In the Kingdom of Men by Kim Barnes is a novel set in Saudi Arabia in the 60’s. It is the story of Americans working for Aramco, the Arabian American Oil Company there, and living within its gated compound.

Newcomers Gin Mitchell and her idealistic husband Mason McPhee from Oaklahoma, find themselves way out of their depth, as problems with the company spiral out of their control.

This is a fascinating novel, giving us a portrait of a time and place most of us know very little about. Told from a woman’s point of view, by Gin, we are transpoted to the desert, full of all it’s mysteries.

I loved this novel. Highly recommended.