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The Dovekeepers
The Dovekeepers
Author: Alice Hoffman
In 70 CE, nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on a mountain in the Judean desert, Masada. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic historical event, Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of four extraordinary, bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of who...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781451617474
ISBN-10: 145161747X
Publication Date: 10/4/2011
Pages: 512
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 58

3.9 stars, based on 58 ratings
Publisher: Scribner
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Dovekeepers on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I have a really difficult time saying that I simply liked this book, because it was actually quite difficult to read. Hoffman is describing abuses and atrocities, and though she does it tastefull and not gratuitously, there were moments that were very heavy for me (especially as a mother). In fact, I read the book as part of a book group; several members mentioned that they were not able to "stomach" the book. That said, it was emotionally poignant, historically accurate and informative, and beautifully and descriptively written. I recommend it highly, with the warning that it's a violent book...sort of.
leenyri avatar reviewed The Dovekeepers on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
One of the best books I have read in a while! The story of these remarkable characters just made me want to keep on reading. I actually missed them when the book was finished!
reviewed The Dovekeepers on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I just loved this book. It's the story of Masada told through the lives of four women.Each is a totally different personality and has a different plac e in the story. The characters are so well developed that the reader really feels some emotion about each one. What brought each woman to the mountain? How did she and others survive for the time they were there? Although I knew a lot of the history, There was still much to learn about the times and thr skills they developed to live from day to day.
The writing is beautiful. It helps one to enter this terrifying time. I strongly recommend it.
reviewed The Dovekeepers on
Helpful Score: 4
This book is a beautifully written, very descriptive and dramatic account of the times, people and situation but it is a very heavy read and sometimes tedious.
reviewed The Dovekeepers on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I read this book in two days having to stop to go to work. Masada has always fascinated me and I totally enjoyed it from the view of women. Alice Hoffman's best.
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reviewed The Dovekeepers on + 628 more book reviews
The author's books always hold my interest, but the subject matter can be very difficult to read, as in this book. The violence is horrifying. The author has done her research and does well in bringing this epic too life, but I found it harder to read than the stories of the holocaust survivors, though I have read many of them.
katyaarchambo avatar reviewed The Dovekeepers on + 22 more book reviews
Good book. Very compelling characters.
reviewed The Dovekeepers on + 628 more book reviews
I like Alice Hoffman's style of writing and the story most certainly held my interest but the brutality and magical realism was hard to stomach. Still it is one of her better books and worth the read, if you are interested in reading about biblical times, when the Romans have conquered all by the last holdout of the Jews, at King Herod's palace. Her historical research seems to be good.
ilovebooks121514 avatar reviewed The Dovekeepers on + 2 more book reviews
Beautifully written. Poetic, smart, witty. A long journey through a book that should be recommended to many.


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