The Red Tent

by Anita Diamant
The Red Tent cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1555
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9780330507073
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2009-09-18
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Anita Diamant's The Red Tent is a deeply moving and intimate tale that brings to life the story of Dinah, a character briefly mentioned in the Book of Genesis. Told from Dinah's perspective, the novel delves into the lives of her mothers, the four wives of Jacob, each embodying unique feminine traits. The narrative unfolds with Dinah's own extraordinary journey of betrayal, grief, and love, offering a rich and original insight into women's society during a fascinating period of history. /n/nThe Red Tent is celebrated for its warmth, candor, and outstanding storytelling, making it a feminist classic that has won the hearts and minds of women worldwide. It combines historical depth with a compelling narrative, providing a riveting exploration of ancient womanhood and family honor.

Reviews
Agapereview · 2022-01-01
engaging 4.50

The story is praised for its rich historical detail and engaging narrative, appealing to those interested in archaeology and biblical history. The reviewer highlights the depth of the storyline and its ability to captivate readers.

This review emphasizes the book's top-notch historical storytelling, which would particularly appeal to those with an interest in archaeology. The reviewer notes that the storyline is deeply engaging and well-crafted, making it a captivating read. They appreciate the detailed portrayal of ancient times and the way the narrative brings historical elements to life. Overall, the book is seen as a compelling exploration of its subject matter, offering a rich and immersive experience.

Quick quotes

    This is a top-notch historical story, a story that an archaeologist at heart would love to sink their teeth into.

    The storyline itself, though ...

    A story that an archaeologist at heart would love to sink their teeth into.

Girl with her Head in a Book · Girl with her Head in a Book · 2018-10-07
empowering 4.20

The book is praised for its portrayal of female characters and their relationships, particularly the nuanced depiction of Rachel's fears and actions. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to remove female antagonism and present a more complex narrative.

This reviewer commends The Red Tent for its nuanced portrayal of female characters and their relationships. They particularly appreciate how the book removes traditional female antagonism and presents a more complex and realistic view of women's interactions. The reviewer finds the depiction of Rachel's fears and actions to be especially compelling, adding depth to the narrative. Overall, the book is seen as a thoughtful and empowering exploration of womanhood, offering a fresh perspective on biblical stories.

Quick quotes

    The Red Tent removes the female antagonism.

    Diamant portrays Rachel as afraid of physical sex, sending her sister to the marriage-bed with Jacob out of fear.

    A more complex and realistic view of women's interactions.

The Guardian · Alex Clark · 2002-03-29
nuanced 4.00

The book is noted for its exploration of complex female relationships and the bonds that can break as well as form. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the nuanced portrayal of female experiences.

In this review, the author highlights how The Red Tent goes beyond a simple tale of female togetherness to explore the intricate and sometimes fraught relationships between women. They particularly appreciate the exploration of sexual rivalry and the complexities of female bonds. The reviewer finds the book to be a nuanced and thoughtful examination of womanhood, offering a fresh perspective on biblical women's society. The depth of the characters and their relationships is seen as a significant strength of the novel.

Quick quotes

    But far from being a saccharine tale of female togetherness, The Red Tent also explores the bonds that break, including the keen sexual rivalry ...

    A new view of biblical women's society.

    The Red Tent also explores the bonds that break, including the keen sexual rivalry ...

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