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All Veils Are Off : The True Housewives of Qatar
"Qatar? It sounds like a bad lung condition!" was Marguerette Heding's first reaction to her husband about moving there.
Back in July 2008, this ultra-conservative Islamic country bordering Saudi Arabia wasn't on anyone's radar and the Lonely Planet Guide called it 'the dullest place on earth'. She didn't want to go - but apparently Allah had different plans...
'All Veils Are Off; The True Housewives of Qatar' is Marguerette's extra-ordinary, hilarious, though at times devastating account of her 8 years living in Qatar. Not only did she have to navigate the tricky expat community, but also the secret and fiercely protected world of the Qatari women - a world very few outsiders, particularly a wine-loving, dog owning Australian infidel are ever privy to.
As she became swept up into Qatari high society - a world of beautiful, rich and surprisingly empowered women - she earned their trust, becoming their confidant and Scheherazade, entrancing them with stories, as she too became entranced by them and their lives.
But all was not as it seemed, and cracks eventually started to appear. As the veils came off, Marguerette began to be exposed to the ugly side of this society; the rampant materialism, corruption, crippling indebtedness and the need to present the perfect facade. Devastatingly, she would later witness a tragic consequence of this tribal mindset. It would also force her to confront the darker sides of her inner self - which ultimately would lead to a powerful realisation; that in the end, this journey that Allah had sent her on wasn't just about lifting the veils on others, but also the lifting of her own.
Back in July 2008, this ultra-conservative Islamic country bordering Saudi Arabia wasn't on anyone's radar and the Lonely Planet Guide called it 'the dullest place on earth'. She didn't want to go - but apparently Allah had different plans...
'All Veils Are Off; The True Housewives of Qatar' is Marguerette's extra-ordinary, hilarious, though at times devastating account of her 8 years living in Qatar. Not only did she have to navigate the tricky expat community, but also the secret and fiercely protected world of the Qatari women - a world very few outsiders, particularly a wine-loving, dog owning Australian infidel are ever privy to.
As she became swept up into Qatari high society - a world of beautiful, rich and surprisingly empowered women - she earned their trust, becoming their confidant and Scheherazade, entrancing them with stories, as she too became entranced by them and their lives.
But all was not as it seemed, and cracks eventually started to appear. As the veils came off, Marguerette began to be exposed to the ugly side of this society; the rampant materialism, corruption, crippling indebtedness and the need to present the perfect facade. Devastatingly, she would later witness a tragic consequence of this tribal mindset. It would also force her to confront the darker sides of her inner self - which ultimately would lead to a powerful realisation; that in the end, this journey that Allah had sent her on wasn't just about lifting the veils on others, but also the lifting of her own.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2022
9 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 28, 2023
This is not the kind of book I usually read. It was a mandatory reading for a book club I attend. As an expat, I feel a kinship with a lot of the places and people one meets while away from the familiarity of home. An unflinching, often cringe-worthy look at privilege and the heights and endless pits one can spiral through...
May 22, 2022
All Veils Are Off: The True Housewives of Qatar describes Marguerette Heding’s years living in Doha from attending Doha society weddings and funerals to dune-bashing (driving over sand dunes). Marguerette has a fresh entertaining voice, a wonderful sense of adventure, and isn’t afraid to laugh at herself. Her vivid descriptions bring the place to life. Having lived there too, I can say they felt spot on.
Marguerette used a kaleidoscope metaphor to explain her constantly shifting view of her new home country – initial impressions leading to a more and more nuanced understanding. Every time she thought she understood either the Qataris or her new expat circle, she’d dive a little deeper and adjust her thinking. As she came to understand her environment better, so she became more self-aware.
Ultimately, that felt like a great takeaway because what is the point of being somewhere new if we don’t become somehow learn and grow in the process?
Marguerette used a kaleidoscope metaphor to explain her constantly shifting view of her new home country – initial impressions leading to a more and more nuanced understanding. Every time she thought she understood either the Qataris or her new expat circle, she’d dive a little deeper and adjust her thinking. As she came to understand her environment better, so she became more self-aware.
Ultimately, that felt like a great takeaway because what is the point of being somewhere new if we don’t become somehow learn and grow in the process?
March 28, 2024
As much as this is a portrait of Qatar society, it is also a wonderful portrait of the author, Marguerette.
Marguerette and her husband Philip live their lives with typical Antipodean forthrightness in navigating tricky aspects of life in Qatar.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Marguerette and her husband Philip live their lives with typical Antipodean forthrightness in navigating tricky aspects of life in Qatar.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
November 5, 2023
Marguertte's account of her 8 years living in Quatar.
February 16, 2025
Beautiful insight to a world most kiwis only see on tv, which unfortunately can lead to negativity. Also shows, a kind gesture can open your eyes to something you could never imagine. Thank you
June 19, 2024
The clash of western and (middle) eastern cultures and its integration, that was lovely done. A narrative wonderful and a must read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews