Friday, August 17, 2012

Summer Book Review - The Red Tent (UPDATED)

This spring, I loaded up on books to read for the summer (you might remember my Book Sale post). Well, I am happy to say, I've read them all, but one AND I've read two others (not on my list). As a writer, I wanted to learn what I could from the authors on story, content, delivery, etc.

Book: The Red Tent
Author:Anita Diamant

What I learned: 
1. Bring your world to life! Ms. Diamant certainly brought the Bible to life. The characters (their personalities and actions) were so real that I'll never read the Old Testament the same ever again. 
2. Do your research because details matter! Customs, life, worship, etc. (of the time) all came through seamlessly.

What I liked: Her manner of storytelling was very unique - it puts you right in Biblical times in a land that worships foreign gods. I also loved her take on what exactly happened to Dinah (and the aftermath), though it was bloody.

What I didn't like: I didn't agree with everything the author wrote (what and how things happened). It didn't all match the Bible. She took some liberties with her story-telling.

Recommend? YES! Maybe - I had forgotten there is a part in the book that is EXTREMELY offensive. Tyrean reminded me of it. For this reason, read at your discretion. I am still glad I read the book, but I almost stopped at that one part in the red tent (idol worship/explicit sex).

4 comments:

  1. I have often heard of this title but never read it. Sounds like a good book as long as one takes it as a work of fiction--which it is!

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    1. Pam, I don't think this book is for you. I had forgotten about the one part. It is REALLY bad.

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  2. I really disliked the liberties she took with the Bible. I found this book extremely offensive in the section with the idol worship in the red tent. I would recommend the Lineage of Grace series by Francine Rivers if you want to read something Biblically based.

    Another book about Dinah that's really interesting is Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews. It looks at the time line of events in the Bible and mixes Dinah's story with the story of Job - actually possible on the timeline. The book is well researched and a good read.

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    1. Tyrean, Yes! I had forgotten about that part! I almost put the book down because of it. That was offensive and not necessary! I think I'll update my post a bit due to that.

      Thank you so much for the recommendations. I will check them out.

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