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When her father, Major-General Farhan Al-Balawi, announces his daughter Maryam's impending marriage, the fulfilment of a solemn promise made even before she was born, Maryam endeavours to stifle her bitter disappointment. Out of love for her father, pride in her Arabian heritage and her devotion to Islam, she is willing to sacrifice her yearning for travel and the opportunity to continue her education. Then she meets Joe, an American dentist - and a Jew. They embark on a clandestine and passionate affair, but then Joe draws the attention of the Muttawa, the feared religious police, and Maryam faces the struggle of her life.--From back cover.