The Red Tent

I just finished reading  The Red Tent by Anita Diamant last night. I must say it is now in my top five books.

Diamant draws her basis of the story form Genesis  and Exodus, but tells the story from the view of a woman. Diamant gives voice to Dinah, daughter of Jacob and Leah.  In religious texts Dinah’s story is told by her father and brothers which  tells a story of rape  and disgrace. Dinah’s voice paints an entirely different picture of her life, one filled with curiosity, grief, and happiness. In The Red Tent readers learn the role of women in biblical times, their bond, and their courage. It is hard not to become absorbed in Dinah and her mothers lives.

For me, the book reconnected me with the role of daughter, sister, and woman. I feel a stronger connection with all of those who have come before me and respectful for those who had suffered adversity and have survived despite it. While in history women’s voice is usually silenced; women must rely on writings of men to gain insight. The Red Tent is able to fill a void in the writings of men and give women a glimpse of their own story.   

Up next The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood. Also in researching future books, I searched other books by Anita Diamant and found Day After Night which I hope I can picked up soon at the library.