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Summary: Biblical Characters are Mis-represented
Review: I recognize that this is a work of fiction, but it would seem that the author should be true to the documented descriptions of her characters in the Bible. In an effort to tell an interesting story, the author has portrayed many of the characters to be people they never were. If one is going to write a ficitonal novel about this time in history, perhaps one should use fictional characters. Because I have read and studied Genesis, I found it difficult to reconcile the information that I knew to be truth with the story written by Diamant. As I read, I often thought "This is a lie". While the story was well written, I strongly disapprove of the author's inaccurate description of many of her real life characters.
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Summary: BEST BOOK I"VE EVER READ !!!!
Review: LOVED IT! As soon as I read the last page I wanted to read it all over agian. Can you say GIRL POWER!
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Summary: A great book
Review: This was an excellent book. It was interesting to read this book in conjunction with the text of the bible. While the author seemed to embelish some parts of the true story concerning Jacob and his wives, the embelishments really brought this story to life. I cried all the way through the ending and read the last paragraph at least five times. In some ways I really identify with Dinah's story.I hope the author writes more stories like this. This book really re-ignited my love for reading and my abhorrence for television. AMB
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Summary: Inspiring, magnificent story of women's lives
Review: This novel is clearly not for people who believe that the bible is factual and all the events in it literally happened the way they are written. If you are open to exploring the possibilities of what could have happened in biblical times (and yes, to biblical characters) and are dissatisifed with the paltry, shallow biblical accounts of women, I recommend this book. It is a wonderful story of sisterhood, friendship, loyalty, and love. Diamant is an excellent writer, and I was captivated by the book from start to finish (although I agree with other reviewers that the story was strongest before she left her mothers).
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Summary: An intriguing premise for a novel
Review: The premise of this book is fascinating. Dinah is a footnote in the bible to the more "important" story of Jacob and his twelve sons, the fathers of the tribes of Israel. The book wonderfully evokes the interaction between ancient men and women, different religions and cultures and the world of the red tent. I wished the world of the red tent still existed, I could do with several days every month to laze on pillows and listen to the stories of my mother and other relatives!! I learned a great deal and was intrigued by Dinah and saddened by her story. This book most emphatically is NOT a bible story. God hardly comes into it. I thought the book lost its way towards the end but this does not undermine the enjoyment of the reader in exploring this forgotten world. I, too, finished the novel quickly and this is a sure sign of an engaging and enjoyable read.
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Summary: Slightly skeptical pagan finds book delightful!
Review: I looked at this book many times in books stores and here on Amazon and each time, although I was very drawn to the book, I didn't purchase it because it was "biblical fiction". . .I was afraid I wouldn't relate to the content to well. . .well, I couldn't have been more wrong. This is an awesome book for women walking all spiritual paths. I actually found this to be very "pagan" oriented in it's flavor and I recommend this book to all women, young and old alike. I felt so encouraged by the bond these women shared, the way life was for them, the way sexuality was taught and learned in those ancient times, and well, I've now got my 16 year old daughter (also pagan) reading it, and have recommended it to several other woman. A very fast read. I highly recommend it and only wished it was lasted longer!
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Summary: infinite stars!!!
Review: I loved this book. That's all I can say. I was ready to read it again after finishing the first paragraph. I DO NOT read books more than once....until this one. I think I could read it a thousand times and never get tired of it! The story is beautifully told and quite engaging. I felt connected to Dinah and her aunts and finished the last page feeling brand new. How many stories can do that? I could go on forever, but I think you need to read it yourself to get the full effect. This is definately an amazing book and I highly reccomend it to everyone!
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Summary: EXCEPTIONAL BOOK
Review: What a wonderful book! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and to be quite honest, I was so surprised how easily it flowed and I absolutely could not put it down. I put off reading this book because I figured it would be a bit hard to understand, a little like reading the Bible. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up and read it. The fellowship of these women is very interesting to read about. There's jealousy, revenge, and cattiness---believe it or not. There's also love, romance, caring, tenderness and also some of the nastiness in life, such as physical and sexual abuse, abortion, and even neglect of the less than perfect newborns. This book has brought a lot of understanding to me about the biblical and ancient times. What a tremendous role the women played as a "single unit". GREAT BOOK. It's surely a book that, once it's read, it will never be forgotten. I'd give it better than a 5 star rating if I could. I will read more from this author for sure.
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Summary: A Spectacular Book, But Clearly Not For Everyone
Review: This novel blew me away, and I think that most people would react that way. However, if a very loose interpretation of the Bible, or someone taking liberties with Biblical history will offend you, do not read this book. Otherwise, read on. The Red Tent is the story of Dinah, Jacob's daughter. She narrates in a beautiful poetic voice that is all at once a familiar friend. Her story, while heartbreaking, is also a celebration of what it is to be female. She begins telling us about what happened before she was born, how Jacob came to have four wives, how his sons were born. Her focus is on the wives and their tradition of abiding in the red tent during menses. While they are there, the woman bond and after she, the only surviving daughter of Jacob, is born, she spends much time there with her mothers, learning female traditions of midwifery. Her story is familiar, yet not the same as in the good book. Diamante's story is breathtakingly imaginative. Leah and her sisters come alive in this novel. While reading it, you are in the red tent. The characters are completely believable, the story utterly compelling. We follow Dinah throughout her life. Her pain and her pleasures come alive. I highly recommend this book. Don't be intimidated by the Biblical history aspect of it. This novel comes alive from the first page and you won't be able to put it down.
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Summary: You must read this book!
Review: "You who come to me with hands and feet as soft as a queen's, who are so free with your tongues....who want to hear my story" ...thus begins the story of Jacob's only daughter Dinah. I was very skeptical when I received this book, it looked too "touchy feely" for me. I was hooked after the prologue. The story of Dinah and her four mothers was so engrossing I finished the book in less than two days. There is sorrow in the Red Tent (the women's tent), there is death, there is love and joy. The prose is moving, the story compelling and the end will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Read the book!
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