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Received from lytteltonwitch as part of her "I need to get my car into my car shed" day.

I haven't read it, but I know all about it by reputation. IT is a story of a simple crofter's daughter who, against social adversity, rises to become tupperware hostess to the crowned princes of the Arabias. She is then kidnapped by a kinky caliph who forces her into his harem to dig for oil. Unbeknownst to the caliph she has an unerring sense of direction underground and manages to tunnel back to Scotland during her weekends. There she is reunited with her family.

One can sense the Arabic influence in the metaphorical chapter headings. For example, "Some Principles of Flower Decoration for Various Occassions" is closely followed by "Staying the Night." Such wonderful decorum and use of metaphor. And quiet bragging too, since the decorations certainly worked on the caliph.

To be passed on to some friends who will hopefully log in and journal their delight at such a foreign tale.