The Red Tent - Anita Diamant

When (if) you read the bible, you often come across characters that pop up only once, and are in the spotlight for a moment, and then disappear again... but you suspect they have more story to tell than is recorded. For example, the story of Joseph (and his 'technicolour' coat) is famous, but what do you know about his only sister? Nothing? Yeah me too! Until I read this fantastic book. Anita Diamant takes the story of Dinah, mentioned only in ...
...relationship with his brother Esau. The Red Tent is therefore deeply plausible as a narrative. There are no details that jar, or suspend belief. Maybe the historic reality is not recorded, but something that was lost has been restored. The important of women, and women's lives is to some extent recaptured, and their role in this ancient society reinstated. Now don't be put off at the stage. I am reviewing a novel. This is not particularly a religious ...

electricfrog5 01.09.2005 · Read full review
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Review of The Red Tent - Anita Diamant

...years, I have always her the story of Jacob and his twelve sons. Now I get to hear his only daughter's story. Yes, it is a work of fiction, but Diamant uses historical resources to give us an authentic feel for the times that Dinah, the protagonist, lived in. She gives you a description of her mother-auntsm, how they are different, which actually complements the whole family. Jacob is depicted as a loving husband who tries to give each of his wives ...
...The one aspect of the book that surprised me is that this book did not feel very Jewish. Yes Jacob and his sons worshipped the God of Abrahm, but I did not get the sense that the women did. In one part, Dinah says "My father worships the God of Abrahm" very matter-of-factly and without any emotional tie to this God. The women had their goddesses and the "red tent" where menstruation and childbirth took place. They worshipped goddesses and used them ...

Krislynn 24.06.2007 · Read full review
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Review of The Red Tent - Anita Diamant

...time favourite. It basically tells the imagined life of Dinah, but is so full of vivid descriptions and a real feeling for the historical period, that I cannot imagine anyone not liking it. Diamant has obviously researched her subject well and this is show in the many details. The ways of child birth, the rites of passage, the relationship between friends, couples and families. It is a thick book but races through enough, to give a sense of anticipation ...
...the Red Tent as a reading for our wedding service to be enjoyed by everyone. The last image is of the Egyptian Lotus who's smell is always present, whenever you smell it, the images conjured up makes the memory alive. This is likened to love that never dies, as the very name of someone conjures up images to keep that love alive. I cried when I had finished the book simply because there was no more to read. Beg, borrow or buy it anyway you choose ...

Seton 10.02.2008 · Read full review
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Review of The Red Tent - Anita Diamant

...in Biblical times, this is the book for you. Written in a melodic prose, Anita Diamant creates a wonderful perspective on the family life of the wives of Jacob and meanwhile develops a heartrending love story. Told from the point of view of Jacob's only daughter, Dinah, this book will grasp your attention from the very onset and with the most delicate touch it will lead you on a coming of age adventure from a time which we know little about. For ...

lauraelaines 27.06.2008 · Read full review
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Review of The Red Tent - Anita Diamant