Looking for a read that’s a little different? Maybe it’s time you tried a re-imagining of a Biblical character and their story?
What’s It About? The Red Tent by Anita Diamant follows the life of Dinah, a daughter of Jacob. Now when I say life, I do mean life, starting with her time as a child and young woman and carrying on into adulthood and even to the end of her life.
Why Read It? Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the novel is how it centers the concerns of women in a patriarchal world dominated by the rule of fathers and husbands and yet where women are able to build rich lives of care and support.
The story reminded me somewhat of Circe by Madeline Miller, though The Red Tent came out 20 years before Circe, so I guess Circe should be reminding me of The Red Tent.
I also appreciated the efficient prose (no wasted words or self-indulgent digressions; I think Diamant was a journalist before writing this book). While the first 60 pages go a bit slow, the pacing soon picks up and the story moving along briskly the rest of the way.
Why Avoid It? Those first 60 pages could put off some readers as they recount the challenges of Dinah’s mother and her mother’s sisters, but these details end up informing the more riveting conflict that comes later. In a way this first part laid the foundation of the story world, helping the reader to understand Dinah’s culture and how her background impacts the way she perceives the different cultures and belief systems she encounters.
If you think about it, the biggest drawback ends up feeding into the novel’s greatest strength: the rich interplay of cultures—and how people from different cultures treat one another (and maybe a comment about how they should treat one another).
The Final Word: Ultimately, if you’re into heavy action, The Red Tent is probably not for you. But if you’re interested in experiencing a world that feels real (and just might lead you to appreciate your own a little more), give The Red Tent a try.
One More Thing: If rich story worlds that get you thinking are your thing, you might check out my high-fantasy novel The Quartermastra.
Rec Level: Deserving (solid read that doesn’t disappoint; if you read 25 books a year, this might be one to consider)
Review Up Next Time: Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir