Saudi Arabia

Sultana's family rules this Arab nation. The Saudi Arabia Sultana depicts has developed a system of oppression against women based upon tradition and misinterpretations of religious doctrine. The bulk of Sultana's family resides in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

Mut'a

Mut'a is depicted in the book as an Islamic form of marriage in which a man is able to quickly marry girls (as young as eleven or twelve) in order to satisfy his sexual desires with them. Then, just as quickly, the man can "unmarry" them and discard them.

London

Sultana has a permanent home in London. When Maha becomes hysterical with Aisha, Sultana and the family fly to London in order to get Maha professional care with a British psychiatrist.

Makkah

Makkah is the holiest of cities according to the Muslim faith. During the holy time of Haj, Sultana and her family make a...