*** courtesy of Penguin Group
Synopsis
At the age of 19, Lauren was trying to get a fledgling acting career off the ground while working as a stripper and call girl. When the opportunity arises for several girls to travel to the island of Borneo to be a part of the harem of the Sultan of Brunei’s youngest brother, Prince Jefri, for a few weeks, Lauren jumps at the opportunity. Telling her family she’s headed overseas for an acting job, she travels to Brunei for what she thinks will be a diverting and exciting two weeks. Once she arrives at the expansive estate, Lauren finds her only duty is to attend lavish parties each night and hope that she will be the one chosen to steal away from the party with the prince. Two weeks turns into a year, and Lauren finds herself increasingly involved in the vicious competition for the prince’s attention. While the surprising and exotic subject matter is sure to pique interest, Lauren’s graceful, introspective prose lifts her unusual memoir far above the level of mere titillation.
My Review Comments:
This book really surprised me on so many levels, it was hard to put it down. This story is about an adopted American girl with a Jewish background who rebels against her parents. In her quest to become an actress she falls into the life of a stripper and an escort, then if that isn’t enough she ends up being in a harem to a Prince. This is based on the true story of the writer life, and this story is so amazing, it is truly a jaw-dropper. It was hard for me to believe the life this woman dared to tread at such a young age. Also, it really described what life is like to be in a harem which to me was fascinating. It described in so much detail the shopping sprees and the gifts of clothes and jewelry that were granted to them from the Prince. The girls were rewarded by the Prince as they fought against each other for his favor. In exchange though, the girls were virtually prisoners, with little freedom, and the 24/7 surveillance of them would have unnerved anyone. Lauren showed she had true courage throughout the book, and thankfully managed to escape the direction her life was heading. She was able to find her own true happiness in the end and to find out more you will just have to read the book.
