The Red Tent Audiobook By Anita Diamant cover art

The Red Tent

A Novel

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The Red Tent

By: Anita Diamant
Narrated by: Carol Bilger
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In this modern classic interpretation of the biblical story of Dinah, Anita Diamant imagines the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood--the world of The Red Tent, a New York Times bestseller and the basis of the A&E/Lifetime mini-series.

Twentieth Anniversary Edition

In the Bible, Dinah's life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters of the Book of Genesis that tell of her father, Jacob, and his twelve sons.

The Red Tent begins with the story of the mothers--Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah--the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that sustain her through childhood, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land. Dinah's story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates an intimate connection with the past.

Deeply affecting, The Red Tent combines rich storytelling and the valuable achievement of presenting a new view of biblical women's lives.

 Heartfelt Tearjerking Biblical Fiction

Critic reviews

“By giving a voice to Dinah...the novel has struck a chord with women who may have felt left out of biblical history.” —Los Angeles Times

“With stirring scenery and a narrative of force and color, a readable tale marked by hortatory fulminations and voluptuous lamentations.” —Kirkus Reviews

“After several nonfiction works on Judaism, Diamant's fiction debut links the passions of the early Israelites to the ongoing traditions of modern Jews, while the red tent of her title (where women retreat for menstruation, childbirth and illness) becomes a resonant symbol of womanly strength, love and wisdom....Diamant succeeds admirably in depicting the lives of women in the age that engendered our civilization and our most enduring values.” —Publishers Weekly

“By giving a voice to Dinah...the novel has struck a chord with women who may have felt left out of biblical history.” —Los Angeles Times

“With stirring scenery and a narrative of force and color, a readable tale marked by hortatory fulminations and voluptuous lamentations.” —Kirkus Reviews

“After several nonfiction works on Judaism, Diamant's fiction debut links the passions of the early Israelites to the ongoing traditions of modern Jews, while the red tent of her title (where women retreat for menstruation, childbirth and illness) becomes a resonant symbol of womanly strength, love and wisdom....Diamant succeeds admirably in depicting the lives of women in the age that engendered our civilization and our most enduring values. ” —Publishers Weekly
Female Perspective • Rich Historical Detail • Soothing Voice • Well-developed Characters • Emotional Depth

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One of my favorite courses in college was "The History of Women". This course explored the role of women beginning with Eve and went right through until modern times. One of the most interesting areas was exploring women of the Bible. We learned that the cycle of the earth/cycle of life were very much worshipped by women and respected by men until the onset of the "One God". As women were forced to worship the "One God" they forgot their past and no longer felt proud of their roles as women, their monthly cycles or their ability to bring forth new life. Instead they were made to feel ashamed.

The red tent was the place where women would gather when they were menstruating. It was a time to relax and discuss women issues. They were secluded from men and younger girls and older women would attend to the daily chores. It was also where they would go when giving birth or tending to the sick. As I read the story of Dinah and her mothers, I was somewhat envious of their times in the Red Tent and their rejoicing at their ability to be the ones to bring new life into the world.

The audible version was very well done. I only downloaded it as a "2" but think from now on I will download at higher versions to get a richer sound. The music was distorted at this level and the voice somewhat tinny. Still, the narrator did an excellent job and I was completely immersed into Dinah's world.

A Great Read for Women's History Buffs

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I too was compelled to read the Bible and compare this book with the scriptures. I am by no means a biblical scholar but I cannot fathom the previous reviewer's close-minded approach to this book. I think that some of the characters, whether they were ancestors (not descendants) of David and Jesus committed some pretty atrocious acts that were murderous and deceitful and I do not have any difficulty in believing that they would not stop at having their way with a few goats and sheep as I am sure most shepherds have done. To believe otherwise is a bit naive. No wonder our country has been taken over by such easily led "fundamentalists" whose lack of objectivity has gotten us into the mess we are in now. Human nature hasn't changed much.

Very Entertaining

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This is a wonderful book. Well written and well narrated. I laughed and cried. A great story about women, thier strength and complicated relationships. I am not one to usually like books like this but I must say I really did.

A lovely story

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Even though it is fictional I loved that it was like being in the past. The way people treated others, the emotional experiences, and the drama was wonderfully written. This a a book I have read before and still enjoy it again.

Wonderful story

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I loved every thing about this book! As a birth worker this book rung true and I loved the idea of the Red Tent!

One of the best books I've ever heard!!

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