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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This is my third time reading this book. The first time I read it in high school, after my aunt gifted it to me. The second was in undergrad as assigned reading in an English course (I think it was “Women in Dangerous Literature”). This time, it’s for my historical fiction book club. For having read it so many times, I didn’t really remember the second half. The first half is what really stuck with me. This is a feminist reimagining of the biblical tale of the rape of Dinah from Genesis. It is told from Dinah’s POV, but features the wives of Jacob, all his sons, etc. The way women lived and formed bonds is a focus, particularly through childbirth and menstruation. The author’s goal was to provide a voice to Dinah (she doesn’t speak at all in the Bible) and to provide a more nuanced view of the relationship between sister wives Leah and Rachel. The rape is not a rape in this book, in case that stresses you out. It is incorrectly called a rape by men with their own agendas; Dinah has a consensual relationship. This isn’t a book with a very strong plot, and I’d argue the pacing isn’t great. Sometimes things happen very quickly, and I’m left rereading a section to catch up in my head. The main focuses are the characters and their traditions. Dinah develops a quiet power and has relatable trauma responses. I really enjoyed the journey her character went on. This story has themes of betrayal and forgiveness, powerlessness and strength, and they’re all explored very well. If you like biblical reimaginings, you might like this story. I think reading it three times is more than enough for me.
medium-paced
Loved the historical fiction woven with familiar stories, as told from a decidedly feminine point of view. A very fun read while pregnant also! Painted complex, rich portrayals of multiple characters, which I appreciated because there are so many. Generated a lot of good discussion with folks as well. Highly recommend!
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Such an interesting look into the lives of women in those days. Loved the characters and the family connections. Worth the read.
3.75. Beautifully written but not my normal cup of tea. Loved the ending.
DNF! This is the third time I tried to read this and I couldn’t get into it at all; I forced myself to read for 30 minutes and found myself glancing sr the clock the entire time.
I am confused why it keeps being recommended to me by friends
I am confused why it keeps being recommended to me by friends
Finally got around to this. People had been recommending it to me forever, so I picked it up. It was pretty good, interesting and historical, but it didn't blow me away. Perhaps my expectations were too high.
Just couldn't love this story (and I really wanted to). Found it cold and dull.