The Dovekeepers

A Novel

By: Alice Hoffman

Narrated by: Aya Cash, Tovah Feldshuh, Jessica Hecht, Heather Lind

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.

Draining story - but beautifully written/told

Do not 'read' this if you are depressed. The writing is lovely. The narration is incredible. But your heart will break again & again. I'm torn between my appreciate for the wonderful aspects of this story & the sadness it drew out of me. I guess that's a sign of a good book.

No Olive Branch

There is no peace to be found here, there is no olive branch... Suspicious, guarded, and impassioned, four disparate women find themselves in the ancient and foreboding fortress of Masada only to realize that for them, there is no refuge-- from mankind, or destiny. While dutifully tending the doves, their stories and secrets unfold and their lives entwine through creative and talented writing by Hoffman, and nicely performed narration. With the ferocity of the warriors they are surrounded by, and their inherent spirit, the women come to embody and protect those very traits the doves they care for symbolize: family and love, gentleness and peace. While each narration is compelling, I found the historical research and wonderfully detailed descriptions--ancient Masada (with its mysterious and mystical history), and the austere beauty of the Judean desert--to be the sensory hooks that kept my interest more so than the characters. I understand the technical difficulties that are inherent in pulling 4 distinct personalities from one head, and with that said, there are times during the narration that the characters lose their individuality and definition, causing the tight thread of a great story to slacken a bit. The genre of "Magical Realism" is difficult for analytical readers...When characters possess such prescience, the ability to think beyond societal parameteers with the wisdom of centuries, AND magical powers, I always end up asking myself, "so, why are they in such predicaments;" if they can conjure the rains and summon spirits, why don't they find better living quarters, monogamous mates, a decent meal? As the novel concludes, when the pairs of doves are released from the holds of the massacred city to fly and live on, I realized the answer and who the dovekeepers are. Agree it is reminiscent of Red Tent; an entertaining and slightly haunting read to let your mind drift through, with the possible caveat to SOME male readers, there is no "kind" in mankind in this novel.

Good Story

I really enjoyed listening to this book. Although I've read the history of Masada, this book brought the place to life for me. Being the last of the Jews to hold out against the Romans, times were tough, and food became scarce.
It was interesting listening to how these women survived these tough times for a few years, and how they were all connected on some very basic levels.

The only complaint I have is that, some of the stories were redundant, as the characters lives over lapped.

Great Read

Would you listen to The Dovekeepers again? Why?

I would listen to this again because of the different perspectives each character brings to this story. The characters are interesting - some I could connect with while others were not good people but I still wanted to hear what they were thinking and experiencing. I really felt that listening to the audio version brought life to this book since each section was based on a different character and therefore had a different voice. Hearing the struggles each of these women go through is difficult at times, but by listening to the story you experience it with them.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dovekeepers?

One of the most memorable scenes was when Revka describes the death of her daughter at the hands of the Romans - and her revenge.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

I liked that each of the narrators's voices matched the character they were portraying and did so believably.

If you could rename The Dovekeepers, what would you call it?

The last warrior women of Masada

Engaging story

I enjoy throrough character development and Alice Hoffman is always a favorite. I was not disappointed in either the story or the characters. Unfortunately, I did find that I had some difficulties listening to the first narrator. While her voice is clear and her enunciation very good, I sometimes found her rhythm distracting. At one point I actually increased the speed in order to make my way through a passage. I recommend the book, but would caution that listeners may need to take occasional breaks.