The Red Tent by Anita Diamant Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Red Tent
Book Review: A Life Untold
Summary: 4 Stars
Anita Diamant has crafted a captivating read in this tale of Dinah, daughter of Jacob. Genesis 34 recalls only the tiniest thread of Dinah's existence. Diamant has, with a seer's vision and an abundant well of imagination, woven a elaborate, integral tapestry from that thread. _The Red Tent_ is an accounting not only of Dinah's birth, life, and death, but also a vivid recollection of the proud people whence she originated.Book Review: A Literary/Feminist Read...Not A Christian or Jewish Read
Summary: 2 Stars
This book was highly recommended by a Christian friend of mine, so I purchased it. I was under the mistaken impression that this was a Christian book before I read it. After reading it, I am fairly certain that Diamant had no intention of this being a Christian novel at all. If you are looking for a book about the strength and bonding of women, then this is a good book. If you are looking for a book that will appeal to you in a literary sense (you know, one of those books you are proud to tell people you read, because it's DEEP) then you will probably enjoy it. It is well written. I did not enjoy it, however, because I was expecting something else; I know that is the fault of my own ignorance.
From a general standpoint, I don't really know that it was necessary to describe everything quite as graphically as Diamant did in every situation. There were a few things that should have been left out altogether, in my opinion. Not everything -- I'm not so idealistic as to think that people were somehow perfect back then. But Diamant should have been confident enough in her own writing to know that certain things weren't necessary. It is interesting that the things I found the most graphic and inappropriate were actions that only involved men; this made me feel disgusted with these male characters. As with many of the flawed male characters in this book, Diamant's writing subtly encourages the reader to become annoyed or angry with the male characters because of their choices or their character flaws. While this irritation is certainly understandable, Diamant doesn't treat the female characters equally. They too are flawed, but these flaws are glorified and excused, as they add to the "colorful" nature of the characters. I don't know if this was intentional or not, but if we're going to forgive/sympathize with the women, then we ought to give the men a second chance as well, and not make them out to be so terribly two-dimensional and unredeemable. But I do believe Diamant has some personal issues with Judaism, Christianity, and the male gender, so we'll just let it go.
What bothered me the most about this book was the fact that Diamant makes a clear distinction that Yahweh is the God of Jacob and the men -- not of the women. This is no small matter; it changes the entire message of Judaism and Christianity, and belittles Yahweh as well. This distinction permeates the book, and overshadows what I did like about the book: the relationships between the women, the different personalities of the wives.
This was an interesting read, but Diamant has changed the essence of the story and the characters so much that she probably would have been better off to just make up some other names rather than using the Bible characters. However, I guess unknown, made-up character names don't sell books.
If you are looking for a wonderful historical fiction retelling/expansion of Dinah's story, please read Grace in Thine Eyes by Liz Curtis Higgs. It isn't preachy or predictable, and things aren't necessarily wrapped up neatly at the end like most Christian fiction. I appreciate how Liz Curtis Higgs makes it simple to "put on the skin" of each character -- you can easily see how YOU could have made the same choices that would have led to the same wonderful or terrible outcome. Higgs makes you see how individual choices and individual personalities can create the atmosphere for sin and tragedy.
I am sure that if you loved this book, you are playing the "conservative Christian" label game right now, and are offended by my review. I'm sorry that you feel that way; I wasn't offended by your review. Have a blessed day!
Book Review: A MUST READ FOR ALL MOTHERS, SISTERS, AND DAUGHTERS!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Forget the biblical references, and I beg you to read this book regardless of them if you find them offensive. This is a fantastic, historical fiction novel. It moved me in ways I cannot explain and I actually shed tears when it was over because I wanted more. It was given to me by a friend and I never would have picked it up myself based soley on the descirptions on the inside flap and back cover. DO NOT judge this book by its cover. I am an avid reader and rank this novel as my all time favorite. It should be required reading for all women to help them feel connected to their past and present as well as to each other. It is both powerful and uplifting. 5 stars is not enough.Book Review: A MUST READ!
Summary: 5 Stars
From someone who rarley finds the time or the patience to indulge himself in another place or life, it is with absolute openness that I share my feelings for Dinah and her life. This book took me there through it all. I now can attest to being a fly on the wall, with the writing I was in the tent and by the waters. I saw the events which carried over into my own dreams. When I neared the end I trembled as the remaining pages grew smaller and smaller, and then I teared and sighed when it was done. The accounts of Dinah's life are very clear and memorable as are her interactions with her family and those strangers she comes about to meet. It will take me days to get over the new life I have just come to know, and have appreciated my new aquaitences along the way.Book Review: A Memoir of Dinah
Summary: 4 Stars
Told in Dinah's voice, The Red Tent is a story about this biblical figure's life journey. Anita Diamant elaborately transforms a short excerpt about Dinah's tragedy from the Bible into a captivating story. Although the story is fictional, Diamant successfully changes it into a credible memoir of Dinah. Because the story is based on the Book of Genesis, most of the major events are predictable. Yet, the reader is lured to the details and reasons behind these incidents, because the author tries to provide the reader with a convincing explanation to the tales in the Bible. Diamant also cleverly alters the events in a way that is difficult to oppose, thus making the novel more believable. In addition, she gives life to the biblical figures who have no personality and little emotions in the Bible. The humanization of these characters furthermore adds credibility to the novel.
Another significant component of the story is the bond between women. The Red Tent is the foundation of sisterhood between women in the ancient world. It is the place where women trade stories, share secrets, support each other during childbirths and cycles of menses. Because of the Red Tent, the bond between the female characters is extremely close. Despite the fact that these women may have to share a husband or that they may have different social status (some are slaves and lesser wives), they still treat each other equally and take care of each other in the Red Tent. This strange unity in the women's society definitely fascinates the reader.
Moreover, Diamant also explores the roles and status of women in the biblical world. This is a particularly interesting aspect, because although women are considered to be inferior to men, they are still respected in the ancient times. They are responsible for all the chores in the house, like brewing, baking, and weaving. They are not allowed to sit with men during meals and are viewed as unclean during their monthly cycle. Yet, in many cases, they enjoy the freedom to express their opinions. For example, Jacob always asks for Leah's advice before making important decisions. Women, like Inna, who have professional skills, are even highly respected in the male-dominated society. Although women do not receive the same treatment as men do, they do not resent their gender. In fact, they perform rites to celebrate the first menstruation and childbirths which are the symbols of their sexuality. I believe that their pride in their gender is probably one of the most interesting and unique aspects in the whole novel.
The Red Tent is certainly an excellent novel. It is so realistic that it seems like a historical fiction depicting a truly living ancient world. The story itself is original and captivating, because it is based on a Bible tale and takes place in the ancient times which add a mysterious enchantment to the novel. Most importantly, the Red Tent is very original, because it depicts the ancient world from a woman's perspective. The novel gives a voice to women who have always been neglected and muted in history.