The Dovekeepers

A Novel

By: Alice Hoffman

Narrated by: Aya Cash, Tovah Feldshuh, Jessica Hecht, Heather Lind

An ambitious and mesmerizing historical novel from the bestselling author of Rules of Magic. The Dovekeepers is “striking….Hoffman grounds her expansive, intricately woven, and deepest new novel in biblical history, with a devotion and seriousness of purpose” (Entertainment Weekly).

Nearly two thousand years ago, nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on Masada, a mountain fortress in the Judean desert. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic and iconic event, Hoffman’s novel is a spellbinding tale of four extraordinarily bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of whom has come to Masada by a different path. Yael’s mother died in childbirth, and her father, an expert assassin, never forgave her for that death. Revka, a village baker’s wife, watched the murder of her daughter by Roman soldiers; she brings to Masada her young grandsons, rendered mute by what they have witnessed. Aziza is a warrior’s daughter, raised as a boy, a fearless rider and expert marksman who finds passion with a fellow soldier. Shirah, born in Alexandria, is wise in the ways of ancient magic and medicine, a woman with uncanny insight and power.

The lives of these four complex and fiercely independent women intersect in the desperate days of the Roman siege of Masada. All are dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets—about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love.

Perfect story for audio

A wonderful story made all the more compelling by four, well-chosen narrators. I recommend it for everyone of all ages, and genders!

If you loved the Red Tent

If you love bible stories about women,if you read the Red Tent, you will love this book. There is magic, but it is grounded in faith and hardship and thousands of years of heritage. I love that each women was given their own voice. I have to remind myself that is is not like her other books. These women or women just like them really survivied and utimately thrived.

Torn...

I am torn when it comes to this book; initially I thought it was great but I must admit that the way it is performed and the mix of characters left me somewhat unsatisfied. I struggled keeping the different women apart and while I liked getting to know them and their lives, I also felt that the story dragged on too long. It is not a bad read but it isn't a really great one either.

One word: Phenomenal!

Would you listen to The Dovekeepers again? Why?

I would definitely listen to this book again. The stories of the 4 women were weaved so seamlessly together. I was riveted from beginning to end!

Who was your favorite character and why?

While all the women possessed such strength of character in the face of certain death, Yael was by far my favorite. Her incredible journey left me in awe of her perseverance and fortitude.

Which scene was your favorite?

I was holding my breath when Yael released the lion from the Romans camp. The emotion of that moment brought tears to my eyes. I will never forget it.

If you could take any character from The Dovekeepers out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Dinner with Shirah would be an amazing event. Of all the women, she was the wisest and most cunning. Shirah carried with her so much knowledge of her people's culture and secrets of the generations before her. I would be thrilled to share a meal with her and have her confidence.

Any additional comments?

This is the first book I have read of this era which took me to the time and place of these brave people. I saw what they saw and felt what they felt. Alice Hoffman is a master storyteller. Heather Lind, Aya Cash, Jessica Hecht and Tovah Feldshuh brought life to the words and kept me spellbound!

Excellent

Gosh, this book was great! I couldn't wait to get in the car to listen to this book. I hated for it to end. I am so impressed with Alice Hoffman's work, research and story. I've recommended this to everyone I know.