The Beheading and Other True Stories

Book excerpt: 'The Beheading' is the title piece of this spectacular collection of true stories and commentaries. It is an eye-witness account of a beheading in the desert kingdom of Saudi Arabia where the author witnessed savage and soul-destroying punishments. They are recounted in this book with great clarity and brutal honesty, but with the sensitivity and poignancy born of the insight of a man who has studied the culture and history of this land with meticulous care. But these stories are not for the squeamish. They are required reading for those who are concerned about the inhumane and barbaric practices carried out around the world and have the stomach to read of such chilling things. Included in this collection is a shocking account of an adulterous woman stoned to death. 'Women Are Always To Blame' achieves a particular relevance in light of recent worldwide concerns about this practice. In 'Extracts from my Diary', Bob Crew reveals how his predictions regarding what would not change in Saudi Arabia in the new Millennium have been remarkably prescient.