Alice Hoffman

a novel

The dovekeepers

An ambitious and mesmerizing novel from the bestselling author of Rules of Magic. The Dovekeepers is “striking….Hoffman grounds her expansive, intricately woven, and deepest new novel in biblical history, with a devotion and seriousness of purpose” (Entertainment Weekly). Nearly two thousand years ago, nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on Masada, a mountain in the Judean desert. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic and iconic event, Hoffman’s novel is a spellbinding tale of four extraordinarily bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of whom has come to Masada by a different path. Yael’s mother died in childbirth, and her father, an expert assassin, never forgave her for that death. Revka, a village baker’s wife, watched the murder of her daughter by Roman soldiers; she brings to Masada her young grandsons, rendered mute by what they have witnessed. Aziza is a warrior’s daughter, raised as a boy, a fearless rider and expert marksman who finds passion with a fellow soldier. Shirah, born in Alexandria, is wise in the ways of ancient magic and medicine, a woman with uncanny insight and power. The lives of these four complex and fiercely independent women intersect in the desperate days of the siege. All are dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets—about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love.

A Novel

The Dovekeepers

Lamia Hajani

A haunting book that takes you through four different narrators, The Dovekeepers is a novel that touches upon the strength of women. For a 514 page book, me finishing it in 3 days is quite a feat. However, it is hard to not lose yourself in this book and read at least a full narrative every day. 

There's not much to say about this book, except that I would recommend to anyone looking for a deeper read that will make a lasting impression.

Stephanie Honour

Took longer than usual for me to get into this book, but it was worth the perseverance. Great mix of historical accuracy and fiction.

Janet Doré

"Why should we fear death when we do not fear sleep? Death allows freedom to our souls."

I was sure I would have a deep emotional attachment to this book. It has two of the key factors that many of my all time favorites have — it's historical fiction and all of the main characters are badass women. 

But, it felt so flat to me. 

It hit me when I read a sentence by one of the most fascinating characters. In it she simply stated how the women "keened" for their loved ones who were being slaughtered. That's it. I didn't hear or feel the women keening.

The whole book was emotionally distant...so, it never managed to grab hold of me and hold me in its grasp. Instead, it dragged and quickly put me to sleep during my bedtime reading sessions. 

Now, if I look at it purely as a learning experience...as if it was a non-fiction book about a crucial time in history...it fares much better. 

I'm glad I read it. I had little knowledge of what the Romans did to the Jews and now I can be a better human because I understand the history of a persecuted people a little more. 

The research and attention to detail is incredible and the story is clearly told with deep love. Just go into it expecting a documentary and your expectations will be surpassed.

The dovekeepers a novel

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