The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (2007, Paperback, Reissue)

Anita Diamant's novel "The Red Tent" is an exquisite historical fiction of biblical times, detailing the lives of Rachel and Leah, the two wives of Jacob and, ultimately, the story of Dinah, the daughter of Leah. The title refers to the tent that the women of the tribe must live in while experiencing their "time of the month" or when giving birth. The story arc carries the reader through the main characters lives as they become midwives, illumiinating the experiences they share with other women within their times and culture.

The novel is actually written in two parts, each connected by familial bonds. The first, and shorter of the two, encompasses the story of Rachel and Leah. Diamant provides many factual, historical details and broadcasts them throughout her natrrative, giving the reader a detailed history of childbearing among the Ancients. In the second part, Diamant abandons her non-fiction roots and creates a more genuine novel. While childbearing is still a prominent portion of the narrative, the drama becomes more expansive. Dinah, barely a woman, meets an Egyptian, Shalem, a handsome man of wealth and status and falls in love with him. He returns her love, and for a time the two engage in merry lovemaking. As was the custom of the time, Shalem's family attempts to "buy" Dinah from her family, making what appears to be a very fair offer. Jacob, masking his true feelings, is less than pleased over this proposed marriage of his daughter, as are his sons. A "Romeo and Juliet" scenario ensues, the age-old story of unfortunate star-crossed lovers whose families attempt to destroy their very true and genuine love. What occurs next is quite shocking, and we soon have tragedy piled upon tragedy.

The ultimate lesson of "The Red Tent" may be that most people do not experience great glories and victories in life; instead, most of us gather our joys and small pleasures where and when we can, and the rest of the time we do what is necessary to survive. Dinah does no less, and with great honor. She becomes an example for the everyperson, reminding us of the internal, silent and unsung glory that can well up in each of of us as we live our lives as best we can. The book is a well written, compelling read.