‘A major contribution to twenty-first-century literature’ Toni Morrison, Nobel Laureate and author of Beloved In the year 70 CE, nine hundred Jews held out for months against the Roman army in ancient Israel. Only two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic event, Alice Hoffman weaves a spellbinding story about the lives of four bold and remarkable women during desperate days … remarkable women during desperate days of the siege of Masada, when supplies are dwindling and the Romans are drawing near.
Yael is the assassin’s daughter, Revka’s life has been torn apart by the Romans, Aziza has been raised as a warrior and Shirah is wise in the ways of ancient magic. All are dovekeepers, and all are keepers of secrets – about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love.
The Dovekeepers is Alice Hoffman’s masterpiece.
Praise for The Dovekeepers
‘Hoffman is a writer of great perception and she captures with precision the complexity of the relationships between the women, their fear and guilt, their courage, their hunger for consolation and companionship’ Guardian
‘Fascinating . . . Hoffman’s grasp of her subject compels respect’ Helen Dunmore, The Times
‘A book as monumental as its subject, magical, moving, quite beautifully written and probably Hoffman’s best. A genuine masterpiece’ Daily Mail
‘I would share the incredible creative power and intense imagination of Alice Hoffman, whose novel The Dovekeepersshows just how far and deep historical fiction can go’ Observer, ‘What Will Be Under Your Tree This Christmas’
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A favorite book by a favorite author. I love Alice Hoffman’s books for their depth and humanity, and in this one, she brings to life a world of brutal beauty and survival. A fantastic, challenging read that will haunt you long after the book is closed.
i loved this book. It was the first Alice Hoffman book I read.
Absolutely beautifully written. I love this books and this author. Such an amazing talent.
One of the most exceptional novels I have ever read. Great depiction of each character. Held my interest beginning to end.
Period piece of the first century CE, told through the eyes of four Jewish woman, a tale honoring mother’s and remembering the violent times of the Siege of Masada by the violent Roman Empire.
Loved this book. Very interesting and based on actual event.
This book was wonderful! I recall seeing a reviewer once say it could have benefited from some tighter editing, and I would have to agree. However, that is my only issue with this book. I felt I was sucked into the ancient world, and the characters were brought to life from these pages. Additionally, as a natural redhead, I could really relate to …
One of my all time favorite books.
I learned a lot about what happened on Masada.
great read
My favorite book of all time!
I read this before going to Israel and Masada, so felt that I knew the pace already. Seeing the bird cages on the mountain made the book ever so real!
Amazing book could not put it down. Learned so very much reading this.
The best EVER!
I enjoyed reading this book although it was a slow read.
It’s a great read! Then I visited Israel and saw the Masada after reading the book and walked the snake path. It made it all come alive!
A good book based on historical times. The book keeps you guessing until the very end.
This is my favorite AH novel, but then I am a history buff. I continue to recommend it in any conversation about favorite books.
I loved this book Great character development. Great description of life you could picture yourself in those times
Best book i’ve Read in a long time
Amazing well developed characters and plot line. Definitely a page turner/must read imo! Loved it!