The Red Tent

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Summary: the red tent
Review: Anita Diamant has given to me through the writing of this book a connection to all generations of women that have come before me. Never before have I understood in a way such as presented in her writings the loyalty among woman. I will forever be greatful for the way she allowed this understanding! Bravo! I am going to recommend this beautiful book to all of the special people in my life

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Summary: Both enlightening and heartwrenching
Review: The cycle of menstruation is a common theme within this book. This is an uncomfortable subject, yet The Red The Red Tent wipes away the notion of a woman's menses as disgusting, filthy and private. Menstruation is regarded by the four wives of Laban as a magical process that marks womanhood; a monthly reminder for all women that their bodies are beautiful temples of creation. Read this as a woman and you will take on a whole new perspective on your body and its capabilities.

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Summary: A minor Biblical character gets to tell her story
Review: I've always loved historical fiction, and found this Biblical fiction just as compelling. I had no idea that religion was so diverse, during these times, and that the concept of the goddess was alive and kicking amongst Hebrew women. This book kept me up at night and almost made me miss my train stop twice (the true measure of a really good book). What a great idea, telling the story of a minor Biblical character. The only thing that was a bit of a let-down, is that after the pivotal event, the pace slows down greatly.

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Summary: Women of any denomination will love this book!
Review: Anita Diamant's fiction tale of Dinah, sole daughter of Jacob is so empowering to women. I found myself never putting it down, I finished it in several days. I am not of the Christian denomination, but the way in which she portrays the strength and comaraderie of women and the ancient rituals of celebrating one's woman-ness, made me want to raise my daughter with a sense of female pride that I never had. As Dinah and her large family of Jacobites wander the desert in search of camp and spirit and independence from her unsavory grandfather, she and her four mothers weave spiritual beauty out of their mundane and dusty daily lives. I highly recommend that every woman read this and get reacquainted with the ancient female role as wife, mother, daughter and midwife and discover the enchanting escape in this wonderfully spun tale. It is very easy to read and follow. Thank to Ms. Diamant for being brave and branching outside of her normal scope of writing to bring this piece of joy to my library!

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Summary: Women Loving Women
Review: Most of today's women do not gather together once a month to sing songs, to massage each other's feet, or to tell stories, yet I think most of us long for that. Even those of us blessed with fulfilling marriages to men ache for a sisterhood. Anita Diamant has given us a piece of a family most of us will never have. I do not know how historically accurate this book is, though from the reviews, I gather it is not biblically accurate. For those of us who are not history buffs or attached to the bible, the accuracy is unimportant. What matters is the love between the women. Like any piece of art, the emotions are enriched beyond what most of us feel day to day. Reading about walking for weeks through the desert with your family and a herd of sheep is far more thrilling than actually doing it. That's the nature of books. Yet we still long for the emotions as they are portrayed in narrative. After reading this book, a friend called me distraught. For forty-five minutes I listened to her and helped her develop a plan. Near the end of the call, I made a joke and she laughed with relief. At that moment I realized I do have a sisterhood just like the women of The Red Tent did. They had tents and straw. I have coffee houses, cell phones, and email. Frankly, I bet that on most cold nights most of the characters in this book would have traded their sheep for my thermostat. The friend who lent me her book asked each woman who read her copy to sign the inside cover. Signing my name was my initiation into a modern day sisterhood. Not only was this book a fun read, it also helped me realize that the stories we tell each other as we put food into the microwave are as special as the stories told over a cooking fire.

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Summary: Beautiful!
Review: What a beautiful story. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed it. If you liked Memoirs of a Geisha, then you will certainly enjoy this book.

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Summary: Awesome, superb, an epic every women should read
Review: The Red Tent opened my eyes to the women of the past - whether you are a religious person or not, this story holds true of a women's endeavour in life against all odds. It is hearbreaking, heartwrenching and heartwarming all in one - a truly wonderful story which should be read and remembered by women of all ages and beliefs. I found it to be a superb lesson in the suffering of womanhood throughout time with one who suffered but remained strong - Dinah is one with who we can all connect and admire even though her life is far, far removed from ours at present.

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Summary: Traditions and Women
Review: This book encouraged me to explore my own ties to the women who have come before me. What it means to be woman. The rituals that tie us together. I do not often read "religious" writing because I find as a woman I am not represented, but this book is a gift. No matter your background or beliefs this book is well written, provokes thought, and had the power to connect me to women everywhere.

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Summary: This is my favorite book
Review: My mother recomended this book, and I can read it again and again with out getting bored. In most books I have to skip through the boring parts, but in this... I've read it three, four times and I've loved it each time.

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Summary: Amazing Journey Into History
Review: When I started the book, I thought it might be a lot of history with confusing character names to remember. Once I was two to three pages into the story, I couldn't put it down. One of the best books I've ever read. After I finished, I picked up the Bible and was amazed that some events were spoken about. A truly talented author to shed light on the shadows of such a well known story - completely believable.