Sophia C. reviewed on 9/23/2009 + 289 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

A good story envelopes you, transports you to another realm, and leaves you changed. The Red Tent does exactly this, just as the red tent--a retreat during the menstrual flow--offered its women respite and sisterly support. Anita Diamant transforms a passive mention of Dinah in Genesis 34 into a rich, poignant and powerful fictional autobiography of Jacob's only daughter. Starting with the four sisters who became Jacob's wives, this story develops in a different world, where the feminine was still considered sacred and strong women abounded. It suspended my modern notions of feminism and gender relations as it followed Dinah's life trajectory, from child to bride to mother to midwife, even though there are many coincidences along the way. Women, reading The Red Tent will connect you to your sisters in history. Men and children, you're warned that there's a lot of birthing, blood, and sex. But it's vivid, wonderfully told story that I wholeheartedly recommend.

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