A review by phantomgecko
The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
On one hand, it's a fascinating retelling of parts of Genesis.
On the other hand, I greatly disagree with some of the characterization/explanations/actions. It really felt like the author just wanted to take biblical people and smear them as much as possible because she can. "Look, your biblical figures were horrible people with no actual redeeming qualities." The female characters were lifted onto pedestals at the expense of the morality of the men.
idk, I think depicting Rebekah as a pagan priestess bothered me the most. My girl Rebekah was a righteous, chosen woman. It does her so dirty to have her act cruelly with family and despise her husband while she runs the moon temple. It's not empowering or feminist. It sucks. Obviously she wasn't a perfect person, but when you're righting a novel exploring characters, why would you choose to make her wicked?
Again, there were some really cool parts of this novel. Some perspectives were great, the relationship between Jacob's wives was actually delightful. But a lot of the book felt spiteful.
Reading statements from the author makes me feel better about things. Still not my favorite book tho.
On the other hand, I greatly disagree with some of the characterization/explanations/actions. It really felt like the author just wanted to take biblical people and smear them as much as possible because she can. "Look, your biblical figures were horrible people with no actual redeeming qualities." The female characters were lifted onto pedestals at the expense of the morality of the men.
idk, I think depicting Rebekah as a pagan priestess bothered me the most. My girl Rebekah was a righteous, chosen woman. It does her so dirty to have her act cruelly with family and despise her husband while she runs the moon temple. It's not empowering or feminist. It sucks. Obviously she wasn't a perfect person, but when you're righting a novel exploring characters, why would you choose to make her wicked?
Again, there were some really cool parts of this novel. Some perspectives were great, the relationship between Jacob's wives was actually delightful. But a lot of the book felt spiteful.
Reading statements from the author makes me feel better about things. Still not my favorite book tho.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Pregnancy, Religious bigotry, Abortion, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Death, Infertility, Murder, and Miscarriage