The Red Tent

I have previously read this book but when I saw it available on Audible, I thought that I would download it. Listening to it, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was able to visualise the characters better than when I read it.

I have read this book and listened to it several times. For me, it brings to life how women's lives were shaped by men for so long. although the women were strong and supported each other, ultimately they had very little choice in making decisions about their lives. Life was hard and the men could be brutal.
The story is about Dinah, the sister of Joseph-from the old testament. Although set in biblical times, it is not about religion. It covers one woman's life from birth to death, her childhood with all of the wives acting as her mother, her training to be a midwife, falling in love and having a son - all against the biblical background of familiar stories.
For today's independent active women, a life where you lived apart from the men when you were menstruating or in childbirth -in the red tent being waited upon by young girls - is so alien. But despite the sadness of death and loss, this is a joyous account of a woman overcoming the hardships to find peace of mind and her place in the world.

Nowhere near as spiritual, profound or enlightening as I was led to believe. Main character has little depth and there were few life lessons to take away. Also few lessons on the history of womanhood.

made me think about my mother and grandmother as well as my daughters and my unborn granddaughters. beautiful.

Deeply heart wrenching and bound to strike a chord within any woman touched by the knowing there is always more.....

Really interesting read whether you know the story of Jacob / Joseph or not. Full of historical insight and understanding which brings the tale to life.
I'd definitely recommend this book.

My only criticism is that I wish it was the full book! The story had me hooked from the start.