Rating: 
Summary: Definitely a "Chick Book" but I liked it well enough
Review: This book deals more with relationships between members of a patriarchal group - one husband, two "primary wives", two "secondary wives", lots of children - than with plot. Half of the book deals with the various relationships, giving birth, midwifing, husband/wife relationships, etc. The second half deals with the main character, Dinah's, life after some momentous events of upheaval in her previously ordered existence. I think the book successfully captured the feel of the setting - ancient Rome and Canaan. There was much about the society, lifestyles, religions, etc. which were interesting and compelling. Overall, I'd have to say that I enjoyed the book quite a bit, but it didn't live up to the rave reviews some acquaintances (female) have given it. However, if you are interested in "female" issues, like giving birth, mother/child relationships, wive's roles in a male-dominated ancient society, you'll love this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Woman to Woman
Review: Why it took American women five years to "discover" this book I will never know! I read it in 1997 and was enthralled by the flowing prose and the meaty content. This is a novel for all women of all ages. I strongly recommend reading The Ladies Auxiliary by Tova Mirvis (available from Amazon.com) in conjunction with The Red Tent. The comparison will leave you reeling, laughing and with a plethora of Book Discussion topics. Happy reading ladies. Catherine Lindberg, Santa Fe, NM
Rating:
Summary: A pleasure to read
Review: This is such a beautifully-written book! I've never read Biblically-based fiction, and, happily, it was NOTHING like I expected. Though the circumstances of Dinah's life are anything but calm, Diamant's elegant words yield a tapestry of a life filled with serenity, love, and a sisterhood rarely found today. The look back to the time of Dinah is so vividly formed, I found reading the actual Biblical passages, from which this story comes, easily accessible; whereas, reading it in the past, I felt lost in the sea of names. Now I feel as if I know all of those people and understand the life they lived so many years ago. Nothing I write can do justice to this book. Just buy it, read it, and savor it. The beauty of it will live in your heart forever.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent historical fiction book for women
Review: I've read a lot of fiction that is based (sometimes quite loosely) on historical events. Like much of history itself, a lot of historically-based fiction is often written by and/or about men and tells their stories. This one is different because it is written by a woman and tries to re-create (as fiction) the stories of a group of women from the Old Testament who are barely even mentioned and really only have "footnote" status in the Bible (another book written from a man's point-of-view). From this book I felt like I got a glimpse of what life must have been like for these female protagonists back in Old Testament times. If you've never read the Bible and don't know anything about the Old Testament, don't worry-- no prior knowledge is required here. Just be prepared to become totally immersed in the lives and sagas of these women through the eyes of Dinah.
Rating:
Summary: Great read!
Review: It is one of the first books in ages, which I found difficult to put down. The book takes place back in biblical times and although fictional in content, it helps the reader see what the daily life of the woman went through back then; from marriage to child-bearing and than death. The reason I gave it 4 out of five stars is because the first 40-50 pgs, seemed to drag. Yet, once to get past that, you get to know and feel for all the characters in the book. It was definetly a rollar coaster ride.
Rating:
Summary: We are all of one mother...
Review: Amazing book! So far, I have given this book to my sister and my pregnant best friend and both have LOVED it! This book will lift you up. Not only is it an amazing account of women during biblical times, the echoes of Dinah's life resonate in my life today with richness and strength. Whether you are 15 or 85, this book will touch your heart and remind you of the universal sisterhood, motherhood, friendship-hood, womanhood and "being-hood" we all share as inhabitants of this planet Earth (think Mother Earth). "If you sit on the bank of a river, you see only a small part of its surface. And yet, the water before your eyes is proof of unknowable depths." GET THIS BOOK!!!
Rating: 
Summary: A good story but disappointing
Review: This story was interesting in it's historical value, but I was expecting the story to at least mention God. This was Jacob's family - Joseph, Ben, Judah, etc. God is never mentioned in this book. This book is just a story, one that will hold your interest, but it is not inspirational, scriptural, or spiritual. If you read it, just read it for a story. That's all.
Rating: 
Summary: Themes of the book concerning
Review: Although beautifully written, I cannot endorse this book in any way. To say that this book takes liberties with the Bible story is to understate the problem in the extreme. This book contains reincarnation, violence, graphic sex, and implied beastiality. This book in no way illuminates the real themes of the story of Jacob's family: Division and reconcilliation, jealousy and forgiveness, and the redeeming power of God's love.
Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking and Refreshing
Review: The Red Tent was captivating. It reminds me of the quote that a fire that burns quick, quickly burns out. This book was a slow fire that grew into a wild fire. It is unlike any recently written novel. The story was so unusual and it took you to places that you could not even imagine. The book is addicting and I can hardley wait to read it again!
Rating:
Summary: The Red Tent
Review: Excellent Read! This book demonstrates the closeness of women during a time when women were relegated to "The Red Tent", for a perfectly natural happening. However, during this time they were in control, the tent was their's alone and men were forbidden to enter. It is here they share their secrets, dreams and desires. There are also pitfalls, they must, and do work through. It is about love, hate, lust, desire and the ultimate friendships between women. I recommend this book for everyone, men and women.
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