The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Title: The Red Tent

Author: Anita Diamant

Genre: Historical

Summary: The story of Dinah is included in the larger picture of Jacob and his wives Leah, Rebecca and their handmaidens.

The Take-Away: The culture beyond the Israelites is shown in the lives of the women, which were essentially separate from the men. In reading this book, I was able to interpret how the practices of the Canaanites were kept. It expands on the story while tying in the elements that are documented in the Bible and other places.

The book shows another side of these women who have an important role in the Bible. It gives them personality and brings them to life. The dynamics of the two wives are dealt with. The teraphim, or household gods of Laban, are explained. Motive is given to Rebecca taking them.

While this is a work of fiction, I appreciate the picture that Ms Diamant draws for her readers. On her website, Ms Diamant explain her thoughts and research for the book.

Recommendation: Read it and see what might have been.