The Dovekeepers: A Novel (original 2011; edition 2012)

Hoffman’s novel presents an entirely unique look into one of bloodiest events in history: the mass suicide that occurred at Masada in 70 AD. In the century following the death of Christ, nearly one thousand renegade Jews flee to the hilltop fortress of Masada, where they are eventually surrounded on all sides by the legions of Rome. Their choice is clear: they can either renounce their faith and live out their lives as slaves of the Empire, or they can die for their beliefs, either on the battlefield or within the walls of the fortress itself. Told from a woman’s point of view, The Dovekeepers is a chilling depiction of an ancient and typically overlooked culture, and Hoffman’s writing admirably illuminates the inevitable conflict that results between the struggle to survive and the desire to believe. This is a moving, well-written, and arduously researched piece of historical fiction, and presents some of the strongest and most memorable female characters as paragons of ancient history. ( )

The tale of four women who end up dovekeepers at Masada, where the Jews attempted to hold out against the Roman army in the first century. Yael, Revka, Aziza, and Shirah each come from different backgrounds and each tells a different story of their path to Masada. An interesting novel, rich with the drama of the time, but I didn't care for the way the narrators kept switching - it felt like I had to start over and cover the same ground with each character instead of advancing the story. ( )

I know you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover but this cover grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. There was something hauntingly beautiful about the young woman on the cover. I had to know what her story was. Having read a brief synopsis of the book I knew that it was the *perfect* book for me. Historical fiction and magical realism are two of my favorite genres. Add in strong women characters and it was almost too good to be true. With that level of exopectation, I was a bit afraid it wouldn't live up to it, but Alice Hoffman does not disappoint.

The Dovekeepers is the story of four very different women who come to the fortresses of Masada during the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 C.E
Yael the assassin's daughter who grew up hated and dismissed by her father; Revka the grandmother who survived the horrific slaying of her husband and then her daughter. Shirah who longs to fight like a man against those who have taken everything away from her family; and Shirah the medicine woman who is scorned by all until her magic and healing skills are needed. Each of these women work in the dovecote where the spend their days gathering droppings for fertilizer and coming to know one another.

It is a long novel that is told four parts, one by each woman. Their voices are clear and pronounced, carrying the weight of their respective journeys to the fortress with them. Here and there are signs of Hoffman's penchance for magical realism but they are not overdone or larger than life. Rather they are just a part of the characters. Life in the tight quarters of the fortress is fraught with secrets and untold danger for each. The novel is not set at a breakneck speed despite the danger the characters are in. It moves at a slower pace allowing the reader to understand the characters, their motivations and their decisions. Some parts may seem to be bogged down in descriptions of what could be seen as minutia but these details blend together to create a backdrop rich in details and authenticity. When the end approaches even though you know that only a handful of people survived the massacre it still is heart wrenching and shocking. The story and the characters will stay with you long after you finish it.

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I have to admit that I had a hard time getting into this book even though I am a long-time fan of Hoffman. This book is different than anything she has written and it was hard to adjust. It also takes place during a period of history that does not appeal to me. But still, it's Alice Hoffman, a favorite author, and people were raving about this book. So despite it's size and depth, I decided to just sink myself into this novel. And I am so glad I did as it was brilliant and amazing.
It follows the lives of four women around 70 AD who are living in Madasa, the former fortress of King Herod. Hoffman explores the life of each woman thoroughly and how their lives are connected.
I found that it was much easier to read this in small chunks as it can get overwhelming by the descriptions and different heavy themes involved. Hoffman has stated that it took her 5 years to write this book and I believe it. Maybe this could have been shorter but it was worth it. I won't lie though. I'll be happy to read her trademark books again. Readers who have not enjoyed Hoffman's work will probably enjoy this as it is so different, but there is enough in here to satisfy her usual fans ( )

Very powerful, engrossing book that imagines the events at Masada from the viewpoint of the women. There are so many interesting themes that Hoffman explores -- the role of fate, the mixing of Judaism and paganism, the relationship between mothers and daughters, the power of names, gender roles, the ways women had and found power, the importance of forgiveness, etc.

I suspect this book would be a challenging read for someone who doesn't know much about the history of ancient Israel or Judaism. Since I just returned from a trip to Israel right before beginning this novel, I definitely had an advantage. ( )