Book Review-The Dovekeepers-Alice Hoffman | Miki's Hope

Book Review-The Dovekeepers-Alice Hoffman

Thursday, March 3, 2016


I did try to watch the mini series when it was on TV--but the one time I tried to turn on the TV it didn't work. Figures--turns out that my lovable little monster had been playing with the remote with her paws--by the time I figured out WHICH buttons I had to push to reset it--well I had missed the first part and that is when I decided to buy the book instead. I kept staring at it on my bedside table but had promised a bunch of authors that I would do their books--so yeah it took me a long time to get to it!

There was one sentence in this book that intrigued me--it went something like this--"it was almost as if the men were afraid what the women would be like if they were also warriors" (my paraphrasing). Now why did this particular sentence catch my complete attention? Well, I'll tell you--when I went back to college to get that Environmental Sci degree I still needed one English elective. I was a freshman and signed up for a SENIOR English course (American Authors)--The professor tried to tell me that it was for seniors but I told him not to worry--I did Ace that course and he ate his words!! Back to the reason I bring this up--at some point-and I have no idea or remembrance how the topic came up--but it was noted that Judaism goes by the maternal lineage (if the mother is Jewish--the child is Jewish)--yet it seems that women are not the head of households and it is the male members who actually determine what is allowed and what isn't (that's what they think!) etc. The professor said that WAY back when (before the history begins in this novel) it was actually the females who lead and the men who followed. Using brute strength the males took the power from the females and held them there forever more. One of these days I am going to delve far enough back in history to find out for sure.

This is the story of Masada which can be verified. The story inter woven about the 4 woman who lived through this time is fiction but I believe based on historical facts. How these 4 females come to be in Masada and how their lives inter twine will keep you mesmerized from the first page to the last. I won't say anymore----This author definitely did a lot of research in order to write this novel!! If you missed the mini series--get it and watch it--and read the book as well.

About the Book: (from the Author's website)

Synopsis

Over five years in the writing, The Dovekeepers is Alice Hoffman’s most ambitious and mesmerizing novel, a tour de force of imagination and research, set in ancient Israel.

In 70 CE, nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on a mountain in the Judean, desert, Masada. Only two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic and iconic event, Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of four extraordinary bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of whom comes 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 horrifically brutal murder of her daughter by Roman soldiers; she brings to Masada her young grandsons, rendered mute by their own witness. 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 siege. All are dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets — about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and who they love.

This book can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes and Nobel and where ever fine books are sold. It is in many formats. Just go to your favorite place to get books etc and search for The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

Read an excerpt on the Author's website


About the Author:


If you wish to know more about this great author click here and it will take you to her bio on her website

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I purchased this book with my own funds. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

15 comments :

Masshole Mommy said...

That sounds like a fantastic read. I think it would be one of those books I would not be able to put down.

jaime said...

This book sounds so good (and I definitely want to check out the mini series now.) I hadn't heard of the series before, but I want to know a lot more about these independent women.

Samantha said...

I have never heard about this, in book form or on TV.

Jenny @cookeatgo said...

I have not heard or this book or tv series!! Sounds like it would be a good read!

Neely said...

I always love finding new books to read! Thanks!

Linda A Kinsman said...

I love that you shared part of your story with your professor along with this book review. I'll add it to my TBR list.

brokenteepee said...

I did see the mini series and I enjoyed it. I have this book on my TBR pile which is threatening to fall over and bury me.

Unknown said...

What an interesting book, I'm sure my sister would love it, I enjoyed reading your story that you've included in this book review.

Tough Cookie Mommy said...

I love that these books are also available in the form of a television series. I would love to have more time to read during the week.

Chastity Beene said...

I will have to check out the tv series...I need a good book and show to watch late at night when I can't sleep!

Professer Bird said...

I'm not a big reader by any means, but I'll surely lead amount this book to a few friends who love to read!

Professer Bird said...

I'm not a big reader by any means, but I'll surely lead amount this book to a few friends who love to read!

Adriana said...

This looks like a great book! I'll have to add it to my list :)

Unknown said...

That sounds like a pretty good book! I love TIVO for those kinds of problems, however, the book is usually better, anyway! That's just this bookworm's humble opinion.

Hollybee said...

This sounds like an amazing book. I will be adding it to my must read list.

I do have to say, you go girl! I also had a teacher that tried to tell me a class was too advanced, mine was for history and I ended up knowing more then the teacher!!

 
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