45 pages • 1 hour read
The Red Tent
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Book Brief
321
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Near East • Biblical Era
1997
Adult
18+ years
1010L
Super Short Summary
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant tells the life story of Dinah, daughter of Jacob from the Book of Genesis. Narrated by Dinah, it imagines her full life from childhood with her mothers, Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah, through her first marriage, and her time in Egypt, where she becomes a midwife and overcomes tragedies, ultimately finding love and peace. The book mentions domestic abuse, sexual abuse, slavery, and death, including suicide and murder.
Mysterious
Emotional
Contemplative
Melancholic
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
621,551 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Anita Diamant's The Red Tent receives praise for its vivid storytelling and rich historical backdrop. Many readers appreciate the novel's strong, complex female characters and its fresh perspective on biblical narratives. However, some critique the perceived deviations from traditional texts and the slow pacing. Overall, it is lauded for its imaginative and immersive qualities.
Who Should Read The Red Tent?
Readers who would enjoy The Red Tent by Anita Diamant are typically fans of historical fiction with strong female protagonists. If you appreciated The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman or The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, you'll likely be captivated by the rich narrative and character-driven storytelling in The Red Tent.
621,551 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Leah
Leah
Dinah's birth mother, known for her heterochromatic eyes and sturdy character, who takes on the role of nurturer and provider within the household.
Rachel
Rachel
One of Dinah's four "mothers" and Jacob's favorite wife, whose beauty and grace complement her role as a midwife teaching Dinah vital skills.
Jacob
Jacob
A secondary character who is the patriarch of the family, known for his complex relationships with his wives and children, and maintaining traditional practices.
Joseph
Joseph
Dinah's imaginative brother who evolves from her childhood playmate into a significant figure with prophetic dreams, securing a powerful position in Egypt.
Meryt
Meryt
A midwife in Egypt who supports Dinah during significant life events and represents healing with her nurturing presence and mixed cultural heritage.
321
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Near East • Biblical Era
1997
Adult
18+ years
1010L
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