The Red Tent by Anita Diamant Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Red Tent
Book Review: A Good Story in Poor Faith
Summary: 3 Stars
As a fictional story, _The Red Tent_ is vivid, rich and beautiful. It is feminist in what I consider the very best sense of that word: valuing female-ness, in all its aspects (sisterhood, menstruation, sex, pregnancy, birth and motherhood), for its own sake, and not making any attempt to make women be like men. It gives the impression, unlike so much of the Biblical fiction I've read, of being utterly true to the times it records. But therein, unfortunately, lies the problem. As a fantasy story or mere historical fiction, with completely "invented" characters, this book would not disturb me. But instead it takes the female characters of the Bible, the wives and mothers and daughters of the Patriarchs, and portrays them as truly pagan women, with little or no interest in or respect for the God of Abraham, whose worship even by the men of the family seems tenuous at best. To see, for instance, Rebecca portrayed as a pagan oracle, insistent on perpetuating pagan rites among the females of her family, is profoundly troubling to me. I don't doubt that the Patriarchs' families were influenced by the paganism of the world surrounding them, but to envision these women as pagan priestesses seems to go too far--at the least the idea saddens me greatly. And I'm perplexed, since the author appears to be Jewish and has written several works of non-fiction about how to live as a Jew. Why such a woman would write a book that has more in common with neo-paganism than the Biblical narrative is a mystery to me. Because for all this book *has* (and it has much), the one really crucial thing it *lacks* is any hint of faith in the God of Israel. I imagine for a lot of readers that absence wouldn't be felt at all, but I felt it, and for me it spoiled what was otherwise a profoundly good book about what it is (or should be) like to be a woman.
Book Review: A Great Biblical Drama
Summary: 5 Stars
The Red Tent is extremely well written and a tribute to the author. From page one the writer captivates the reader and the story lines get better and more interesting. The author has great insite to biblical history and has fictionalized an intriguing web of characters and story lines. It all ties togather very well. A must read for the avid reader. Put down those dull novels and pick up this great story. I wept for Dinah!!Book Review: A Great Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had heard from a friend that this was an excellent book...and it is! If you like to imagine the Bible from a woman's perspective, you will fall in love with this book. I felt like I was transported in time...and it was tough to come back. Highly recommended.Book Review: A Great, Exciting Read
Summary: 5 Stars
My favorite aspect of this book was the fact that the book covered the ENTIRE life of Dinah. So many books leave you hanging at the end wondering what happens next...not this one. Anyone who loves their sisters will love this book. It truely rejoices and celebrates the relationships between women in a family.
I recommend it!
Book Review: A Hot Biblical Read
Summary: 5 Stars
The Red Tent is one of the most memorable books I've read in a very long time. As a Catholic, growing up in the 60's - 70's, I never really read the Bible. While reading this book I felt so many emotions: 1. Maybe I should read the Bible, 2. Women are most definately the superior race, and 3. I must let my 13 year old daughter read this book, it will empower her.The Red Tent is a beautifully written book. As much as I know The Red Tent will be enjoyed by mostly women, I hope men will read it too.