"The Sheik" is a romantic novel written by E. M. Hull and published in 1919. The story follows the passionate and tumultuous relationship between an Englishwoman named Diana Mayo and a powerful Arab sheik, Ahmed Ben Hassan. Set in the deserts of North Africa, the novel explores themes of love, cultural clash, and the allure of the exotic. The book became immensely popular and is often credited with popularizing the "sheik" genre in literature. Its portrayal of romance and adventure has influenced various adaptations in film and other media, contributing to the lasting legacy of the story and its characters.