"Huda Shaarawi an icon. A wealthy woman who dedicated her life and her financial resources to the betterment of Egypt. She set up a number of charitable works that also educated and trained women so they could earn a living. She was the first feminist in the country and Egyptian women all owe her a debt for her indefatigable work on their behalf, and thus this book, which deals with the history of this remarkable woman, will appeal to a very wide audience in Egypt of both sexes. Interweaving Shaarawi''s life with the history of Egypt, and bringing in new material from private papers, this book is highly recommended for all interested in the history of women in Egypt and the wider Middle East." -Afaf Lutfi al-Sayyid Marsot, Professor Emerita, UCLA

"Huda Shaarawi was one of the truly heroic figures of the modern Middle East. And this book will not only provide a wealth of new information, but may also change the unconscious views of many readers, especially Western ones, about the nature of the Middle-Eastern family and Middle-Eastern society in general." -John Rodenbeck, Professor Emeritus, The American University in Cairo

"A very unique account." - Al-Ahram Online

"By tracing the life of Huda Shaarawi with depth, honesty and completeness, Sharawi Lanfranchi not only takes us back to a journey in the past, but to a journey in the mind, heart and soul of one of the greatest women of all times." - Midan Masr