A rich re-imagining of the lives and culture of biblical women, particularly Dinah, daughter of Jacob, and her experiences as a daughter, wife, mother, friend, and midwife. The narrative expands upon the brief mention of Dinah in the Book of Genesis, exploring the relationships and traditions of women in ancient Canaan and Egypt, showcasing their struggles and joys in a male-dominated world.
The Red Tent tells the story of Dinah and the four wives of Jacob through the lens of women's experiences during biblical times. It delves into themes of motherhood, sisterhood, and the sacred rituals of the 'red tent', providing a rare insight into the lives of ancient women, their connections, and the challenges they faced in a patriarchal society.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers include discussions of sexual violence, childbirth (including graphic depictions), and themes of female oppression.
Has Romance?
The book includes notable romantic elements, especially in Dinah's relationships, but the focus is more on her personal journey rather than romance alone.
From The Publisher:
Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters of the Book of Genesis that are about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons. Told in Dinah's voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoils 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 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 connection with the past. Deeply affecting, The Red Tent combines rich storytelling with a valuable achievement in modern fiction: a new view of biblical women's society.
Ratings (107)
Incredible (29) | |
Loved It (37) | |
Liked It (27) | |
It Was OK (9) | |
Did Not Like (5) |
Reader Stats (175):
Read It (111) | |
Want To Read (37) | |
Did Not Finish (6) | |
Not Interested (21) |
4 comment(s)
A kind of midrash on the Biblical story of Dinah, but based in up to date Biblical/historical scholarship. Evocative and inspiring writing.
This was a creative, imaginative retelling of the life of the biblical character Dinah, who in the Bible is known only as the daughter of Jacob who is raped and killed. In the Bible story, after Dinah is raped, her brothers seek vengeance by killing all of the countrymen connected to the men who assaulted Dinah.
In "The Red Tent," Diamant reshapes the life of Dinah and takes readers on a journey of a woman who suffers joy as a child, heartache as a woman and peace as an elderly woman.
The story is told in three parts: my mothers' sisters, my story, and Egypt. The first section of the book covers Dinah's family tree which is filled with an assortment of aunts and cousins. The second part of the book is Dinah's story of transitioning from a girl to a woman, finding love then losing that love at the hands of her brothers. The final section of the book finds Dinah older and explores her feelings with living without the love of her life in a foreign land.
I really enjoyed this book because I liked her multifaceted she made Dinah and how she presents Dinah as a person who does not let her past pain define her future. Although she experiences great loss, she understands that she must move forward if not for her sake, then for her child's sake.
I was also surprised by the way in which Diamant inserts the rape occurrence (from the Dinah story in the Bible) by having the rape happen to Dinah's close friend. When Dinah and her friend meet years later, both are changed women.
Overall, why I usually don't read books which are based on bible characters, this was a surprisingly good read.
Being named after an Old Testament Bible character, I am well versed with the stories of the male patriarchs found in Genesis. This re-telling of a very minor female character was powerful and fascinating! Anita Diamant is a strong writer that had clearly done her research and painted a vivid picture of the characters, the time, culture, landscape, etc. I was engrossed throughout.
A woman’s perspective of biblical times. Mesmerizing history
What can you read after
The Red Tent?
About the Author:
Anita Diamant is an award-winning journalist and author of five books about contemporary Jewish life including "The New Jewish Wedding" and "Choosing a Jewish Life: Guidebook for People Converting to Judaism and for their Family and Friends." She lives in Newton, Massachusetts, with her husband and daughter.
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