The Ruins of Us is a debut novel by Keija Parssinen.  It tells the story of Rosalie, an American woman living in Saudi Arabia with her wealthy Saudi husband for almost three decades. When he decides to take a second wife, which is his right by law, their family slowly begins to fall apart.

Having been raised in Saudi Arabia by American parents, Parssinen tells her tale with an inside view, yet always that of a foreigner, no matter how long she lived there. This is a fascinating novel about the clash of cultures, religion, intolerance, women’s rights, family, and ultimately love.

Highly recommended.