Rating:  Summary: Enjoyable biblical history Review: A friend of mine suggested I read this book, since I enjoy reading about the lives of other women (real & fiction). I couldn't put it down. Three days later, I was disappointed that it ended. I'm sure there are people who will find this book disgusting and blasphemous at times, but I believe that there are real human beings behind the ones we read about in the Bible. How can we not believe that during the Old Testament times people didn't have the same problems, tendencies, and relationships found today. Dinah's story brought biblical times to life. I enjoyed reading about the tedium and excitement of her days. Women would find this book more enjoyable than men. Open-minded readers will find it hard to put down. Conservative spiritualists will most likely be angered. This book isn't for everyone, but I really liked it myself.
Rating:  Summary: Not Biblically correct Review: This author attempts at deving into the Biblical story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel. The Author has Laban as an old bumbling inhospitable person BUT the Bible tells us in Gen 29:18 "he (Laban) ran to meet him (Jacob)". The author also says that Leah had eyes two different colors, the Bible says "she was tender-eyed" in Gen. 29:17. In the author's version Jacob only worked 7 months for Rachel and then Rachel convinced Leah to go first because she was afraid. Wrong! Jacob worked 7 years for Rachel and because Leah was the older, Laban her father, made a switch and gave Leah first to Jacob and he was NOT happy. He then worked 7 more years for Rachel. The account of this real story is in Genesis 29. This book is not appealing to me, because I know the Bible story, but unfortunately those who do not will believe this is the truth.
Rating:  Summary: A Glimpse into the Women's Tent Review: When I first read the cover review, I thought that the book would offer more depth into the biblical story of Dinah. I got what I expected and more. If the author is correct in her assessment of the wives of the biblical patriarch, life for women during the times was very different and very secretive from that of men. Very poignant, brought tears to my eyes again and again.
Rating:  Summary: The Bible meets Martha Ballard Review: I started THE RED TENT a few months ago and really couldn't get into it. When I found that my local library was going to have a discussion of it and after several friends raved about the book I gave it another try. It does take a little to get into it but after that I enjoyed it. As I turned the pages of THE RED TENT all of a sudden I felt that Martha Ballard, the midwife made famous by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich in MIDWIFE'S TALE was coming out of the pages. Now this is not to say that Diamant plagerized someone else's story. However, I would be willing to bet that Diamant studied Ulrich's work. Both Dinah and Martha were midwives. Both books show the importance of midwives in their respective cultures. Both books how how women contributed to the economy of thier families through their weaving and other tasks. Both books show how women bonded together during the birthing process, although Diamant shows that there was a bonding during the three days in the red tent each month. In both books you can see that there was not place for single women in the society. In Martha Ballard's life there is the story of a rape. Although the woman is raped, her husband is the "victim" becuase his rights have been violated. Much the same happens with Dinah. However, I didn't think that the author made it clear when Dinah's brothers killed her husband. At first I thought that I was the only one that missed that point but several other people had the same problem. I was also confused as to how all of the women had their periods at the same time, however, I'm told that that happens when women live together - it's news to me. However, a footnote or a forward by the author about that and other historical points in the book would have helped. Also, someone in my book club mentioned that a map would have also helped. All in all, it was a good read. It gives a depiction of women in bibical times that has not previously been shown.
Rating:  Summary: A wonderfully woven tapestry... Review: Ok, I know this sounds a little corny, but I must say that this book really is like a tapestry. The female characters are so multi faceted and realistic that I became immediatly engrossed in the story and found that I had a very difficult time putting it down. However, I would really not reccomend this book to a man simply because I feel that it is more geared toward women; I don't think men would be able to relate to Dinah in a way that would help them feel the story. I'm not a religious woman, so I actually debated whether or not I wanted to read this novel because I was afraid that it would be too religious for my taste. I am VERY glad that I decided to read it as it was wonderful. The book does mention religion, but it isn't crammed down your throat as I feared. A wonderful read!
Rating:  Summary: cheesy Review: Take away the historical background and what have you got? A cheesy "chick" novel, not particularly well written. But at least the biblical connection -- gimmicky as it is -- gives the story a more interesting dimension.
Rating:  Summary: The Red Tent Review: This is a fabulous book. So much so, you do not want it to end. It puts you right alongside Dinah throughout the events in her life. It enlightens you to the way of life in the biblical days.You feel like you are there.I have recommended it to all my friends! Thank you Ms Diamant for such an entrancing story!
Rating:  Summary: An entertaining blasphemy Review: With all of the fundamentalist hand wringing surrounding Harry Potter(undeserved), I can't believe that this book isn't being condemened from every pulpit. This book is a pagan catechism. From the perspective of the narrator of this story The Goddess is good and the God of Abaraham is only one in the long list of petty gods and goddesses that must be appeased. It is entirely possible that the real Dinah may have believed this,but this book should have clearly warned the reader that this is a strongly anti-Jewish/Christian book.
Rating:  Summary: Perverted Trash Review: This book portrays the men of the Bible as sex perverts. It even describes a scene of bestiality and masturbation. I can't believe people like reading this kind of filth.
Rating:  Summary: hja Review: I have just finished reading the Red Tent, it was it captivating. The story of Dinah truly makes you wonder. I found myself searching for more information on her. Diamant weaves a wonderful story of Bible history, fiction and ancient womanhood. This would be a lovely gift from Mothers to Daughters and Daughters to Mothers.
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