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The Dovekeepers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011

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Book Brief

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Alice Hoffman

The Dovekeepers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011
Book Details
Pages

505

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Masada, Israel • 70s CE

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Israel during the Siege of Masada from 70-73 CE, weaving a narrative through the perspectives of four resilient women—Yael, Revka, Aziza, and Shirah—each with a history of suffering and endurance, as they live and defend the imposing mountain fortress from the encroaching Roman forces. The novel contains descriptions of graphic violence, sexual violence, enslavement, and abuse.

Mysterious

Emotional

Contemplative

Dark

Fantastical

Reviews & Readership

4.2

86,600 ratings

77%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Alice Hoffman's The Dovekeepers enchants with its lyrical prose and richly woven narrative, recounting the lives of four women during the siege of Masada. Praised for its historical detail and emotional depth, some readers found the pacing slow and the multitude of characters hard to follow. Overall, it’s a compelling blend of history and fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Dovekeepers?

A reader who enjoys The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman likely appreciates historical fiction infused with myth, magic, and strong female narratives. This novel will appeal to fans of The Red Tent by Anita Diamant and The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, who relish deeply researched historical settings and complex characters.

4.2

86,600 ratings

77%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Yael

One of the novel's protagonists, Yael is a Sicarii assassin's daughter who demonstrates courage and strength, taking on roles as a biological and adoptive mother. Her journey is marked by a transformative and redemptive arc through experiences of love, loss, and survival.

As one of the protagonists, Shirah is known as the Witch of Moab and embodies feminine power through her adeptness at magic and her complex spirituality. Her strong sense of intuition and formidable presence influence those around her throughout the story.

A teenage protagonist with a unique upbringing, Aziza is raised as a boy and becomes a skilled archer and warrior. Her character navigates the challenges of gender identity and societal expectations while forming deep relationships with others.

An older protagonist central to the narrative, Revka is a grandmother and survivor who speaks less but listens well. Her resilience and practical nature are pivotal in her journey through trauma and healing.

Shirah's daughter, Nahara, starts as a bright and supportive young girl and later chooses independence in pursuit of her love. Her narrative highlights themes of choice and agency within her family dynamics.

A charismatic and complex leader of the Zealots, Ben Ya’ir holds significant influence and faces moral challenges. His relationships and decisions impact the fates of several characters throughout the story.

A character dealing with deep grief, Yoav is a rabbi and warrior who undergoes personal transformation. His relationships evolve as he contends with loss and finds moments of tenderness despite his hardened exterior.

Book Details
Pages

505

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Masada, Israel • 70s CE

Publication Year

2011

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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