A Veiled Journey

A five-year stay in Saudi Arabia inspired this powerful debut novel, set in a land where, as depicted by Brien, women are virtual prisoners in their own homes, decision-making is based on ancient customs, and social and judicial infractions are met with swift and often harsh punishment. A respected Los Angeles surgeon searching for her Circassian heritage, Liz Ryan experiences a heavy dose of culture shock when she accepts a medical position in Saudi Arabia. Brien's spare, realistic narrative follows Liz's search for justice and romance in a politically unstable Islamic country. Ultimately unable to reconcile cultural differences with her lover, Abdullah, Liz turns her attentions elsewhere, risking her own life to give the gift of freedom to a young woman condemned to death. This romantic thriller, complete with detailed descriptions of Arabic customs and royalty, explores the complexities of culture as well as those of the human heart. Doubleday Book Club selection. (Oct.)