The Dovekeepers

A Novel

By: Alice Hoffman, Heather Lind

Narrated by: Aya Cash, Jessica Hecht, Tovah Feldshuh

Length: 19 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Over five years in the writing, Alice Hoffman’s most ambitious and mesmerizing work ever, a triumph of imagination and research set in ancient Israel.

The author of such iconic bestsellers as Illumination Night, Practical Magic, Fortune’s Daughter, and Oprah’s Book Club selection Here on Earth, Alice Hoffman is one of the most popular and memorable writers of her generation. Now, in The Dovekeepers, Hoffman delivers her most masterful work yet - one that draws on her passion for mythology, magic, and archaeology and her inimitable understanding of women.

In 70 C.D., nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on a mountain in the Judean desert, Masada. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two women and five children survived. Based on this tragic historical event, Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of four extraordinary, bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of whom comes to Masada by a different path. Yael’s mother died in childbirth, and her father never forgave her for that death. Revka, a village baker’s wife, watched the horrifically brutal murder of her daughter by Roman soldiers; she brings to Masada her twin grandsons, rendered mute by their own witness. Aziza is a warrior’s daughter, raised as a boy, a fearless rider and expert marksman, who finds passion with another soldier. Shirah 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, as the Romans draw near. All are dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets - about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love.

This novel is Alice Hoffman’s masterpiece.

©2011 Alice Hoffman (P)2011 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Beautiful, harrowing, a major contribution to twenty-first century literature." (Toni Morrison, Nobel Laureate in Literature)

"I am still reeling from The Dovekeepers - from the history Alice Hoffman illuminates, from the language she uses to bring these women to life. This novel is a testament to the human spirit and to love rising from the ashes of war. But most of all, this novel is one that will never be forgotten by a reader." (Jodi Picoult, author of Sing You Home)

“In her remarkable new novel, Alice Hoffman holds a mirror to our ancient past as she explores the contemporary themes of sexual desire, women's solidarity in the face of strife, and the magic that's quietly present in our day-to-day living. Put The Dovekeepers at the pinnacle of Hoffman's extraordinary body of work. I was blown away.” (Wally Lamb, author of The Hour I First Believed)

This dove doesn't fly

I must admit that I didn't finish it. I was intrigued by the novel's Scriptural setting, but the content was not enough to emotionally invest me in the characters. I know a lot about the Bible, and I was hoping for familiar names or events interwoven in the story. The narrative was burdensome, and I found myself going back and re-listening to sections because I found I was day dreaming. The concept was good, but the story didn't work for me.

Very good historical novel

The Dovekeepers was an excellent historical novel providing a feminine view of was and oppression during the Roman Empire (CE). The audio performance was superb. Some of the battle scenes were gruesome, albeit realistic, but my shuddering made me rank the book a four instead of a five.

Excellent

Not what I normally opt for, but this was a beautiful story with vivid portrayals.

Fabulous and memorable

the narrators were so believable and beautifully done. the author has me a fan forever

dark but beautiful

It was not an easy story but a beautiful one. glad I listened to it.

exhausting

there is no joy here. I kept listening, out of pity for these characters,. I made it through,. left me feeling drained

I gave up after 3 hours of waiting for something..

it may just be me, but after three hours of struggling through the listening and nothing interesting was happening and I just couldn't stand it anymore

Unforgettable

This book is a heart wrenching masterpiece of beauty and power. Though not for the faint of heart, I will never forget this book and ink glad to have read it.

Loved it! Historically novel at its best!

Love the depth of the characters. A historic novel with a great story and well performed.

Beautiful, Moving

Ms. Hoffman's variation of this actual historical event was done very well. The characters came alive, the story was fascinating and I didn't want to stop reading (listening). This was the first Alice Hoffman story I read, but certainly won't be the last. Beautiful, soulful writing that speaks to me on a personal level.