Critical Praise

"Parssinen convincingly inhabits the shifting moods of her characters…. Throughout, her prose is artful without being showy, forced, or melodramatic, and her knowledge of Saudi culture informs the story…. A fine debut."

—Kirkus Reviews

"Parssinen’s gripping, well-crafted debut tracks the awakening of a Saudi Arabian family to the dangers that lurk within."

—Publishers Weekly

"The Ruins of Us is an arresting story of family and country. Parssinen’s characters are richly conceived and her evocative petrol universe of wealth, privilege, and intrigue is unforgettable. Powerful storytelling that is refreshing and entertaining."

—Anthony Swofford, author of Jarhead

"Keija Parssinen vividly evokes daily reality in the Kingdom…. While she portrays the physical and social landscapes with the precision of an impassioned expat, Parssinen also limns-with a wisdom that belies her age-the culture-transcending contours of the human heart."

—National Geographic Traveler

"A compelling debut."

—Marie Claire (UK)