59 pages • 1 hour read
The Dovekeepers
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Book Brief
505
Novel • Fiction
Masada, Israel • 70s CE
2011
Adult
18+ years
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
86,600 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
86,600 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
505
Novel • Fiction
Masada, Israel • 70s CE
2011
Adult
18+ years
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