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The Red Tent
The Red Tent tells the intimate
story of Dinah, a woman mentioned briefly as a tragic character in the
more well-known chapters of her father, Jacob's life in the Book of Genesis.
With sweeping, vivid simplicity, the author writes in Dinah's words, mixing
the surrounding biblical scenery's air of warmth and mystery into her
narration. Dinah tells first the story of her loving mothers; four very
different women who raise her, each with their own methods of scolding,
teaching, and affection. They invite her into the world of the Red Tent,
teaching her the trials and tribulations of womanhood, love, sex, work,
and life, trusting her with their stories, that she may keep their memories
alive by carrying them with her wherever she goes. After a peaceful childhood,
Dinah leaves her huge family to marry her hot lover of noble stature.
But her dream of happiness is shattered when her once beloved father,
Jacob and her brothers betray her in a bloody nightmare that leaves her
broken and alone. She goes back to a nomadic way of life once again, and
becomes a midwife. Her travels lead her to places and people that each
contribute to the bittersweet cycles and swells of her life. And don't
worry, its not just a long description of sand dunes and wise menopausal
women, as were my prior expectations; its a really beautiful book.
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