relationships a woman and a man can have, depending on social status and level of friendship, enmity, love and romance between them.