A review by bookellys
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Despite having gone to Catholic school, I’m not religious and so am not familiar with the biblical tales of Jacob, his sons and his only daughter Dinah. My understanding is that in the bible there is a fleeting mention of Dinah and this book looks to build out her story.

Where the bible typically focuses on the story of men, The Red Tent gives life to Jacob’s wives and the world of women of the time, following Dinah from birth to death. Whilst I appreciate this is a work of fiction it is a great example of how the same events can be retold very differently depending on the perspective and narrator. 

This was an interesting and easy read with some very strong female characters. The writing evoked beautiful imagery and gave insight into the religious practices of the time, including the worship of many gods and goddesses, a close relationship to the earth and nature and a pagan background upon which Isreal was built.
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