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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
Excellently written. Diamant brings to life a centuries-old Bible story many of us have grown up knowing, but never heard from a female perspective. Although this is clearly not told from a Christian bias, it does challenge deeper thinking about the Old Testament. A few parts were a bit too far-fetched for me, especially the negative slant given to almost every prominent patriarch mentioned, but I can still say this has easily become one of my new favorite books that I intend to read again before I die.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"We are all born of the same mother."
Having grown up in the Catholic church and also having grown up with the story of Joseph I was interested in reading this retelling. Back when I was still attending mass, we had a Sister who would align the Bible stories to modern times and to women especially. Her reflections on the Bible stories made me notice more how frequently women are excluded from religious examples.
When women are recalled from the Bible are they not ostracized. Think of Mary Magdalene or Eve, even through this book Dinah mentions being know for her rape which in her actual experience was love and loyalty.
This book made me want to reflect more on the women within the religion of my youth and look more into feminist retellings of Bible stories I grew up with.
Having grown up in the Catholic church and also having grown up with the story of Joseph I was interested in reading this retelling. Back when I was still attending mass, we had a Sister who would align the Bible stories to modern times and to women especially. Her reflections on the Bible stories made me notice more how frequently women are excluded from religious examples.
When women are recalled from the Bible are they not ostracized. Think of Mary Magdalene or Eve, even through this book Dinah mentions being know for her rape which in her actual experience was love and loyalty.
This book made me want to reflect more on the women within the religion of my youth and look more into feminist retellings of Bible stories I grew up with.
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Though Dinah was a compelling character I thought the book dragged a lot. Maybe I would have gotten more out of it if I was either a Christian or Jewish
“It is terrible how much has been forgotten, which is why, I suppose, remembering seems a holy thing.”
The Biblical story of Dinah, like many others of her gender, is told from the male perspective and focuses on how the men respond — we never hear from Dinah herself. Diamant’s novel is an attempt to give Dinah and the women who raised her their own stories.
This book has been on my TBR for years, and I’m so glad I picked it up this month. So much of women’s history has been lost, the victim of patriarchal religions that scorn our knowledge and consider our bodies weak or revolting. The story Diamant weaves for Dinah shoves those notions aside, portraying men as ruled by their egos and fear of what they don’t understand. The tale is powerful, heartbreaking, and uplifting in equal measure.
I believe everyone should read this book.
The Biblical story of Dinah, like many others of her gender, is told from the male perspective and focuses on how the men respond — we never hear from Dinah herself. Diamant’s novel is an attempt to give Dinah and the women who raised her their own stories.
This book has been on my TBR for years, and I’m so glad I picked it up this month. So much of women’s history has been lost, the victim of patriarchal religions that scorn our knowledge and consider our bodies weak or revolting. The story Diamant weaves for Dinah shoves those notions aside, portraying men as ruled by their egos and fear of what they don’t understand. The tale is powerful, heartbreaking, and uplifting in equal measure.
I believe everyone should read this book.
I reread this and didn’t remember a lot of it. The story is captivating and the relationship between all of the women is so inspiring and powerful. I wasn’t a fan of how Jacob and Joseph were portrayed. I think that could have been done differently while still maintaining a great story.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Amazing story of women in biblical days including midwives
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Pregnancy
Interesting premise, but I just really didn't like this book. Apparently if you take women's studies class this is supposed to be your favorite novel, but I didn't buy it. Reading about Biblical characters masturbating just wasn't attractive to me. When I brought this up in class I was accused of being conservative. My teacher said, "What do you think people in the Bible didn't masturbate?" Haha, oh well.
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Loved this book. Vivid storytelling, incredible characters, and a beautiful look at what life was like long ago as well as incredible insights to women’s bravery in childbirth and life. Couldn’t put it down.