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Finding Nouf: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.01) - 2,950 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Zoe Ferraris' debut novel is hailed as a startling, richly textured work of the highest literary merit. Finding Nouf, set in Saudi Arabia, features desert guide Nayir al-Sharqi, who is hired by wealthy friends to find their missing daughter. When the girl turns up dead, apparently drowned in a flash flood in the desert, Nayir suspects that all is not as it seems. And as he looks into her death, he develops an uncomfortable partnership with a female technician at the local coroner's office.
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"I liked this book a lot. It deals with solving a murder of a young privileged woman in Saudi Arabia, but it also shows off the environment (temperature and cultural) of a nation I didn't know a lot about. It was really interesting -- the mystery wasn't as easily solvable as I thought -- and I enjoyed the turns and twists of the book. I had previously read Qanta Ahmed's memoir of her time working as a physician in Saudi Arabia, and a lot of what she discusses plays out in this book -- especially romance between men and women. Definitely recommended."
— Amanda (4 out of 5 stars)
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“Ferraris writes with authority on how Saudi insiders and outsiders alike perceive the United States…With equal authority, she stakes her own claim on the world map, opening Saudi Arabia up for mystery fans to reveal the true minds and hearts of its denizens.”
— Los Angeles Times -
“Ferraris offers up a fascinating peek into the lives and minds of devout Muslim men and women while serving up an engrossing mystery…Highly recommended.”
— Library Journal
Finding Nouf Listener Reviews
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" This is an interesting 'first time' book by this author. I love seeing the way other cultures live and this book had many insights. It is set in Saudi Arabia.The story begins with the 'kidnapping' of a 16 year old girl and continues through the investigation of her death. Keep in mind that in this culture a man may not even shake the hand of a female.... "
— Annette, 12/26/2013 -
" I read City of Veils first, and I found this book to be not as dramatic or exciting in it's delivery as City of Veils. I read it because there were references in City of Veils to Nouf, and the help that Nayir provided in discovering the events leading to Nouf's death. Also thought I'd find out what happened to Othman and Katya's engagement. I think there is more cultural information regarding Muslim women and society in general in City of Veils. Still a good read. "
— Grkchkruns, 12/6/2013 -
" Very unique mystery -- appealing and unusual protagonist. Set in the Muslim world and full of the challenges and difficulties that face what we view as a restricted society. "
— Homerun2, 11/23/2013 -
" It was good insight into the lives of women in modern day Saudi Arabia. "
— Marla, 9/27/2013 -
" An interesting look at another culture - mixed reviews from our bookgroup. "
— Dawn, 9/7/2013 -
" Culturally illuminating and well written. I happened upon the second book in the series, "City of Veils" on the New Books shelf in the library. Finding it exceptionally good, I then read this. Sadly, it is now a long wait for the next. "
— Julie, 8/29/2013 -
" This really transported me to another world. And, a murder mystery to boot! "
— Alice, 2/8/2013 -
" Really enjoyed this book which captured the claustrophobic life of women in Saudi. Katya is the forensic examiner who looks into her fiance's sister's death, helped by a friend of the family (there has to be a male as she wouldn't be allowed to question men). Very authentic. "
— Clare, 1/3/2013 -
" An enjoyable mystery set in modern day Saudi Arabia. Reveals a hide-bound, repressed culture especially were women are concerned. "
— Harry, 12/28/2012 -
" I found the setting and the perspective of the story unique and interesting. Parts of the "mystery" were a little predictable towards the end - but overall, a good book. "
— Bridget, 10/22/2012 -
" My mom bought this for me (honestly, she's not too great at finding good ones. shhh), which is the only way I'd ever have picked out this book to read. Man, was it slow-going. For a murder mystery, nothing really exciting happened. Plus, the two lead characters never hooked up. Bummer. "
— Lesley, 5/28/2012 -
" Best book I have read all year. A young Saudi woman from a wealthy family is found drowned (?) in the desert. So starts this murder mystery. Good mystery which also explores Saudi culture . . . especially the veil. "
— Charleen, 3/18/2012 -
" Very well written detective story w/ a lot of background on Saudi culture. "
— Greg, 10/27/2011 -
" I love mysteries that take you into a different culture and this one is really really different. "
— Arleen, 9/20/2011 -
" Engaging story about a missing teenage girl in Saudi Arabia. "
— Rebecca, 7/19/2011 -
" Very unique mystery -- appealing and unusual protagonist. Set in the Muslim world and full of the challenges and difficulties that face what we view as a restricted society. "
— Homerun2, 5/16/2011 -
" this one drew me in to Muslim piety. And what an interesting revelation of what goes on inside the lives of women – at least one class of women, the wealthy in Saudi Arabia. I really had no idea "
— Marilyn, 5/2/2011 -
" Very well written. The story takes place in Saudi Arabia. Not only it is an excellent mystery but Zoe Ferraris gives a rich description of the way of living in Saudi Arabia. "
— Francoise, 5/2/2011 -
" Not the most sophisticated mystery, but an interesting glimpse into life in Saudi Arabia, especially for women. "
— Susan, 4/30/2011 -
" This is an excellent story about living in Saudi Araba, especially from a woman's point of view. It is written by a woman who had first hand experience. The mystery is good, but is really just the framework to hang the rest of the story on. "
— Frank, 4/16/2011 -
" Excellent who-done-it with middle eastern flavor and nuance. "
— Newgirl, 4/13/2011 -
" Interesting murder mystery set in Saudi Arabia. The insights into Saudi life were fascinating. "
— Pamela, 4/3/2011 -
" I loved this book. A great mystery novel with an overarching theme of the tensions between men and women in Saudi Arabia. "
— Oneira, 3/31/2011 -
" What an outstanding new series! I loved it not only because of the setting in Saudia Arabai but also because of the characters. I've already ready the second in the series, City of Veils, and look forward to the next one. It is a fascinating look at the lives of wealthy women in a Muslin society. "
— Liz, 3/29/2011 -
" Not my favorite book. This novel had a strange plot line and was hard to follow. "
— Barbara, 3/15/2011 -
" Thanks for the author recommendation Dani!<br/>This book swept me away to Saudi Arabia and had me wondering who the heck did it? "
— Monica, 3/5/2011
About Zoë Ferraris
Zoë Ferraris has an MFA from Columbia University and is the author of the novel Finding Nouf, which won the Los Angeles Times Book Award for First Fiction. She lives in San Francisco.
About Pete Bradbury
Pete Bradbury has appeared both on and off-Broadway and at many of the leading regional theaters across the country in plays ranging from Shakespeare and Molière to Edward Albee and David Mamet. He has also been seen on the CBS miniseries Sally Hemings. A former company member of the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, Bradbury received his training in their three-year advanced program. He lives in New York City with his family.