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The Dovekeepers

A Novel

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The Dovekeepers

Written by: Alice Hoffman
Narrated by: Aya Cash, Tovah Feldshuh, Jessica Hecht, Heather Lind
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An ambitious and mesmerizing historical novel from the bestselling author of Rules of Magic. The Dovekeepers is “striking….Hoffman grounds her expansive, intricately woven, and deepest new novel in biblical history, with a devotion and seriousness of purpose” (Entertainment Weekly).

Nearly two thousand years ago, nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on Masada, a mountain fortress in the Judean desert. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic and iconic event, Hoffman’s novel is a spellbinding tale of four extraordinarily bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of whom has come to Masada by a different path. Yael’s mother died in childbirth, and her father, an expert assassin, never forgave her for that death. Revka, a village baker’s wife, watched the murder of her daughter by Roman soldiers; she brings to Masada her young grandsons, rendered mute by what they have witnessed. Aziza is a warrior’s daughter, raised as a boy, a fearless rider and expert marksman who finds passion with a fellow soldier. Shirah, born in Alexandria, is wise in the ways of ancient magic and medicine, a woman with uncanny insight and power.

The lives of these four complex and fiercely independent women intersect in the desperate days of the Roman siege of Masada. All are dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets—about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love. Fiction Historical Fiction Women's Fiction World Literature Magic Middle East Inspiring Solider
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This novel is very good and is especially engaging in regards to ancient Jewish history and religion. My main issue with the book was it's frequent depictions of rape and child abuse, including child rape. I know these things happen, and are depicted as sad, horrible things, but their constant mention was overwhelming. I wouldn't recommend it as it's too triggering, too difficult to be enjoyable.

Good but triggering

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Couldn’t stop listening to this story.. this is definitely one I will be revisiting and rereading/listening to. Every time the narration changed from character to character I was sad to leave that ‘person’ behind; yet the next character created the same fixated emotions in me. Definitely cried a few times. This is my 3rd book from this author and I will certainly be getting more. I’ve come to learn that Alice Hoffman novels are not for the faint of heart, they are depressing for sure. But to me, they are hauntingly beautiful.

Hauntingly beautiful

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A throughly depressing book masterfully written IF that’s what you’re looking for and what you want to invest your time in, but I wasn’t willing to fill my mind and my time with the brutality and suffering that filled each chapter. The book hits home on how these peoples lives were dictated by religion, superstition, magic, indoctrination and male domination.

Couldn’t finish

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Compelling storytelling. I haven’t read anything like this before and this is by far the best book I’ve read in over 10 years. Highly recommend to everyone.

Best book I’ve read in years

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This is a haunting story of the strength and power of women who had so little obvious power in their world and time. It is beautifully told with rich images and language.

Haunting

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