Book Reviews of The Red Tent

This is probably my favorite book. I am not a religous person by any means, but as a young woman... this book moved me on a whole other level. Its beautiful, thoughful, human, and real. LOVE IT.

definitely inthe top three of all time for me. So incredibly well told, and a great balance to the male dominated stories of the bible. Don't we always wonder what the other half was thinking? If you loved this one, try The Twentieth Wife and The Feast of Roses--they are about Indian history and telling the female side.

Diamant takes a minor character from the Bible and spins off into an illustrious story of unexpected and misinterpreted passion. In addition to following Dinah's journey through womanhood and beyond, the reader gets acquainted with other, more familiar biblical characters, who jump into life with their own personalities and problems.

It will be difficult for me to separate the Bible story of Rachel and Leah now from this story because of Diamant's vivid writing and the way she made the characters come to life. This is one of the few books that made me cry.

Normally I do not particularly like either "wimmen's books" or biblical themes, but I found myself pleasantly surprised by this one. In many ways, I think it would have been a stronger book without drawing on the specific biblical characters as the historical context and storytelling aspects of the book were almost diminished by the familiarity of the tale. Still, the characters were beautifully drawn, the book well written, the setting falls from the page and surrounds the reader. Recommended.

One of the best books I'v read in a long time. It made me cry both tears of sadness and tears of happiness. No other book I've read has been able to do that. The rituals that took place in regards to the red tent were beautiful. What a way to worship and love bieng a woman. And the story of Dinah was wonderful.

One of the few books to make me cry in a very long time. It's the fascinating, deeply moving imagination of the life of Dinah, a Biblical character barely mentioned in Genesis in the context of her father Jacob and her twelve brothers. It says a lot about sisterhood, matriarchal ties and endurance. I would highly recommend it to anybody, especially women.

This a very well-written and interesting book. I could hardly put it down. I seem to remember I read it in like 2 or 3 days!

This is an Old Testament story where the author has filled in "in between the lines". Especially entertaining if you are familiar with the Bible version. If not, it is a wonderful way to learn about the ways of some ancient people from an often lost viewpoint, the women.

Oh where to begin? From the first page you get absorbed into the story and the characters and the setting and... well, you get the idea. I rarely reread books, but I've read this twice and will probably 'order' this book again through PBS when I need my fix!

One of my all time favorites. Beautifully written, the story pulls you into this facinating world of biblical times.

This book was TERRIBLE! For something that is supposed to have a religious theme, it was offensively sexually explicit. Very disappointing! Beware if you are looking for a clean book to read!

I would agree that this book really draws you in and is an addictive read. But I would agree with one other reviewer that it is not completely biblically accurate. For those that this would be of importance is why I mention it. There were some aspects, ideas of the author that I could let go for the sake of fiction, but the bible is VERY specific that Joseph did NOT seduce nor sleep with Pontiphar's wife, but Diamant writes the opposite. Also... the bible never says that Dinah was a willing participant and in love with Shechem, my bible says..."...he took her and raped her..." Gen 34:2 NLT. Diamant protrays a young girl who was in love and denied that relationships by her egotistical and violent brothers.

Sorry to be such a downer because many love the book so much and I enjoyed it as well, but it's worth noting for those who think they are picking up a fiction but also biblically accurate book... You're not.

I recommend skipping this if you are a Bible-believing Christian. Diamant invents a lot of motives and extra stuff that make heroes of the faith (like Joseph) out to be manipulative, negative characters. I know he was human, but she goes over the line.

I began reading this for a book club read. Its a very compelling read. While it is a fiction novel, I felt that the author took too many liberaties. Clearly opposing the Biblical facts. "From a Biblical standpoint - it is full of falsehoods and Biblical contradictions." For someone that is not familiar with the story of Jacob and Rachel and their lives, this would total confuse them. It truely misrepresents and contradicts the true story... Because of this, I did not finish the book and would not recommend it.

I bought this book for my mom several years ago as a gift...she never read it, so I left it off my list of books to read- boy what a mistake!!! From the minute I started it I was entranced by the story and its characters. I cried at the end and then went back into the book to reread many parts of it; it was so beautifully written. I can't wait for my two daughters to read it and now I will make certain that my mom reads it too.

I was enticed by the story of Dinah, only daughter of Jacob. The story is very compelling, but this is a work of fiction and must be treated as that.

I was disappointed at the many inaccuracies regarding the Biblical account. All the details of the Biblical account are included in the story line, but many are either modified, or recounted as fantasy, gossip or directly false. I personally didn't like that. It wasn't necessary to create a great book. (for example, seven years of waiting for Rachel become seven months, Dinah is happily married instead of being raped and rejected afterward, Joseph has an affair with Potiphar's wife instead of running from her to do God's will).

Also God is pretty much out of the picture. There are brief mentions of sacrifices to El, and a lot of idolatry and mix of family gods and the like, but it doesn't appear to be a story about God and about God's people even though it is from the Bible.

With those exceptions, I think the Red Tent is a very interesting view of the time of Jacob and his family, pure fiction though.

This book was the chosen selection for my book club and I was pleased it was chosen because I'd been wanting to read it for a while. I know this book is considered an absolute classic by many so I delved into it as soon as I received the book. I have to admit that I had a hard time getting into it and it took me far longer to read than most books do. While it carried my interest, it didn't leave me wanting to know more. After getting about halfway through the book I called my friend up and asked, "Is there a plot to this book? Is something going to happen? Will there be some excitement coming up?". She assured me that there would be and I'm glad I stayed on with the book because I found the last 100 pages enjoyable and found myself in tears by the end of the book. In the end it was a satisfying read but it took me a long time to get there.

I think part of the issue with why I didn't quite connect to the book as easily as others is that I'm not very familiar with the Bible and the characters were, for the most part, new to me. I would imagine that if you have read the Bible you would be familiar with the women of the Bible, the Red Tent would take on a deeper meaning for you. I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

I did not like this book. I think it took the characters of the Bible and made them disgusting, sad people. It was too graphic. I had to stop reading it.

I love biblical fiction. The problem with the Red Tent is that it is not biblically or historically accurate. I highly recommend Francine River's Lineage of Grace series, which highlights biblical women like Tamar and Rahab. I trust the author, Francine Rivers, who has done her research.

Amazing! Historical (female) fiction based on (male) stories from the bible... a great read for the gals!

This was a very good book. I did find it difficult to read however. It was rather explicit about the intimate relationships and midwives procedures. It is slanted in the opposite direction of the Bible story in my opinion.

I thought this book was a very good read. The first half of the book was more interesting as it described the lives of women from biblical times. It also gave us a look at how women treated mentruastion before the age of sanitary napkins and tampons. The next time I have my period I want to go hang out in a red tent for three days and let the rest of my family fend for themselves! Diamant is an excellent writer. My favorite line from the book: "Of all life's pleasures, only love owes no debt to death". What a beautiful sentiment.

The Red Tent was an engrossing tale of a girl's life during biblical times. This story was so richly spoken, that I felt immersed in Dinah's life. It was as if I was there too. Every emotion she felt, I felt. Everything she experienced, the good and the bad, I experienced. This book was deeply moving and will remain with me for some time. I highly recommend it for every woman to read.

Not at all what I expected. Way toooo much sex involved. Felt very sacrireligious and disrespectful to me. It's one thing to read embarrasing stories about fictional characters. It is a completely different story to read such filth about one's ancestors.

i love historical fiction but this book could have had a content rating. for me there was a little too much detail when i came to the sex scenes. just a warning to anyone who maybe sensitive to that sort of thing.

This book war recommended by a friend. As the Author stated this is a "work of fiction, and a radical departure from the historical text". I did find a few things offensive at the beginning such as masturbation and shepherds having sex with the sheep. I keep trudging on. It made me want to return to the Bible to see what it said happened. Some of the authors fictional renderings were brilliant interpretations of what the Bible stated. Yes, it will move you, it might offend you but it will bring you back to ask you what is your belief about these things.

I absolutely loved this book! It was my first piece of biblical fiction. I liked it because every time I read in my bible the story of Jacob and his wives and of Dinah....I LONGED FOR MORE! This book delivers on that longing. Though its a work of fiction, Diamant is an authority on Jewish culture and you can trust the mannerisms and customs mentioned in the book are accurate. Its one of the few books i reread a few years after first reading it.

I REALLY tried with this one. I got through about half of it. I wore out the front page with the family tree because of the flipping back and forth to remind myself who (out of the dozens of cousins/wives/sisters) is who. This got old however, and I had no desire to finish. You get the idea halfway through. I'm sure this is an unpopular review, but I read for entertainment only and don't want to have to read like I am studying!

I absolutely loved this book. The author describes each character and their surroundings with beautiful words. Great read.

In my opinion, it helps to have a background in Christian lore. The story would have had more meaning if I knew who the characters were. As it was, I got bogged down in the names.

This was such an awesome book! It is the story of the women in the bible, and is expressed in a way that flows. There were several times I had to reread the chapter just to make sure I really read what I read. I started it around 8:30 p.m. to relax and ended up putting it down when the book was finished around 2:30 a.m.!

If you liked books such as Gone with the Wind and Thornbirds, you will also love The Red Tent. This is a wonderful generational book that explores the relationships of women at the time of the Bible. My mom and I loved it!

Very interesting illumination of a Biblical story. Fleshes out the characters and gives a better perspective of the culture, landscape, personalities and motivations. Also very poetic and satisfying writing.

This is a very interesting fictional tale of Dinah, daughter of the Biblical Jacob and Leah. The story is told by Dinah, who is voiceless in the book of Genesis. The history of the time is very intriguing and does make you wonder just what was Dinah's life like, being raised by four mothers in a world dominated by men. There is much action and adventure as Dinah tells her story of life in and out of the Red Tent. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and believe you will as well. Just keep in my that it is fictional account of a Biblical story.

This is a great story, and it is very well written. I like when I find a writer that can keep me motivated and interested. Anita Diamant tells the story of Dinah in a way that flows without using too many flowery adjectives and long sentences. It is a great read for anyone that has read the Bible and is familiar with the some of the women of Old Testament. This book got me interested in reading about Esther as well. However, knowledge of the Bible is not necessary to enjoy this story told by a very skilled writer.
ttfn
L.

Story Overview

My name means nothing to you. My memory is dust.

This is not your fault, or mine. The chain connecting mother to daughter was broken and the word passed to the keeping of men, who had no way of knowing. That is why I became a footnote, my story a brief detour between the well-known history of my father, Jacob, and the celebrated chronicle of Joseph, my brother. On those rare occasions when I was remembered, it was as a victim. Near the beginning of your holy book, there is a passage that seems to say I was raped and continues with the bloody tale of how my honor was avenged.

It's a wonder that any mother ever called a daughter Dinah again. But some did. Maybe you guessed that there was more to me than the voiceless cipher in the text. Maybe you heard it in the music of my name: the first vowel high and clear, as when a mother calls to her child at dusk; the second sound soft, for whispering secrets on pillows. Dee-nah.

So begins the The Red Tent -- the fictionalized story of Dinah (whose only mention in the Bible is in Genesis 34). Anita Diamant imagines an entire life for Dinah -- from her birth as the only daughter of Jacob to her life as a woman in the ancient world of the Old Testament.

From her childhood among her four "mothers" -- Leah, Rachel, Zilpah and Bilhah (each were married to Jacob and doted on Dinah as the only girl born among the four women) to the private world of the red tent (where menstruating women gather during "that" time), Dinah's story provides an insider's view of what it was like to be a woman in biblical times -- including the hazards and politics of sharing a husband. Eventually, the family leaves the land where Dinah was born and to travels to Canaan so that Jacob can reconcile with his brother Esau. It is here where the story of Dinah in the Bible takes place. Her "rape" triggers the slaughter of an entire town by some of her brothers -- leading to the family's disbanding. Although she doesn't appear again in the Bible, Diamant's story has her fleeing her family and moving to Egypt, where she lives out her life as a midwife -- eventually finding happiness and peace with her family's history.

My Thoughts

I read this book as part of my Summer Vacation Reading Challenge. I chose it because I've had this book for years and never read it (thought it would be boring but had gotten it based on my mother's repeated recommendations). Plus I thought it would be interesting to travel to another time and place. I'm so glad I finally broke down and read it because this book was anything but boring. In fact, it was downright fascinating. I love that Diamant had the courage to take a minor figure in the Bible and imagine an entire life for her. At the end of my book, there is a short reading guide in which Diamant talks about some of the choices she made for the book. I think it is worth quoting:

Aiding her [Diamant's] work was "midrash," the ancient and still vital literary form, which means "search" or "investigation."

"Historically, the rabbis used this highly imaginative form of storytelling to make sense of the elliptical nature of the Bible -- to explain, for example, why Cain killed Abel. The compressed stories and images in the Bible are rather like photographs. They don't tell us everything we want or need to know. Midrash is the story about what happened before and after the photographic flash."

She points out that "The Red Tent is not a translation but a work of fiction, its perspective and focus -- by and about the female characters -- distinguishes it from the biblical account in which women are usually peripheral and often totally silent. By giving Dinah a voice and by providing texture and content to the sketchy biblical description, my books is a radical departure from the historical text."

I think Diamant did a brilliant job of imagining an entire life for Dinah while still working in the biblical story that many are familiar with. (Sadly, it has been years since I've read the Bible and I mostly remembered the story of her brother Joseph from the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. My old CCD teachers must be proud!!!) Actually, I was surprised how many names and stories did jog my memory. If nothing else, I wanted to read Genesis over again to fill in the gaps of my knowledge (and I plan on doing so).

The book has a definite feminist slant to it. In Diamant's story, the women are kept on the sidelines but manage to exert their will by well-placed whispers, hints and using their feminine wiles. But make no mistake, this was a man's world and a woman had to be smart and strong to survive. The red tent is where the woman's society hums and buzzes -- where they celebrate being a woman, make plans and build community. In a time when many women shared a husband, it was critical to work out these relationships. And in a time when childbirth could be incredibly dangerous, women might need to rely on their "sisters" to raise their children or save their lives.

Diamant chose to make Dinah a midwife, which I think was a fruitful (pun intended!) choice. Imagine living in the ancient world and facing childbirth without a sterile hospital, trained physician or medicine? The stories of the various births throughout the book were both horrifying and fascinating. Dinah and her fellow midwives use a variety of herbs, massages, songs and common-sense techniques to get women through births of all kinds. It made me wonder if any of these techniques are still in use today.

Another thing I liked about this book was the whole "red tent" business. For Dinah and her fellow women, this was a time of togetherness, rest and celebration -- not a solitary almost shameful thing like it is today. I thought that was kind of nice. However, the actual concept of having that "time of the month" on a bed of straw for three days is rather unappealing when viewed through my modern eyes. In fact, it started me thinking about how bad I would have it if I lived "back then." (In fact, I probably wouldn't have survived anyway because I was a "breech" baby and that kind of birth was usually fatal to both child and mother.) But suppose I had lived. With my bad eyes, I would have barely been able to see anything clearly. And no air conditioning and living in the desert? And having to grow my own food and make my own clothes? And being a bit of property to either my husband or father to be married off or even sold if needed? Nothing like a little view of how our sisters in the past had it to make you appreciate the conveniences of modern life a little more!

In short, The Red Tent is a thought-provoking read that brings to life an entire "hidden" world of the women of the Bible. Diamant has a poetic writing style that suits the material well, and there is a sense of mysticism throughout the book that lends it an almost fanciful, mystical feel at times. Yet the book is firmly rooted in the real world as well -- the hot, dusty world of women who lived in an ancient time and who didn't really have a voice of their own. How lovely of Anita Diamant to come along and give a voice to Dinah -- to help us modern beings learn and think more about those who came before us and the struggles and hardships they faced -- as well as their joys and triumphs.

My Final Recommendation

I would highly recommend this book as it is thought-provoking, well-written and offers a fully imagined glimpse into what it might have been like to be a woman in Biblical times. Don't make the mistake I did at first and think the subject matter might be dry, boring and staid. I think you'd be surprised at how bawdy (yes, bawdy!), earthy and graphic the lives of these ancient women are. But if the topic of menstruation and other womanly things gives you pause, this might not be the best book for you. Also, if the idea of an author reimagining Biblical stories gets your blood pressure up, this might not be a good choice for you either.

I started this book but never finished it, after being greatly bothered by the biblical discrepancies in this book. It's one thing for the author to "fill in the gaps" and provide a work of fiction based on biblical fact, but it's a whole other deal for the author to change biblical fact to fit her work of fiction. Dangerous!

I LOVE this book! I try reading the bible, but get lost. With a story like this it helps me understand the era and way of thinking more -- therefore, I feel like I understand the blble a little better.

I was disappointed with the Biblical discrepencies in The Red Tent.

Well written and rich development of characters that carried me thru the first half of the book. Started noticing in the second half that even the men that held some respect were going downhill fast as far as characters go, and by the end I couldn't but wonder if the author hated men in general. I especially was less entitled to give the author the benefit of the doubt when she started tearing into my favorite story of the Old Testament- Joseph. The book begins with a historic feel and rich detail, then seems to erode into something of a diatribe. I enjoyed the first half but a book has to end better than it began for me to recommend it, and this one didn't. So I really can't.

I loved this book. It kinda reminded me of Memoirs of a Geisha and the Kite Runner, in that you get to really know the culture and where these people come from. These type of books bring me back to the time period of the book and I really enjoy learning about their lives etc. Next on my list is a Thousand Splendid Suns (if I ever move up on the wish list, LOL). I will definitely recommend this book!

I'm disappointed - the attitudes of the men and women in this book do not mirror the biblical story much. The Bible is specific about some of the details that are incorrectly attributed or ignored, like the amount of time that Jacob worked for Laban in order to marry Rachel. The constant prayers and references to gods and goddesses other than Jehovah God, and various other perversions are things I don't enjoy reading. I realize this is fiction, and yes, the story-telling of the author is rich. But, I couldn't stand it, and I've decided to read something else.

In the vein of "The Mists of Avalon" and "Wicked" the author takes a somewhat familiar story and turns it on its ear by giving readers a different point-of-view. At times violent, sensual, and provocative, this book is a page-turner for those who enjoy fine detail and character development. I recommend this book to any who are familiar with, or who want to know, what the wives of the patriarchs of major world religions might have been like when there were no men around. Not just for women...this is a tale of great scope, great love, and the desire to live on into eternity.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Yes you may get offended, but read on. It's really a brilliant concept to write fictionally about missing pieces in the Bible. And yes Anita Diamant also takes carte blanche when she alters some of the history you may have been taught. In doing so, Diamat not only empowers herself, but she empowers the females in her novel as well.

Could not put this book down; is now one of my favorites. The personal and spiritual feminine connection it protrays between the familial woman of the book is eloquent, heartwarming and deeply moving. It did show the men of the story in a negative light but all in all the book was awesome! Highly recommend it!

This was a good book though not always accurate with the biblical facts. It was fun to read.

EXCELLENT BOOK!! Difficult to put down. It is about women during biblical times - sometimes they had to spend time in the "red tent." This is how they all got along and grew up together. Recommend to any woman who enjoys reading about daily life during those times, and some men who might like to see life from a woman's point of view.

Wow- a very interesting book. I got lost in the story telling and the relationships between the women. I highly recommend this one.

Ever wondered how women lived before in door plumbing and Tamons? I really enjoyed this book.

Very well-written and a compelling read, but borders on religious blasphemy for people of faith. Contains elements of misoandry, which I found disturbing.

It was a quick read. I agree with some of the other readers about it being a little too descriptive on the intimate details and it did sway from the biblical story. It was not a favorite but it was not bad

I enjoyed this and became involved with the characters. Very different than the biblical telling. I always wanted to know more about Dinah and this presents an interesting picture.

Recommended

One of my all time favorites and when someone asks, the first book I recommend.

The Red Tent combines rich story telling with a valuable achievement in modern fiction: a new view of biblical women's society.
It begins with the story of the narrator's mothers, Leah, Rachel, Zilpah and Bilhah, the 4 wives of Jacob. It tells about the traditions and turmoil of early womanhood, the world of the Red Tent.

The red tent is the place where women gathered during their cycles of birthing, menses, and even illness. Like the conversations and mysteries held within this feminine tent, this sweeping piece of fiction offers an insider's look at the daily life of a biblical sorority of mothers and wives and their one and only daughter, Dinah. Told in the voice of Jacob's daughter Dinah (who only received a glimpse of recognition in the Book of Genesis), we are privy to the fascinating feminine characters who bled within the red tent. In a confiding and poetic voice, Dinah whispers stories of her four mothers, Rachel, Leah, Zilpah, and Bilhah--all wives to Jacob, and each one embodying unique feminine traits. As she reveals these sensual and emotionally charged stories we learn of birthing miracles, slaves, artisans, household gods, and sisterhood secrets. Eventually Dinah delves into her own saga of betrayals, grief, and a call to midwifery.

"Like any sisters who live together and share a husband, my mother and aunties spun a sticky web of loyalties and grudges," Anita Diamant writes in the voice of Dinah. "They traded secrets like bracelets, and these were handed down to me the only surviving girl. They told me things I was too young to hear. They held my face between their hands and made me swear to remember." Remembering women's earthy stories and passionate history is indeed the theme of this magnificent book. In fact, it's been said that The Red Tent is what the Bible might have been had it been written by God's daughters, instead of her sons.

This is a moving, lyrical work about a little known woman from the book of Genesis. Diamant brings Dinah to life in this wonderful book.

A well-written story but NOT true to the Old Testament.

I had a hard time posting this one because it's such an increidble book that I wanted to hang on to it. It presents the Biblical story of Rachel and Leah in an interesting and historical atmosphere. If you're looking for Christian perspective- this is NOT it. It shows them from a pagan background before being introduced to the God of Jacob.

A friend suggested I read it and asked my opinion, so I did, and here it is: I am torn. It is a good, engaging read. If you take it as a work of pure fiction where real people's names and geneologies where used, it is good. If you look at the Biblical stories, the author takes many liberties and is downright offensive in her liberties, clearly opposing the Biblical facts. Parts of the book made me downright angry when she did this.
Overall, it's a good read and a thoughtful look into the lives of women during that period of history.
From a Biblical standpoint - it is full of falsehoods and Biblical contradictions.

I did not like this book from the very beginning. I felt like it was sacreligious just reading it and felt almost guilty with every page. But I was determined to finish it so that I wouldn't always wonder if it got better. It did get some better, but my disappointment remains. It was not at all what I thought it would be.

Simply the best book I have ever read! Very moving!

I loved this book!

This book is not at all what I expected. I was hoping for a Christian-oriented tale but got something else entirely. I read through the first couple of chapters and ran into a very graphic scene. I was also opposed by the fact the author referred to God with a little g. I'm sure it's probably a good story but had too many reversations for me to enjoy. I didn't finish it because of the content.

This book started out slow. I don't know what I expected...but as I read on I grew to really enjoy the entire story. Now I am curious to go back to the Bible to see how it compares.

I will always love this book. After a time, I reread the book and I enjoyed it all the more! I would definitely read it again sometime.

The author took part of the Old Testament and developed it into a story. I felt it could be a good opening to interest young girls in the Bible. Story was well developed.

I did not enjoy this book. I found it to be irreverent and graphic. The author has great skill in creating characters with personality. However, she took liberties with this story that seemed crass and inappropriate. Overall the book was unbelievable and too sensual for my taste.

A wonderfully fresh retelling of the Biblical story of Jacob and his family as told from a woman's point of view. I don't know how much of Diamant's interpretation was fueled by research into ancient civilizations or how much was from imagination, but it was an inspiring story and it made me go back and read Genesis with new eyes!

This book was fantastic. I am familiar with the story of Jacob, his wives, and all of his sons from the bible, but it was fascinating to read a story that took a more in-depth look at that family. I loved learning about the time period and their culture. I enjoyed following Dinah throughout her life, and I was truly wrapped up in the characters' lives. Diamant is an excellent writer, and it is obivious she did a lot of research for this novel.

This is one of my all time favorite books!

A good story envelopes you, transports you to another realm, and leaves you changed. The Red Tent does exactly this, just as the red tent--a retreat during the menstrual flow--offered its women respite and sisterly support. Anita Diamant transforms a passive mention of Dinah in Genesis 34 into a rich, poignant and powerful fictional autobiography of Jacob's only daughter. Starting with the four sisters who became Jacob's wives, this story develops in a different world, where the feminine was still considered sacred and strong women abounded. It suspended my modern notions of feminism and gender relations as it followed Dinah's life trajectory, from child to bride to mother to midwife, even though there are many coincidences along the way. Women, reading The Red Tent will connect you to your sisters in history. Men and children, you're warned that there's a lot of birthing, blood, and sex. But it's vivid, wonderfully told story that I wholeheartedly recommend.

My sister recommended this book to me over a year ago but as I'm not an overly religious person, I hesitated reading it. However, I ran across it at a garage sale and thought what the heck. And I must say I was quite pleasantly surprised! It was not a book of religous overtures, as I thought it would be, but the story of one girl's journey through life. Although it's a work of fiction, the storyline and characters are so real, it's easy to get caught up in the story and become transported in time. I highly recommend this book to everyone -- even those of us who may not have a strong faith base.

I really enjoyed this tale of ancient midwifery and sisterhood. The author adds a fine touch to detail and character developement.

This was a wonderful read! I slowed down as I neared the finish so I could prolong the reading. She is a very visual writer. Great story.

Not my kind of reading.

Wonderfully inspiring story for women.

A book club favorite - you'll find so many things to discuss in this beautifully written, intriguing novel.

First recommended and given to me by my daughter, I have sent copies of this book to several people as gifts. The tale is poignant, sad and believable. One of my friends was so excited, "Now I have my own copy!" May you join those who read and love this story as much as I did.

One of my favorite books of all time. I love the unity of women in the story.

I love this book so much that I went out and bought a copy to keep. I cant say enough about the book. I have read it three times and I still enjoy the story.I love hearing about what the women went through in biblical times.I found the story very fascinating.I highly recommend it.

She does a marvelous job of bringing the women of the Bible to life. We usually hear about the men, as women were background to the main events, and this provides a real feel for those times, the environment in which the events occurred, and the travails of the characters and their coping mechanisms. Really a good read--it flew by!!!

This is a wonderful, touching book.

Interesting book about a time in history I knew little about. A little slow at first, it does grab you as the story develops.

Well written and enthralling. Most of the details about birth ring true, however if you want an accounting that holds true to Bible text and simply fills in details no one has you will be disappointed, many details from Biblical accounts have been changed.

If you have a sour stomach it may be hard to take the events that take place in this book. Although this book is upsetting throughout, I still could not wait to turn the next page and find out what happens to Dinah. I haven't stayed up late in a long time but I did for this one. I highly recommend.

Beautiful weaving of a story that gives us the background behind the women in the Bible (well, some of them). The language is gorgeous, and although the story gets a little too new-age woo-woo for me towards the end, it's a terrific read. A very feel-good book, especially for women.

Totally engrossing and mesmerising,I loved this book. Pass it around to all the women you love.

I really liked this book! Have passed it along and women of all ages respond to it and like it.

Enjoyed this book.

I read this book YEARS AGO and I still remember the women. I'm not much into religious theme books - but this read more historical in nature and focused on the characters - the women. Something different.

Excellent book of historical fiction. A real eye opener as to what life might have been like in Biblical times. An exceptional book about friendships & family and the special bonds among women. Made me wish for my own set of sisters in a Red Tent.

This book is riveting, You won't put it down. What a great look into the life of a Hebrew girl. All the celebration these women did for themselves in their hard lives was done in the RED TENT.

An incredible book! I felt I was there in the red tent with the other women!!

I love, love, LOVE this book! I have read it several times. I love the way Anita Diamant takes a story from the Bible and fills in all the cracks with this creative, passionate story. You'll feel like you're there living it with all of the characters!

This is probably one of the very best books I've ever read. My daughter read it after me and loved it every bit as much. We just couldn't put it down. It was educational and deeply moving.

This book was absolutely incredible! One of the best books I have ever read to date. The Red Tent book is the best biblical fiction book I have yet to read. A must read! :)

Although Diamant's writing Dinah's story has a way of drawing the reader in, I couldn't finish this book. As a childbirth educator, I found her portrayal of birth absolutely flawed. She, like most people in the western world, believes that birth is dramatic, painful, and something to be feared. As I read about the experiences of Dinah and the other midwives, I kept shaking my head in disbelief. I finally had to stop reading because I felt so irritated every time birth was mentioned. I can't imagine that biblical women really feared and suffered through birth the way Diamant claims.

This is my favorite book ever! I have read it three times and recommend it to anyone who loves historical ficition. You feel as if you are right there! Fabulously written!

Spun from the four wives of Jacob in the Bible, Dinah is one of the daughters. The story is told in her voice. The novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood - the world of the red tent.

Loved this book. Any Christian woman doing a Bible Study should read this. Provides a lot of Old Testament history to explain the culture of the time.

Fascinating story. Paints a wonderful picture of what life might have been like as one of the early children of Israel.

This book was "assigned" as the first book in my book club several years ago. I read the back of the book and was not all that excited about it.

I was completely wrong. This was a fascinating story about a Biblical character I knew nothing about. It is "historical fiction," I suppose. It reads like a novel, not a Bible book. It is one I couldn't put down.

This was our first book in the club and still the one we talk about the most. It covered so many areas of our lives. It is still the book that fostered the best book club discussion.

This is on my list of top three books.

Read it. You won't be disappointed.

The Bible has multiple stories of Jacob and his sons, but his daughter Dinah has only a brief mention of her rape at the hands of Shalem. In “The Red Tent,” we read the story of Dinah and her mother’s lives.

The story starts with Dinah as a young girl who is spoiled by her mothers – plural because Jacob has four wives and she considers each of them a mother. Her closest bond is with Rachel, Jacob’s son Joseph’s mother. It takes us through her marriage to Shalem, the birth of her son and her life after her son is grown.

I found the view of life as a woman in the time of Jacob to be fascinating. Ms Diamont does an excellent job of weaving the story of Dinah’s life and what it was like to be a woman living in the “biblical” age.

I will say that I was a bit disappointed with how the story ended.

Powerful, well written-it's amazing what our ancestors (especially women) put up with-the father of your children is also the father of all of your sister's children? That took some getting used to, I'll bet. Very strong women in this book-just like in real life. Loved it. My book club just read it, and we all thought the same thing.

I really enjoyed this book. A quick read about a Biblical character as a real woman.

Excellent read! Wonderful story full of history.

Outstanding read!

Wonderful book!! A woman's perspective on early times as written in the book of Genesis. The story of Jacob and his family.

One of my all time favorite books! I HIGHLY recommend it!! Great read! Loved it!

Fabulous! Gave it to my very conservative mom when I had finished it, and she loved it as well.

If you are looking to learn more about the women of the Bible in a less "documentary" form - this is a great book!

This a must read book, great writing and characters, you will find it hard to put it down. I was afraid that it was going to be all Bibleish but its not. Will pass it on to friends.

AWESOME. It makes you happy to be a woman!

This story which I read about 2 years ago deserves a re-read BUT I have loaned it out to every female I know and it is out there somewhere. Hopefully, they are enjoying it as much as I did. A fabulous story based on a female biblical character, Dinah the sister of Joseph and his eleven brothers. I devoured this book. I pulled out my Bible to check the referencing stories. While this is admittedly fictionalized - the story behind the story - it didn't matter. I turned the pages of this book so quickly and regretted that the end had to come. When it did, the beauty of the ending moved me to tears. I'm not an emotional person but this book did it to me. The tears were not sad tears. The ending was just so powerful and so beautiful and, for me, a bit unexpected. Any woman who wants to celebrate her woman-ness needs to read this.

Wonderful book. It really grabs you from the first page.

phenomenal. i thought it was extremely interesting that it was written from Dinah's point of view. who knows how much of it was true? it was a great read though.

I thought this book was very interesting. It tells the story of Dinah (from the Bible) from Dinah's point of view. Lots of interesting ideas and a very good read.

Best book ever. LOVED IT...LOVED IT !

Amazing, amazing story. The author weaves the tale of the biblical wives of Jacob through his only daughter, Dinah. You get to see the world 2,000 years ago through her eyes, and it is so well-written that you feel like you are there, in the red tent. It's so beautifully done, I can't say enough good things about it. One needn't be religious or indeed even very familiar with bible stories in order to enjoy it and take something from it. I've read it several times (and I'm not in the habit of reading books more than once) and won't part with it. In fact, I'm on my second copy as I lent out the first one and never got it back. Fascinating, and a must-read.

Interesting book. The beginning was a bit hard to follow ~ many names that I was not familiar with and hard to keep track of who was who's mother. After reading the book a bit, the story took on a life of it's own. Once the book focused more on Dinah's life, it became a book I couldn't put down. Fascinating story.

I absolutely loved this book. The descriptions and story line drew me into the story. The story presented was done well enought to make one think that it could be quite plausible. I highly recommend this book.

I've read this book twice, It is one of those books you need to dedicate long expanses of time to. You can't read it for 5 minutes at a time. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but there is a family tree included to use as a reference.

This well-researched novel paints a vivid picture of life in the Middle East during Biblical times. Following the life of a minor Biblical character, Dinah, Diamant goes far beyond the few brief verses that mention her and creates a fully-fleshed-out character.

I particularly liked how the author presents customs and mores that differ greatly from those of modern Western society without any attempt at justification or sensationalism, instead focusing on the common threads of humanity that bind all societies...
There was an awful lot of graphic childbearing for my personal taste - but the main character is a midwife - and women's lives at that time in history DID revolve pretty strongly around children - so it's understandable (just not appealing!) Also, the author definitely makes an attempt to be evenhanded - a woman who does NOT want children makes an appearance. Although life in Canaan and Egypt is shown to be harsh, violent and difficult and women are not always treated justly by men, there are also men who are fair and caring. (not always the case in many femini-centric historical works)

I was really afraid this book would be annoyingly religious - but it's not at all. The author really strives to be accurate in her portrayal of the religions and customs of the time, without overt critique.

This unusual book captivated me. Although it started out slowly, it was engaging throughout. It reminded me of the Archangel series because it was not set in today's world, although it is set in Biblical times, with characters whose names and situations are familiar to us in the Old Testament. The story haunts the reader, and will not be easily forgotten.

I read this book for as a book club selection and I thought it was pretty awesome. It was interesting to read a book that actually had a story in the bible that you could read in conjunction with the book if you wanted to. The bible story itself was vague but the storyline itself was WAY better than the bible story. I was really happy to read this book with a group of people.

The author uses the story of Jacob from the bible as a template to weave a story from the perspective of Abraham's 4 wives. She utilizes factual information from the time (much like author Dan Brown) to create a fictional work that is truly believable. Through the story we learn to understand the emotional and psychological struggles of four women sharing one man, the constraints of the application of the strict laws in the torah, as well as the pagan/goddess culture from which his last two wives came from, and the traditions and rituals that they may have brought with them and assimilated into the family. The title, the red tent, reflects the time during the menses in which women were seperated from the men, as per the religious judaic laws, where they resided in a seperate tent. Currently living in a time of womens' liberation, this law that once seemed so oppresive and barbaric to me, was given a softer side in the book. It was exhibited as a time of well earned rest for the women, a time to bond, come together and share stories, and the wisdom of womanhood.

This is one of many fiction books that I've read based off facts from the bible. The facts are very accurate and the story-line is very intriguing; hard to put it down.

I was had been looking forward to reading this book for months, but I stopped on page 11 after reading a phrase where Diamant leaves the story and talks directly to the reader writing, "If you believe that, you might also be interested in purchasing a magical toad that will make all who look upon you swoon with love."

I read a lot of books, some literary and some candy. If a writer is so blah, so unimaginative to fall back on that cliche I don't want any part of it. Not when there are so many funny, quirky, well-written books to read in this world.

This is a work of fiction based on the biblical story of Jacob, and his wives and family. It is told from the perspective of his and Leah's daughter, Dinah, who is only briefly mentioned in the Bible. It is a beautifully written story that draws the reader in with well-developed characters who seem to come to life for those who know the story from the Bible, although prior knowledge of the story isn't necessary to enjoy the book. My favorite type of book is one that leaves me wanting more when I've read the last page - "The Red Tent" definitely does that.

This book is easy to read, flows evenly and I finished it within three days. It's an interesting story built from the basis of a few bible verses. Not quite the way the stories are told in the bible--but still a fascinating look into what life what must have been (could have been)like for women during the time of Jacob, Leah and Rachel. An easy read.

This may be my favorite book of all time. It's beautifully written in the cadence of ancient Egypt and Canaan. This book made me feel connected to all women- especially the ones that came before me in my family. A definite must read.

I did NOT enjoy this book. It was recommended to me after I finished a bible study of the patriarchs. I thought it would be interesting to hear a story about the women. I wasn't going into it expecting much of anything, just a good read. I thought it was boring and drawn out. I kept having to put it down and going back to it a few days later and trying to read more till I just quit and took it back to the library.

This book was fabulous. Diamant did a great job of giving Biblical women voices and personalities. I couldn't put this book down!

Dinah is only briefly mentioned in the Bible. This is an account of Dinah, offstpring of Jacob and Leah and the fictionalized story that winds around her life. It's one of my favorite books.

Good book about a familiar character in the Bible but not from the perspective you are used to. Great historical research and story development.

My favorite book. Read it in one day. I recommend it to everyone I know.

The Red Tent was a good book...a lot better than I expected when I first began reading it. It starts off slowly, and for me, learning all the strange names was a little tedious, but by the middle of the book I was well and truly hooked, and enjoyed it to the end. I hope you enjoy it, also!

A painfulluy beautiful book. Every woman, if not everyone should read this book.

Very loosely based on a book in the Bible, this is the story of a minor character named Dinah. She may have been insignificant-seeming in the Bible but she has quite the story to tell in this novel. This is in my top 5 favorite all-time reads for sure. Rated 5/5

You just have to read this--excellent; empowering

Fantastic read. Read this at bookclub and everyone loved it.

A fantastic novel about woman's roles in biblical society. I learned so much and felt much more connected to my body after reading this!

back cover: Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons in the Book of Genesis.
Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood - the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of her mothers - Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilah - the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that are to sustain her through a hard-working youth, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates an intimate, immediate connection.

Fantastic book! I could not put it down!

An interesting look at women in the bible. Great read!

I was not expecting to like this book at all when my book club chose it. It turned out to be a fantastic book and one of our best discussions yet! I've discovered that I really enjoy books that take known events and give you another perspective. Whether you like or dislike each character, Anita Diamant brings out a reaction in the reader!

Historical fiction. Interesting. Not Biblical except in characters and major events.

Incredible. A heartwrenching story that expands on an overlooked character from the Bible.

The only thing from the Bible in this story is the name of the characters. It is not a Biblical account. One of the few books I've ever stopped reading before the end.

Not very biblical, but a good read.

Definitely one of my favourite books, right up there with The Secret Life of Bees and Confessions of a Pagan Nun. It was wonderful and thought-provoking, humbling and affirming, satisfying and question-raising. i've already re-read several portions of it, connecting dots and refreshing my overloaded memory. i know that this is a book i will love to read over and over again.

Loved it, loved it, loved it!

I could just not get into this book at all, so I am putting it up for adoption.

With the first words: We have been lost to each other for so long. My name means nothing to you. My memory is dust. This is not your fault, or mine. The chain connecting mother to daughter was broken and the word passed to the keeping of men, who had no way of knowing. That is why I became a footnote, my story a brief detour between the well-known history of my father, Jacob, and the celebrated chronicle of Joseph, my brother... I was hooked on this wonderful book, The Red Tent.

From the back cover: Her name is Dinah. In the bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters about her father...and his dozen sons in the Book of Genesis. Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood–the world of the red tent.

I've read so many books in my life, so very many, it seems, since joining PBS. So many took my breath away at the end, or moved me to such emotion that I had to pause before actually finishing the story. Others caused me to weep as if the story contained within the covers had actually been real and I knew the people personally.

The Red Tent will always now be one of my favorite books. From those first words, the effect of speaking directly to me, sharing a life, never wavered. But oh, those last two pages were perhaps the most beautiful I've ever read when taken in context with the whole story.

The story of Dinah is captivating. I read it in a single day. The Bible story is portrayed with real people with real problems and trials. I laughed, I cried and felt the story in a way that I never did before. Diamant makes the distant past real.

Interesting idea - I wasn't crazy about how far it strayed from what Scripture teaches.

This was such a tragic, yet well written book, and it gave me a chance to really consider what life may have been like in the biblical times. Not to mention the whole new perspective it gave me on the story of Joseph. What a different view from "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," let me tell you. No happy, Joseph Mega-Mix songs at the end of this story. It's good to hear stories of women told as they are, without trying to sugar-coat it or hide the truth of pain and life and love. It's hard to imagine someone surviving so many losses and so much tragedy, but then, everyone has their own losses, just usually not as horrible as that. I could not believe the horror of the sons of Jacob - even though I knew that Joseph would eventually be sold into slavery. It still amazes me that people could do such terrible things to other human beings. ::sigh:: Anyway, it's a very good book, albeit a tad depressing, and you should definitely read it - though I think my copy will be a keeper.

This was a beautifully written book! Definitely one of the best books I've read in the past couple of years. I was drawn into the life of Dinah and her friends and family and felt that I knew them personally. I would recommend this book!

I loved this book

One of my favorite books.

You feel like you're really getting to see life for women in biblical times, it's great! The characters are written with so many layers, so very interesting! Loved it!

I loved this book. It is an interesting view of women in the biblical era. A must for all women.

great book, could not put it down

My friend gave me this book as a gift, and I am so glad she did. I really loved this story -- it was so beautiful and rich and something I couldn't put down. I know I will read this again and again. I am very happy to have this as part of my collection.

.

I plan to never part with my copy this is my favortie book and I have read it a ton of times. I suggest this book all the time it is an amazing work and an interesting story.

I loved this book. Excellantly written and the story of Dinah kept me wanting to read more and more. If a movie where made of this book it would be an Epic!!!

love this book

I thought this book was a very interesting read.

I found this book completely enjoyable. What a novel idea for a story. You feel as if you, too, are living during that time, spending your time "in the red tent" along with the other women.

This book is a MUST READ - really beautiful!

This is such a different book - I absolutely loved it. I've probably read it 3 or 4 times and am posting it so that I won't re-read it. The title of the book is exactly what the story is about!

Swept me up from the first page and held me tight for three days; the quickest I've finished a book in so long. This story is incredible, heart-wrenching, gut twisting, and inspiring. I will recommend it to many of my friends.

Great read.

An amazing and moving work of fiction. We don't know what women's lives were really like in those times but this was a terrific read.

WOW! Excellent book on the lives of women in early biblical times. Absolutely LOVED it - fast read, couldn't put it down (two days). Gives you a feel for the life a woman may have lived in those times... fasicnating! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

AWESOME READ!!!!! I could not stop reading this book... it touched my heart and soul

Brilliant book! Loved the writing style and held my interest all the way through.

It's been several years since I've read this last but I plan to read it again soon. It was such a great story; incredibly thought-provoking. It gives you a different perspective from the women's point of view. Some people may not like it because of the portrayal of the men in the book; they come off quite cruel; but you just have to take it for what it is, not historical fact; it's just a story. It is very inspiring for women. What the character goes through is incredible. An amazing story of a woman's strength. I do recommend it highly.

Historical and timely. Teaches so much.

Excellent story about women and familial ties that bind us together. Anyone can enjoy.

Loved, loved, loved - read twice!

a great read

wow! A great biblicalish "herstory". Very engaging. Loved it.

Fantastic book. Wonderful writing.

Interesting and well-written.

I've started reading this twice and haven't gotten very far. The story simply doesn't draw me in, and I'm giving up.

Good read.

the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, who is only breifly mentioned in the Bible...interesting story.

I loved this book. It is also an easy read.

A wonderful tale! Very thought-provoking and moving.

Loved this book!!! I can't say enough good things about it - loved the strong character of Dinah and the female perspective. This should be required reading for all women!

Incredibly popular book for women and as a frequent book club selection. Told in Dinah's voice, the novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood--the world of the red tent.

"Her name is Dinah. In the bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the chapters about her father, Jacob, and his sons in Genesis. This novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood-the world of the red tent..a new view of biblical women's society."

The Boston Globe wrote about this book-An intense,vivid novel..It is tempting to say that THE RED TENT is what the Bible would be like if it had been written by women,but only Diamant could have given it such sweep and grace.

An enjoyable piece of fiction.

Rich story telling with a valuable achievement in modern fiction. A wonderful story of how life was for women in the biblical times. Very very interesting. Excellent story.

A fictionalized account of a Biblical character. It provides voice for what a woman's life might have been like at that time.

A good read.

An amazing story. This glimpse into the life women may have experienced years ago is breathtaking. A must read.

A great book. It was hard to believe that it was fiction when it seemed like it was so real. A wonderful book. One that will keep me thinking for a long time.

By far, a favorite of mine. What a wonderful historical read as well as an Aha! moment- Why did women let go of this supportive tradition? They had a great way of dealing with pms...

A great read. A fun book group discussion book.

I found this book to be a fascinating look at ancient life. The author took a lot of artistic liberty with the Biblical story, but this makes for a great read.

Not my style of reading. I just couldn't get into it.

A very readable book.

If you are looking for biblical-based fiction, this book is NOT it. I made that mistake. The author takes a LOT of liberties with her imagination as it pertains to the Bible.

This is a great book. Gives lots of insite as to the woman's place during biblical times.

My sister recommended this book and she was right - it's terrific.

This is one of my all-time favorite books. I was fascinated by how Anita Diamant used Bible stories and cultural facts to weave a compelling story. A great book to read alone or to discuss with friends.

Great read....

Told through Dinah's voice, the story reveals the traditions and turmoils of ancient womenhood-the world of the red tent. It begins with the four wives of Jacobs and traces Dinah growing up through her hard working youth, call to midwifery and a new home in Egypt.

Excellent read! A wonderful view of women in biblical times.

This is one of my most favorite books.

A very interesting historical-fictional look into the lives of women during Biblical times as seen through the eyes of Jacob's daughter, Dinah.

Dinah daugther of Jacobnand his dozen sons.Told in Dinah's voiceThis novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womenhood.

Dinah daugther of Jacobnand his dozen sons.Told in Dinah's voiceThis novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womenhood.

A novel about the four wives of Jacob, A new view of biblical women's society.

AWESOME BOOK!!! I am a mystery reader but got this book for christmas and could not put it down.

A FICTION story of the life of Dinah. While given only 1 chapter in the book of Genesis the author spins a whole stroy about the details of her life. A very interesting take on a little known subject.

Excellent story, well written! Highly recommended!

This is a passionate tale, quite simply, a great read.

I loved this book from the beginning-as soon as I had it finished, I wanted to read it over again to catch what I had missed...

Fascinating story of life in the ancient world involving the four wives of Jacob.

It took recommendations from five different people to get me to read this book. When I finally did, I couldn't put it down. It's just wonderful.

A great discussion book for reading groups but stands well on its own, as well. Thoroughly enjoyable and a glimpse into the ancient customs regarding women.

A fantastic book about Dinah, daughter of Jacob. I couldn't put it down.

I loved this book! After reading it I recommended it to my younger grown daughter, who had already read it and was planning to give it to me. The older daughter loved it and offered to loan it to HER mother-in-law, who said it was one of her favorite books!!!

Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons in the book of Genesis.
Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood-the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of her mothers-Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah-the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that are to sustain her through a hard-working youth, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates an intimate, immediate connection.

Excellent book. I enjoyed the story and found it very interesting. I loved the women in this story and the description of ancient times.

This fictional story of Dinah from the Bible is well-worth reading and I highly recommend it.A fantastic book!

My book club has a great discussion after reading this story.

Fascinating......

This was a good read, hard to put down. It's not accurate according to the Bible, but it was interesting to see Dinah and really consider her story.

Amazon.com: "The red tent is the place where women gathered during their cycles of birthing, menses, and even illness. Like the conversations and mysteries held within this feminine tent, this sweeping piece of fiction offers an insider's look at the daily life of a biblical sorority of mothers and wives and their one and only daughter, Dinah. Told in the voice of Jacob's daughter Dinah (who only received a glimpse of recognition in the Book of Genesis), we are privy to the fascinating feminine characters who bled within the red tent. In a confiding and poetic voice, Dinah whispers stories of her four mothers, Rachel, Leah, Zilpah, and Bilhah--all wives to Jacob, and each one embodying unique feminine traits. As she reveals these sensual and emotionally charged stories we learn of birthing miracles, slaves, artisans, household gods, and sisterhood secrets. Eventually Dinah delves into her own saga of betrayals, grief, and a call to midwifery.
"Like any sisters who live together and share a husband, my mother and aunties spun a sticky web of loyalties and grudges," Anita Diamant writes in the voice of Dinah. "They traded secrets like bracelets, and these were handed down to me the only surviving girl. They told me things I was too young to hear. They held my face between their hands and made me swear to remember." Remembering women's earthy stories and passionate history is indeed the theme of this magnificent book. In fact, it's been said that The Red Tent is what the Bible might have been had it been written by God's daughters, instead of her sons." --Gail Hudson

From Library Journal: "Skillfully interweaving biblical tales with events and characters of her own invention, Diamant's (Living a Jewish Life, HarperCollins, 1991) sweeping first novel re-creates the life of Dinah, daughter of Leah and Jacob, from her birth and happy childhood in Mesopotamia through her years in Canaan and death in Egypt. When Dinah reaches puberty and enters the Red Tent (the place women visit to give birth or have their monthly periods), her mother and Jacob's three other wives initiate her into the religious and sexual practices of the tribe. Diamant sympathetically describes Dinah's doomed relationship with Shalem, son of a ruler of Shechem, and his brutal death at the hands of her brothers. Following the events in Canaan, a pregnant Dinah travels to Egypt, where she becomes a noted midwife. Diamant has written a thoroughly enjoyable and illuminating portrait of a fascinating woman and the life she might have lived. Recommended for all public libraries." Nancy Pearl, Washington Ctr. for the Book, Seattle Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A view of women's biblical society which shows how we are in many ways the same as we were then.Strong and vibrant!!!

A fine novel; a great read. Read it three weeks ago and still thinking about it.

"An intense, vivid novel...It is tempting to say that The Red Tent is what the Bible woudl be like if it had been written by women, but only Diamant could have given it such sweep and grace ---
Her name is Dianah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons in the Book of Genesis.

Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood - the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of her mohters - Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah - the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that are to sustain her through a hard - working youth, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreighn land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates an intimate, immediate connection.

Deeply affecting, The Red Tent combines rich story-telling with a valuable achievement in modern fiction: a new view of biblical woman's society.

Beautiful story...biblical but not preachy or...past tense ( if that makes any sense).

This was my favorite book for over 2 years. Thoroughly enjoyable!

The red tent is the place where women gathered during their cycles of birthing, menses, and even illness. Like the conversations and mysteries held within this feminine tent, this sweeping piece of fiction offers an insider's look at the daily life of a biblical sorority of mothers and wives and their one and only daughter, Dinah. Told in the voice of Jacob's daughter Dinah (who only received a glimpse of recognition in the Book of Genesis), we are privy to the fascinating feminine characters who bled within the red tent. In a confiding and poetic voice, Dinah whispers stories of her four mothers, Rachel, Leah, Zilpah, and Bilhah--all wives to Jacob, and each one embodying unique feminine traits. As she reveals these sensual and emotionally charged stories we learn of birthing miracles, slaves, artisans, household gods, and sisterhood secrets. Eventually Dinah delves into her own saga of betrayals, grief, and a call to midwifery.
"Like any sisters who live together and share a husband, my mother and aunties spun a sticky web of loyalties and grudges," Anita Diamant writes in the voice of Dinah. "They traded secrets like bracelets, and these were handed down to me the only surviving girl. They told me things I was too young to hear. They held my face between their hands and made me swear to remember." Remembering women's earthy stories and passionate history is indeed the theme of this magnificent book. In fact, it's been said that The Red Tent is what the Bible might have been had it been written by God's daughters, instead of her sons. --Gail Hudson

This is an incredible book. It gave life to a woman in the bible that didn't have much backstory to her at all. Now Dinah is one of my favorite people. A great story about womanhood and love.

Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within a more familiar chapter about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons in the Book of Genesis.
Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood-the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of her mothers-Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah-the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that are to sustain her through a hard-working youth, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates an intimate immediate connection.
Deeply affecting, The Red Tent combines rich storytelling with a valuable achievement in modern fiction: a new view of biblical women's society.

Pretty good book. Interesting read.

A unique re-telling of the story of Joseph...from his sister's point of view.

Wonderful story. I'll never look at the Bible the same way again.

Fascinating book!

I cannot praise this book enough. There aren't many books where you lose yourself in the pages to the exclusion of all else and where you begin to live the story yourself. This is one of them!!! Beautifully written.

A very interesting story of the lives of women in Biblical times. Besides the characters in the book, there is no other Biblical / Christian reference.

Truly enjoyed this book. One of my top favorites of all time. I would recommend this without reservation.

Wonderful story - could not put this novel down.

I really enjoyed reading this book. A Bibical, fictional book about a woman named Dinah who is Jacob's daughter.

Enjoyed the characters and the description of the daily life of the women of that tiem period. Fast read.

Excellant book. A fictionalized account of Jacob's only daughter.

Absolutely one of the most intriguing books I have ever read. It really is a fascinating story.

I found reading this book not very interesting, and very cumbersome.

A great story that pulls you in from the first paragraph and holds you captive until the very last word. Highly recommended!

Was not to my liking

I thought it was a very enjoyable book. An interesting, although maybe unrealistic, account of the Biblical story of Jacob's daughter Dinah.

Interesting story, and vividly brings to life events I only vaguely remember from reading the Bible.

great read!!

Her name is Dinah. In the Bible her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters about her father Jacob, and his dozen sones in the Book of Genesis. Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood - the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of her mothers - Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah - the four wives of Jacob. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history, and is a valuable achievement in modern fiction - a new view of biblical women's society..

A wonderful, detailed look at the life of women in the time of Jacob. Highly recommended.

The story of Dinah, and her "mothers," Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah,-- the wives of Jacob. A wonderful view of biblical women's life.

A book that sweeps you up -- beautifully written and compelling. The setting is so different from our contemporary lives, and yet the characters are as immediate as our mothers, sisters, friends and daughters. A vivid and touching story. Recommended.

I read this several years ago and I will surely read it again. For women it's a must read!

Wonderful book! I learned of this book in the discussion forums. It's probably not a book I would have picked up on my own, but I'm so glad it was recommended and I read it. It kept me turning the pages and made me really care about the characters.

Having been raised and schooled in the Roman Catholic faith this book was so engrossing as it spoke a women's voice on Old Testament stories that I did not fully appreciate until having read this book. I couldn't put it down and I cried at times. I loved it!

One of the best books I have ever read!

One of the best stories I've ever read!

Rich narration of women in biblical times. Vivid images and once the story picks up, cannot put the book down.

This is by far one of the best and most interesting books I have read in years. I did not want it to end.

Really enjoyed the book.

One of the best books I've read in years. Well written and thought provoking tale of early women's hardships and blessings.

This was an excellent book. At first I thought it was hard to get into, but once you do, you are hooked!!

Loved this book. Think of it every 25 days...........gave me permission to enter my own red tent, of my own creation.

Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters about ther father, Jacob, and his dozen sons in the Book of Genesis. Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood - the world of the red tent. Loved it!

Excellent book - so interesting to learn how women used to live.

This a great fictional story.

Awesome book. Very gripping, I loved this book.

Beautiful story. Loved it.

The story of Jacob and Leah's daughter Dinah from the Old testament.

Very interesting, though not scriptually sound. The author's style was a little too dry for me.

Great perspective of real life of the times. Who can say what the real life of Dinah was like but Anita Diamant gives us an interesting take on one possibility. The story of the 4 wives of Jacob, in relation to Dinah, was great!

A beautifully written book and a superb view of the life of women in the old Testament days. I highly recommend this book to both men and women.

This book was incredible! Told from Dinah's point of view, it's an interesting fictional yet historically researched novel about the times of Jacob's family and the woman's role in life. I was held captivated from beginning to end and wish there were more novels like this out there!

a female perspective of the story from the Bible. A FANTASTIC read!

This book is interesting from the very first page.

My absolute favorite book! It changed my life and I would recommend for everyone to read this great story of fiction depicted through the eyes of a woman.

wonderful storytelling..i wept at the end..

A GREAT and FAST read! I highly recommend!

Amazing book...our book club truly enjoyed it.

I really liked the first half of the book-it took me a while to get through the rest but I still enjoyed it.

Engrossing. Reads like a novel, but it made me think and I learned a lot. Very good book, entertaining and thought provoking.

Wow. I am not a religious person at all but this book was amazing and touched me like no other.

I enjoyed this.

A more fleshed out version of the events concerning the lfe of Jacob, his four wives and their resulting children. An interesting read, although a bit confusing after awhile with which children belonged to who.

My wife read this book. From the back cover. Based on stories of the Bible, this tells the story of ancient womanhood through Dinah (ficticious character). The book combines rich story-telling with a valuable achievement in modrn fiction: a new view of biblical women's society.

I couldnt put it down - its on my favorite book list for sure!

Biblical Historical fiction - story of Dinah daughter of Jacob.

I REALLY enjoyed this book.

Excellent historical fiction on biblical life from the feminine perspective. Highly recommended for all women who wonder about living in the ancient past in a man's world.

first half not as exciting as 2nd half, but good, fun read!

Very interesting point of view from a religious perspective. An over all great read for entertainment!

A novel of what might have been as the story of Dinah, Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah, and the men surrounding them is told--a new view of biblical women's society.

Wonderful book!

Very interesting book. If you're looking for a book club read, this would be a good choice.

Excellent book! Very interesting details about the traditions of Biblical times.

Wonderful book. Makes reading the Bible much more interesting now.

One of the best books I've ever read!

Amazon.com
The red tent is the place where women gathered during their cycles of birthing, menses, and even illness. Like the conversations and mysteries held within this feminine tent, this sweeping piece of fiction offers an insider's look at the daily life of a biblical sorority of mothers and wives and their one and only daughter, Dinah. Told in the voice of Jacob's daughter Dinah (who only received a glimpse of recognition in the Book of Genesis), we are privy to the fascinating feminine characters who bled within the red tent. In a confiding and poetic voice, Dinah whispers stories of her four mothers, Rachel, Leah, Zilpah, and Bilhah--all wives to Jacob, and each one embodying unique feminine traits. As she reveals these sensual and emotionally charged stories we learn of birthing miracles, slaves, artisans, household gods, and sisterhood secrets. Eventually Dinah delves into her own saga of betrayals, grief, and a call to midwifery.

"Like any sisters who live together and share a husband, my mother and aunties spun a sticky web of loyalties and grudges," Anita Diamant writes in the voice of Dinah. "They traded secrets like bracelets, and these were handed down to me the only surviving girl. They told me things I was too young to hear. They held my face between their hands and made me swear to remember." Remembering women's earthy stories and passionate history is indeed the theme of this magnificent book. In fact, it's been said that The Red Tent is what the Bible might have been had it been written by God's daughters, instead of her sons. --Gail Hudson

This book is so well written that you feel you are a part of the story. Anita Diamant did a wonderful job creating her version of the life of Dinah. It is superbly written and leaves you hoping she'll continue bringing her wonderful stories to the world.

What an interesting read!

Great book. It really makes you think about life way back at the time of Jacob and his sons and how life must have been like. It gives a good woman's perspective of biblical times.

Great book about the lives of women during the time of the book of Genesis. I had a hard time putting this one down each night.

A richly vivid story of Dinah, so briefly mentioned in Genesis. Is this how life was for her and the other women of that time? A powerful story of love and honor that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

I loved this book!

Though I found this book interesting, I was somewhat put off by the, in my opinion, passionless quality of the writing.

Very good - learned a lot of Biblical history.

Really well written fictional account of the bible story. Good women's book club selection.

I'm the only one I know who didn't enjoy this........not sure why!

I liked it alot. It kept me up into the wee hours.

Fabulous fictionalized story from a woman's viewpoint. A "must read!"

A great read - I loved it.

I never had the chance to read this book, but I heard it was fantastic from some other moms.

Superb! Absolutely enjoyed this biblical-fictional story of Dinah, and her four mothers, Rachel, Leah, Zilpah and Bilhah- the four wives of Jacob.

The red tent is the place where women gathered during their cycles of birthing, menses, and even illness. Like the conversations and mysteries held within this feminine tent, this sweeping piece of fiction offers an insider's look at the daily life of a biblical sorority of mothers and wives and their one and only daughter, Dinah. Told in the voice of Jacob's daughter Dinah (who only received a glimpse of recognition in the Book of Genesis), we are privy to the fascinating feminine characters who bled within the red tent. In a confiding and poetic voice, Dinah whispers stories of her four mothers, Rachel, Leah, Zilpah, and Bilhah--all wives to Jacob, and each one embodying unique feminine traits. As she reveals these sensual and emotionally charged stories we learn of birthing miracles, slaves, artisans, household gods, and sisterhood secrets. Eventually Dinah delves into her own saga of betrayals, grief, and a call to midwifery.

I was hesitant about this book but I ended up loving it. The writing and the story are excellent. I found it to be very educational and interesting. Definitely recommended.

I ignored this for a long time because of all the hype around it but ended up enjoying it immenseley. I was afraid it would be preachy but the story was fascinating, tracing the lives of both Dinah and her mothers. The fact that it was written in the first person also added a personal touch to the story.

An amazing read - very detailed and intricately woven. Well worth reading.

A book for women... this book although a novel.... reveals the acheivements women have made since the Book of Genesis.

Fascinating and engaging...I was totally engrossed.

Quite possibly my favorite book ever. This is a fabulous book and I highly recommend it!

Fictional retelling of the story of Dinah, daughter of Jacob, from the book of Genesis.
Well-written, but controversial.

This book is a wonderful story. I am not very familiar with Biblical stories at all, but this is hardly that. The characters are vivid, the writing is lyrical, and I highly recommend it :-)

This is a favorite of mine. I love reading hte familiar story with a new perspective. Very female oriented though, and those squeamish about female cycles may not like it. Also contains a lot of pagan beliefs so conservative Christians may not like this.

One of my favorite books that I've ever read.

An incredible story of Dinah, the forgotten daughter of Jacob and Leah. Fantastic read.

Skillfully interweaving biblical tales with events and characters of her own invention, Diamant's (Living a Jewish Life, HarperCollins, 1991) sweeping first novel re-creates the life of Dinah, daughter of Leah and Jacob, from her birth and happy childhood in Mesopotamia through her years in Canaan and death in Egypt. When Dinah reaches puberty and enters the Red Tent (the place women visit to give birth or have their monthly periods), her mother and Jacob's three other wives initiate her into the religious and sexual practices of the tribe. Diamant sympathetically describes Dinah's doomed relationship with Shalem, son of a ruler of Shechem, and his brutal death at the hands of her brothers. Following the events in Canaan, a pregnant Dinah travels to Egypt, where she becomes a noted midwife. Diamant has written a thoroughly enjoyable and illuminating portrait of a fascinating woman and the life she might have lived

I didn't think this one was as good as people made it sound.

A very interesting read. It's pure biblical fiction. Good story

I thought this book was interesting and well-written. My only disappointment was that it focused more on pagan practices and less on how Jacob's family practiced their faith in God.

This book received rave reviews, but I thought it was poorly written. The characters were not well developed. It was repetitive and boring. I did not finish it.

Couldn't get into this book.

I loved this book. Very readable, very believable. I had always thought it must have been so awful to have been banished and 'unclean' whilst menstruating ... I loved the concept of the girls getting to have a week off to rest, chat and be waited on ... an entirely different complexion!

Very interesting story!

I loved this read!!!

I really enjoyed this book.!

I know everyone has given this book great ratings, and I was on the waiting list for a while before I got it, but after reading almost half of it I just am not seeing it. I hardly ever leave a book unfinished, but I am missing something I guess.

Very fun to read, a racy soap-opera in an Old Testament setting.

Great read. I started reading and couldn't put it down.

I know this has been described as a great novel and I'm sure it is, but the first 35 pages dealt with the quite descriptive coming of age and the menstural cycles of biblical women, marrying and mating, and giving birth. Not exactly something I could get lost in reading. Just my humble opinion.

FAscinating study of a differnt culture

This was a truly wonderful novel and was highly believable. The story of Dinah was so richly detailed, so full of the feel of pre-Christian times & the rituals surrounding the lives of those times. Unlike the bible's account of the lives of these people this had a more authentic flavor to it. I can see her life being as exactly as depicted.

Loved the story! Emotional, insightful, and inspiring.

An intriguing and deeply affecting read. I enjoyed it very much.

I really loved this book. The book club I belong to chose it & I had no idea how intriguing it was. Excellent book to read - especially for women!

Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons in the Book of Genesis. (back cover)

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Very well written. Not my usual thing - but a very interesting look at a little known biblical footnote - through the eyes of women.

I have this book and will keep it forever - it was just amazing! I absolutely loved it.

This was an excellent book. I love the fact that it is written around the women during the time of Abraham. Diamant brought life to the characters, told a story that you can believe in, and did it from a totally different perspective. One of my favorites!

If you like books by women about women, this is for you!

This is a beautiful story of some of the most memorable women from the Old Testament. I thoroughly enjoyed stepping into their lives, and the author does a brilliant job taking you back that far into history.

This is an excellent book! A real page turner.

this is one of the best books I've read this year. I could not put this book down. The characters are very real and you feel that you are in the story and not just reading it.

A very interesting alternative view of the Biblical Old Testament Story of Dinah. It makes the people real and sets them in a realistic setting. The story of Jacob and his family becomes much more real, with an emphasis on the role of the women in the family.

This book emphasizes the more traditional religion the women follow. It makes an interesting contrast to the monotheism of the men as related in the Bible. I found it very intereting but it might be offensive to those who are of more conservative religious bent.

A beautifuly written story about the women of the old testament.A fabulous book!

This novel is relates the story of Dinah, a woman of the Book of Genesis. The book is full of ancient tradition and complicated family relationships.

What a great book, lots of history and imagination

<< Back to Book Details of " The Red Tent"