Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing and disturbing
Review: I do not understand the glowing reviews for this book. The first half reads like a gynecology course for the ancients. (I must admit the second half improves, but not enough to carry the book.)It is clear that the author has a dim regard for the men of the bible, and she takes every opportunity to trash them while simultaneously elevating the women to priesthood. The women follow a goofy religion of gods and goddesses, worshiping mother earth, which culminates in a disturbing ritual at a girl's first menses. This is supposed to be historical fiction about the early Jews, yet the women don't even know about Abraham's God, and it doesn't seem that the men do much in this regard, either. I had hoped for a glimpse into early Judiasm, and was sadly disappointed. The basic story is interesting, but could be told in about three pages. The rest is tedious prose. Don't waste your time on this one.
Rating: 
Summary: It was over too soon.
Review: I LOVED The Red Tent. I was concerned that it would read like the King James Version of the Bible (so-and-so begot who, and so-and-so begot who-else), but instead of being cryptic and difficult to follow, it flowed so easily. The pictures Diamante painted where truly poetic. She added so many more nuances to everyday exchanges and occurances than I ever would have attributed to them. The commonplace became profound. - And that's just the language used to tell the story. The story itself was riveting. I wanted it to go on and on. This is the kind of book that makes most other things I read very ordinary.
Rating:
Summary: Don't believe the hype.
Review: This book is shallow, glib, pandering, and, from what I have been able to find out, not historically accurate. Not interesting. Not well-written. If you are interested in re-tellings of Bible stories, check out Jim Crace's Quarantine. It's literate, intelligent, and a creative piece of fiction.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Story
Review: When I finished reading this book, the feeling that I had been there stayed with me and still to this day, I can imagine how it might have felt to be in the Red Tent. Anita Diamant has created a scenario of women's lives in the time before women's lives were recorded because they were not considered to be very important compared to men. Did these women have special ceremonies, stories, songs and rituals they performed when they were separated from their men during menses or after childbirth? I certainly hope so. The book is rich with visuals. How much of it is true? If you are not a stickler for historical accuracy, you will love this book.
Rating: 
Summary: good summer read
Review: After reading several of these reviews. I decided to put in my own review especially after reading the first one that completely trashed the book. I read this book upon my mother's recommendation and found it to be a fascinating and quick read. Since much of the bible is protested and indeed people have argued that the bible has not one but many authors and is based on an oral tradition, then it can be very likely that this story could of been just as true as any other telling of the stories of the bible. The book indeed seems to put many of the male figures in the bible into a more crude light, but the history of the women who were briefly mentioned in the bible itself is illuminating. The mythological references in the book are also true to the mythology that existed in Mesopotamia during the days of Abraham and Isaac. I think this book is an essential read to many young women who look for more realistic heroines and real life struggles. It is defenitely worth putting on your summer reading list.
Rating:
Summary: A great story of biblical times from a woman's view
Review: Told in the first person, but with a objective voice, this unique story gives a very thought-provoking view of a Biblical story. A very refreshing read.
Rating:
Summary: Literary magic!
Review: THE RED TENT is a wonderfully rich and imaginative novel, set firmly in the ancient culture of Canaan where Jacob, the son of Isaac, took up residence with his four wives during his exile. Narrated by Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, this story is not a re-telling of the tales so familiar to Jews and Christians, but rather it explores what is not told: the story of the women. As the only daughter raised by Jacob's wives, Dinah is the heir to her mothers' stories and knowledge. The sequestering of women, both in daily chores and during their menses, gives rise to a sisterhood and a subculture unknown to the men, and the intimacy shared in the red tent is what shapes and sustains Dinah, even after a tragic event rips her from it. Both wistful and celebratory in tone, this novel has real literary magic. Diamant uses a dreamy, spiritual language that draws the reader into the heart of the story. Jacob's wives are clearly drawn, as individuals and as sisters, rivals and friends. The male characters, while distinct, are not as fully realized, mostly because they reside outside the realm of women. Although I cannot attest to the accuracy of ancient cultural detail, Diamant has convinced me that she has researched her subject matter well, supplying details that root her story in its time. Readers should not expect to find confirmation of Judaic-Christian beliefs: the religion here is one of multiple gods and goddesses, the beliefs of the women Jacob married but not his own. Some might even find it sacrilegious in its re-interpretation and expansion of Biblical events, which form only the framework around which this novel is built. Unless you are easily offended by such approaches, don't turn away from the book because of this. Diamant has painted an entire world that should not be missed. Like the red tent, this book might drive away men, but women will find its riches rewarding. I highly recommend it for serious and casual readers alike.
Rating:
Summary: the red tent
Review: Anita Diamant has given to me through the writing of this book a connection to all generations of women that have come before me. Never before have I understood in a way such as presented in her writings the loyalty among woman. I will forever be greatful for the way she allowed this understanding! Bravo! I am going to recommend this beautiful book to all of the special people in my life
Rating:
Summary: Both enlightening and heartwrenching
Review: The cycle of menstruation is a common theme within this book. This is an uncomfortable subject, yet The Red The Red Tent wipes away the notion of a woman's menses as disgusting, filthy and private. Menstruation is regarded by the four wives of Laban as a magical process that marks womanhood; a monthly reminder for all women that their bodies are beautiful temples of creation. Read this as a woman and you will take on a whole new perspective on your body and its capabilities.
Rating:
Summary: A minor Biblical character gets to tell her story
Review: I've always loved historical fiction, and found this Biblical fiction just as compelling. I had no idea that religion was so diverse, during these times, and that the concept of the goddess was alive and kicking amongst Hebrew women. This book kept me up at night and almost made me miss my train stop twice (the true measure of a really good book). What a great idea, telling the story of a minor Biblical character. The only thing that was a bit of a let-down, is that after the pivotal event, the pace slows down greatly.
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