The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (1998, Paperback)

Anita Diamant's novel "The Red Tent" is an exquisite historical fiction of biblical times, detailing the lives of Rachel and Leah, the two wives of Jacob and, ultimately, the story of Dinah, the daughter of Leah. The title refers to the tent that the women of the tribe must live in while experiencing their "time of the month" or when giving birth. The story arc carries the reader through the main characters lives as they become midwives, illumiinating the experiences they share with other women within their times and culture.

The novel is actually written in two parts, each connected by familial bonds. The first, and shorter of the two, encompasses the story of Rachel and Leah. Diamant provides many factual, historical details and broadcasts them throughout her natrrative, giving the reader a detailed history of childbearing among the Ancients. In the second part, Diamant abandons her non-fiction roots and creates a more genuine novel. While childbearing is still a prominent portion of the narrative, the drama becomes more expansive. Dinah, barely a woman, meets an Egyptian, Shalem, a handsome man of wealth and status and falls in love with him. He returns her love, and for a time the two engage in merry lovemaking. As was the custom of the time, Shalem's family attempts to "buy" Dinah from her family, making what appears to be a very fair offer. Jacob, masking his true feelings, is less than pleased over this proposed marriage of his daughter, as are his sons. A "Romeo and Juliet" scenario ensues, the age-old story of unfortunate star-crossed lovers whose families attempt to destroy their very true and genuine love. What occurs next is quite shocking, and we soon have tragedy piled upon tragedy.

The ultimate lesson of "The Red Tent" may be that most people do not experience great glories and victories in life; instead, most of us gather our joys and small pleasures where and when we can, and the rest of the time we do what is necessary to survive. Dinah does no less, and with great honor. She becomes an example for the everyperson, reminding us of the internal, silent and unsung glory that can well up in each of of us as we live our lives as best we can. The book is a well written, compelling read.

I was very pleased to find a gently used copy of one of my favorite books on good old eBay--so now I can share this 'little treasure' with my friends, and still be assured that my own precious copy is safe and available for me to read yet again. Every time, I find wonderful nuances that I apparently skimmed over on previous readings. This remains one of the books I urge my women friends to read. Okay, it's not for the squeamish or very young teens, and it's fiction based on research into the way it was for women and families in Bible times. It's certainly no more R-rated than many stories in our Bible. It looks at womanhood & sexuality in a very open and matter-of-fact way--and it feels like you are there with Dinah in the Red Tent--in the world of women of the Old Testament era. Buy it, read it, share it with your mother and your daughters.

Anita Diamant did her research before writing this book and it is obvious to the reader. Her writing style is vivid and strong, bringing the reader with her to a place and time some of us are only familiar with in the Bible. The main character of the story comes straight from the Bible and her name is Dinah. This is her story woven by Diamant as if Dinah had told it. Do not look for a sanitized version of life in Dinah's time, because you won't find it here. You will find the story of strong women, their love for Dinah and each other, jealosies, rape, violence and the sanctuary of the Red Tent. Life wasn't easy and the people weren't always innocent. Diamant didn't gloss over this and some may find it hard to read about. Others will find this book hard to put down. I did. I bought it for several friends, my two sisters-in-law, and my daughter. I also lent it to my mother. We found we couldn't stop talking about life then and how it related to life now, both secularly and spiritually. The Red Tent touched all of us and opened up a generational dialogue. What better recommendation is there?

This is one of my favorite books. I have read it a few times because I never tire of the story. It is about being a woman, family, how we fit into the world around us and ultimately love. The way Anita Diamant tells a story is so compelling, you never want to put it down. You become vested in Dinas life and begin to feel all of the intensity of her experiences. I recommend this book to all women.

Not often are we allowed to be carried away by an author to a time and place as far back in history as we can imagine. Then, to have the opportunity to seemingly nestle in with the women of that era and see, feel, smell, and experience their life as intimately as possible. With this frank and yet delicately written book, I felt I was transported into a Biblical time and really lived among the people. More importantly, I felt I was given a special invitation to be in the shoes of the women who lived then. Anita Diamant did a splendid job of opening the cover of the red tent, as it was referred to in the times, and letting us join the experience. I highly recommend this book.