Rating: 
Summary: The Red Tent
Review: Stories about women written in the Bible do not have great detail about their lives. The Red Tent is a detailed story written about what it means to be female during biblical time, primarily in Egypt. The subject of being female is described through generations of a family. The author of The Red Tent is Anita Diamant.
The Red Tent is about various generations of women within a family. The story begins with the grandmother's life, which then goes on to the life of the mother, and then describes the meaning of being female with the main character from being a baby to old age. Significant events are described in each woman's life that are meaningful to her as a female, such as marriage and birthing children.
Young girls anticipate the beginning of their menstrual period because it is an important time of maturity. In this time period girls are honored and celebrated when they reach puberty, signifying that they have become a woman. When women have their menstrual period they go to the red tent and remain there for several days. Women also go to the red tent to have their baby. Within the red tent, women share emotions, stories, and support to one another. This time in a woman's life is very important and special because it is only women. Having children is highly valued during this time. During the biblical time period men were married to one woman, but fathered children with other women also. In The Red Tent there was a major conflict between two sisters. Leah was married to Jacob, but Rachel was also in love with Jacob. Leah had eight children with Jacob, while Rachel always remained jealous of Leah because she was only able to bear two children with Jacob. Inna was the old wise woman who was the midwife and helped women deliver their babies. Inna knew early on that Dinah (Leah's last child) had potential to be a good midwife. As a young child, Dinah accompanied Inna to births and eventually mentored Dinah to be a well -known midwife. Dinah encountered many life crises as a woman, facing the death of her husband killed by her brothers, and forbidden to reveal her identity as the mother of her own son.
The detail and explanation in The Red Tent is very good. The ideas are very well written. Even though the story takes place during the biblical time the words and language are easy to understand. Realism of the characters was pretty good except for the fact that there are so many different characters. With all these characters in the book, it was confusing in the beginning. It was also hard to follow because each character was related to one another in some way. The writer's attitude toward the subject was good. My attention throughout the book wasn't held very well because I had to work hard at keeping track of who the characters were. I liked the subject and theme of the book, but I didn't really like the time period very much. In order to write this book it had to be during the biblical times.
The theme of The Red Tent was the development of becoming a woman. Different stages within the lives of women were told through generations. The major theme relates to me because I am becoming a young woman. I am learning about who I am and thinking about what is my purpose in life. I think that a parallel to the purpose of the red tent is the woman's restroom in today's society. Girls go the restroom in pairs or small groups and usually talk about special feelings or secrets during this time. A major difference is that the sharing of wisdom from older generations doesn't happen. There are two events that happen in my family where there is a sharing between the generations of women. One is the ritual of the Sperstad women spending the day after Thanksgiving shopping together. It begins early evening of Thanksgiving with reviewing the advertisements, making lists and planning out the stops for the next day- with a special site for lunch. Another significant event was when my mom held a ceremony for me when I turned sixteen. She invited significant women of many generations (my grandma, my mom, my godmother, my mom's close friend and my best friend). All the members at the ceremony did activities to honor me- for who I am and for being a woman.
Rating: 
Summary: The Red Tent
Review: If you are curious about this book- get it from the library ! The author is so incorrect about known Biblical history that when she weaves this ficional story one has to wonder what "facts" she has just created for "story sake"! I wanted to learn about certain Jewish and ancient customs- now I wonder if those depicted are fiction too - one has to be carefull in writing a "story of fiction" from Biblical history- don't change what is already known-- it confuses everything ! I've read another fiction book about Mary and Joseph's time and their trip to Bethlehem (a most famous Bible story)- none of the known facts as it related to the Bible were changed- and that was a "good read"! If you are a sincere reader of the Bible's Old Testament- you will be upset when you read this book-- too many known facts distorted! A lot about the other gods and religious practices of anciesnt times is included--but are these fact or fiction too? Iam surprised that one who has written so many other books about (real) Jewish cutoms, practices would write a book such as this. Disappointing read!
Rating: 
Summary: Feast & Famine for the Soul
Review: This book is for you if you are female, Jewish (not required, but probably helpful, or else very interested in Biblical history), and if you have ever had your heart broken. This book will wring you out and stand you back up again. Sobering and inspiring at the same time.
Rating:
Summary: A vivid and intense celebration of women!
Review: Written in the voice of Dinah (pronounced Dee-nah), in the Book of Genesis, she was Jacob and Leah's only daughter. Anita Diamant describes of how the women in biblical times must have lived. The red tent held many functions for the women in the clans;it provided warmth and comfort for the women as they endured their menses, childbirth, nursing and illness. Many secrets were told in the red tent and were passed on from generation to generation. The women provided care and abundant love to one another while in the red tent. This book is a celebration of women of their birth, life, weaving, gardening, foraging and death. Dinah had four mothers, each of them unique, and had her own gifts to offer and to teach. Through her life, Dinah has kept with her a part of all of her mothers gifts. Near the end of the book, Dinah finds love and peace after her long years of pain and grief. This book moved me to multitudes of emotions; tears, sadness, anger and happiness. It was well written and I found myself involved as though I was a character in the book. The Red Tent is sensual and sexual; mesmerizing and embracing. I can't wait to read the book again so that I may savor all the words!
Rating: 
Summary: A Memoir of Dinah
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Historical drama
Review: Brittle preconceptions are largely dispelled within the pages of this warm, wise tale which aims to lift the lid on the secret, precious world of mothers, sisters and daughters.
Rating:
Summary: An Exciting Story About a Biblical Character...
Review: This is a story about a minor character from the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob. BORING is what I initially thought. However, I couldn't be more mistaken! From the first page, the author drew me in, with stories about Dinah's four mothers and twelve brothers. Let's face it, any situation where a man is married to two sisters (and their handmaids) is going to be interesting! One aspect of this novel which struck me most, is the depth of characters. When one hears biblical stories, people are depicted as extremely simple, hardened, tough, insensitive, very callous. Here, the author beautifully humanizes many of the characters, giving them so much depth and complexity, which makes the relationships so touching. There's joy, warmth, desire, anger, heartbreaking despair, throughout this story. Diamant brings alive the relationships between Jacob and his wives, Dinah and her aunties, brothers and her friends in particular. Most of all, I was very surprised to see how powerful the women are in this novel. They're very close, helping each other, supporting each other through all of the major rites of passages in their lives; birth, first menstruation, marriage, motherhood, death. What's more is that each of these passages are celebrated in ritual, and highly regarded as a most important part of life. It's inspiring to see that women supported each other this way. The way Diamant weaves her story into characters' lives as we know them in the Bible is fascinating. The Red Tent gives its own insights and histories into the major events from the Bible, such Joseph's falling into slavery and imprisonment, the reasons why Jacob changed his name to Israel, and of course, the slaughter of the men of Shechem, among other incidents. Again, I'm amazed at what research and imagination this author drew upon to tell such a captivating story. It seems as though this novel was really written for women, or that women would probably get the most enjoyment out of it. However, I think that it would be an insightful read for men as well. And although it moves a little more slowly than other historical fiction, I still highly recommend this novel...it's a wonderful, exciting and tearful story.
Rating:
Summary: Every woman should read this book
Review: What an amazing, powerful book. It left me stunned and awed after reading it. It's one of those books that is so emotionally charged you need to stop every once in a while to take a breath. Anita Diamant is one of the best writers of today, and I hope she will write many more novels in the future. If you're already familiar with the Genesis story of Jacob and his sons (or have seen the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical version), be prepared for a surprise. Diamant takes a familiar and oft-told tale and turns it on its ear. Essentially, she takes the male-dominated story of one of the patriarchs of Judaism and tells it through the women's perspective. Though entirely fictional, Diamant explores what it may have been like for the wives and daughter (Dinah, the main character) of Jacob. Her tale harkens back to a time when a woman's life centered around the stages of her reproductive life--menstruation, sex, and childbirth. The red tent symbolizes all of these (the color red is an obvious symbol of the blood of life). This is where the women congregate once a month to have their periods (since during this time they are considered "unclean" and unable to perform their normal household duties) and to give birth. Some have complained that the male characters are too one-dimentional. I think that's the point. For so long, the women's characters have been one-dimentional, and now Diamant is giving them their due. In "The Red Tent", they are so much more than "the wife of..." or "the daugher of..." They have a unique history, culture, and religion not shared by the men. In fact, many will be surprised that the women worship goddesses and household dieties, not the Judeo-Christian God that the patriarchs worshiped. Diamant is not being sacreligious here--the Bible does say that the women had household gods. She explores their personal religion with great depth. Essentially, Diamant fills in the holes of the women's stories that the Bible left out, but she does so in a historically-accurate way, which gives the story some credibility. The reason why so many women have responded so well to this book is that it reaffirms what makes us women in the first place. Women today often see their periods as a hassle, and childbirth a necessary evil in order to have children. "The Red Tent" reminds us that women have a sacred place as the "life givers", and we should celebrate what makes us female. The book has started a movement among women to celebrate their sexuality (much like "The Vagina Monologues"). This book allowed many women to get in touch with themselves and celebrate being women. Whether you're 14 or 94, every woman should read this book. Besides the thematic elements, it has an emotionally-charged story and strong female characters. And it will make you wonder what other untold stories the Bible holds. An excellent piece of work, and one of the best pieces of modern fiction.
Rating:
Summary: Mind Pollution
Review: The story that I most enjoy reading in the Old Testament is Genesis' Joseph-a.k.a. Zaphenath-Paneah. However, in good faith I must dispute the portrayal of him in THE RED TENT. It is one that is at best flawed and at worst blasphemous and mind polluting. The author's supposition was this: Joseph was illiterate and a bitter, unforgiving man-especially towards his brothers who sold him into slavery. THE BIBLE, however, states that Pharaoh appointed Joseph governor of Egypt-hardly a position a ruler would entrust to someone unable to read or write. As governor, Joseph's brothers come before him to purchase grain during the famine. Instead of exacting revenge for the wrong done to him, he reconciles their relationship and rescues them and his father-relocating them from Canaan to Egypt. His forgiveness hits the reader with such an emotional wallop that one immediately wants to strive to emulate him. Joseph was, is, and continues to be a paragon of virtue. The author should spare readers from her skewed opinions and stick to the facts of this man's exemplary life.
Rating:
Summary: Historical Portrayals of Ancient Lives
Review: The Red Tent is a wonderful benchmark book for anyone wanting to
write about, study or simply enjoy historical fiction. Diamant
used her obviously strong knowledge of ancient tradition and
anthropology to present material in a very convincing way.
As a gender statement, The Red Tent reinforces the fact that all
domestic responsibility and community is essentially the result
of 'women's work'. Viewed politically, it is a sad reminder of
how much matriarchal tradition has been lost over the millenia
and replaced by testosterone worship.
I would recommend The Red Tent to anyone who enjoys
anthropology and culture, all women's studies,
theological study, and the study of archeology of the
ancient near and middle east.
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