A Review of The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

The Dovekeepers is a sweeping historical novel set in ancient Judea during the time of the Roman siege on the mountain Masada. The story is told from the perspective of four women who have escaped the Roman soldiers in their hometowns and have come to the Jewish settlement at Masada for refuge. Each of these women, some related to one another, all holding secrets that intertwine them in each other's lives, is a strong feminine force. They are tough ladies, reflecting the times and the role of women, Jewish women especially, in those times. The book is beautifully, if hauntingly written. The character's lives are gripping and shocking; themes of love, abandonment, loss, child death, war, rape and murder. Despite this, I was not as drawn in to the book as I had hoped or expected to be. It was an enjoyable read, but at times a bit boring. Although each of these characters is a Jew, and therefore destined to be annihilated by the advancing Roman army, bent on ridding the world of Jews, they seemed particularly steeped in mysticism and magic, probably a very accurate rendering of certain sects of Jews living in that place and time. This book is not religious in nature, but there were many references to angels and praying, prayers and Adonai (Hebrew for God). It still seemed removed from religion, per se, and focused more on the culture of the time. Women were certainly not respected or given many rights. These women seem to triumph over their lack of rights as much as they can, and try their best to stand for and love each other, even when they are messing things up. I would recommend this book, as I thought it a worthwhile read.