Leap of FaithBy: Queen Noor
Category: BIOGRAPHY
Guide Created By: Harriet, Ella, and Marjorie
Discussion Leader(s): Harriet & Ella
Click here to visit the discussion
Guide DescriptionQueen Noor, who was married to King Hussein of Jordan for twenty years, has written a compelling memoir of their life together in a country and a royal household that was very new to this American-born woman.
Plot Synopsis"The dramatic story of an emancipated young woman who became the fourth wife of a powerful Arab monarch, Leap of Faith is the intriguing autobiography of Jordan’s American-born Queen Noor.." --Barnes & Noble Editors
Critical Reviews"Leap of Faith will not dispel its author's impression that she has often been misunderstood. On one hand, this is a glossy and decorous account of the queen's unusual experiences, with a polite tendency to accentuate the positive. ("I urged everyone I worked with to speak freely and offer honest, constructive criticism.") On the other, it is a fiery account of her husband's frustrations in dealing with international diplomacy in general and the United States and Israel in particular." -- Janet Maslin, The New York Times
"Queen Noor, an American-born beauty, has written a book about, not only her marriage to and love of King Hussein of Jordon, but her own views of the political affairs between the Middle Eastern countries, Israel and the United States. In my opinion, it is an unjustly critical view of American policies and, like most Muslims, (whose religion she joined when she married), she denigrates Israel. Although she attempts to pass her judgments off as King Hussein’s opinions also, we could find few examples. She does justice to King Hussein and his efforts at peacekeeping and writes poignantly of the King’s death after 20 years of marriage and four children. The book makes an excellent group discussion." -- Ella (Discussion Leader)
"Leap of Faith offers a fascinating glimpse into Mideast politics and the life of Queen Noor of Jordan. Noor made substantial contributions to her adopted country and successfully transitioned from her original American-Arab background to her new identity as queen of Jordan.
"She learned to see both America and Jordan "through new eyes" and her perceptions can be surprising to the American reader. For book clubs, this book can spur some stimulating debate about the Arab-Israeli situation. If any readers care to research Noor's statements, some factual omissions can be found that often turn the weight of historical events in the Arab direction and/or fault American policies. However the personal elements of life in a royal court and the difficulties of raising royal stepchildren make for wonderful reading." -- Harriet (Discussion Leader)
Questions1. How do you feel Queen Noor's early background may have contributed toward her adaptation to her future role in life?
2. Noor wrote: "Everyone I knew, including my new friends in Jordan expressed horror at the realities of the Holocaust. But they resented, as I was growing to, how Arabs were cast as the aggressors in the dispute between Israel and the Arab countries."(59) What are your feelings about this comment from Noor?
3. Noor describes her early relationship with the King of Jordan in this manner. "I hoped our uncomplicated friendship would go on forever." (68) The statement paints a picture of Noor's state of mind during Hussein's courtship. Initially, she seems largely oblivious to the implications of their relationship. Does this seem like a fairy tale romance?
4. Noor became the stepmother to eight children. At least one of King Hussein's former wives, Princess Muna, continued to live in close proximity. Does anyone have any knowledge to contribute about integrating a marriage and stepchildren?
5. As we go through the book let's attempt to discuss whether the author, born an American, had any influence on the King, the government and the people of Jordan. If you think she did, was it good or bad? In what way?
6. During the 6 day war of 1967, Jordanian troops were ordered into Israel by the Egyptian Commander-in-Chief. The small Jordanian air force completed a bombing run on Israel. If those incursions had been successful:
Do you feel the Arab coalition would have returned the conquered Israeli territory at the end of the war? SHOULD they have?
How do you feel the Arab forces might have dealt with conquered Israeli settlers and settlements?
7. What would it take, in your opinion, to bring about peace between Israel and all of her Arab and Palestinian neighbors?
8. Do you believe the Arabs WANT to live in a Palestinian state side-by-side with Israel?
9. Do you believe Israel WANTS to live side-by-side with an independent Palestinian state?
10. What land should be used for the Palestinian state?
11. Would you be willing to give up the "western" sense of privacy to be a queen and live in a guarded communal palace? Has Queen Noor convinced you that it can be a rewarding life?
12. Which of the adjustments Queen Noor had to make would be the most difficult?
13. Why do you think the USA left Jordan out of negotiations with Israel on several occasions, especially as King Hussein was known throughout the mid-east and the world for his peace-keeping efforts?
14. Why would President Carter assist in a separate peace between Anwar Sadat and Israel and why did Sadat want it?
15. Have you ever traveled to any of the Middle Eastern countries? Would you feel comfortable doing so today? Knowing that several of these countries, e.g. Jordan and Israel, depend on tourism for economic reasons, what suggestions would you have for them?
16. There are numerous anti-Israel and anti-American statements in this book. Will that help or hinder relations between Jordan, Israel and the United States?
17. What is your interpretation of this statement: "For all its considerable merits and inspirational principles, the American system is based upon a continuous uninterrupted process of election campaigns, stretching out year after year. Lost in the perpetual scramble is any long-term vision capable of addressing the complex tangle of causes at the root of human suffering, especially in the Middle East."
18. In September, 1985, Noor formed the Noor Al Hussein Foundation (NHF) to integrate efforts to tackle Jordanian problems like poverty, unemployment, health, and education, etc. Which of the many projects that she tackled impressed you the most? Why?
19. In 1986, King Hussein broke with Arafat and the PLO "until such time as their word becomes their bond..." Yet only a year later, after Jordan's Arab summit (p. 277) King Hussein and the PLO restored relations. What is your opinion of this move?
20. Ten years after her marriage Noor makes her first private trip back to America, For the first time, her children meet their American cousins and Noor picks up old friendships from before her marriage. Noor describes some of the difficult personal things happening in her life during this period. Do you feel these could have contributed to her "back to the roots" urges and why?
21. Let's all try to untangle the web of misunderstandings, mistrust and non-communication that Noor felt led to the first 1991 Gulf War. Do you agree with her analyses? How do you see the position of Jordan in the desperate events that are unfolding? The position of Saddam Hussein?
22. Why did K. Hussein and Jordan come to be the objects of slander and ostracism in both the West and the Middle East?
23. If King Hussein thought a “monarchial democracy” and political parties would be good for Jordan why did he wait until a threat of his own mortality materialized to put those policies into effect?
24. After reading of the intrigues and jealousies within the royal family, do you believe that a family council, which would make decisions through consensus, could possibly decide on a future king? Isn’t it unrealistic to think that with this approach “they will not only stand together and work together, but that the most suitable person willing to assume the responsibility is chosen.” (p.359)
25. Were you surprised to learn that the United States promised to forgive a $700 million debt of Jordan’s, plus a reward of a squadron of F-16 fighter jets, if the principals in the peace agreement between Jordan and Israel would come to America to sign such document? Why do you think this was done and the bills passed by Congress?
26. Why does Jordan’s penal code still contain “honor” crimes (p.388) a loathsome practice when most of the Royal families have been educated in western countries and certainly know how “backward” this must seem to the rest of the world. The book states that King Hussein condemned violence against women, but obviously he had little influence in the parliamentarian arm of his government.
27. Why does not the United States sign the Global Ottawa Land Mine Ban Treaty which has been signed by 143 countries? Should it be voted on in a nation-wide election? Would you vote for or against it or would you be for letting our elected government officials decide the issue?
28. Why is this book, critical of America in many ways, a runaway best seller in the country?
Quotes by our Participants"May I just congratulate everyone on the wonderful way they put their points of view. Oh the joy of being able to give ones opinion without being attacked! You are indeed a great bunch." -- Carolyn
"What beautiful, meaty posts! Very impressive! I think the King and Queen would be proud of us." -- Linda
Interesting InformationHistory of the Ottoman Empire
Queen Noor's Web Site
Links to Jordanian sites on the web
Map of Jordan
Palestinian Web Site
State of Israel
Documents of the UN, History, Road to Peace
Map of the Mid-East
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