One of my all time favorite books. Alice Hoffman’s storytelling touches the soul!

幺丷

This is a story based on historical information about a tremendous act of courage and religious faith. It reflects the strength of a people in their commitment to their beliefs. It is an enduring tale of the capabilities of humanity and limitless love. An inspiring read!

This book was a wonderful story. I especially enjoy books based on true events. Although it was a long story, it was full of vivid description and detail that made it come alive. I truly enjoyed reading it. If you are at all interested in ancient Biblical history and/or how it is relevant to what is happening in the Middle East today, you will devour this book and reflect long and thoughtfully what the author was sharing with us. Most of the history we have today is told from a masculine point of view. It is refreshing to read and feel history from the feminine side.

Certainly one of the best books I have ever read.

Usually I love historical fiction (especially biblical) but I could not get through this.

Fantastic story that pulls you in. I could not put the book down. Such a great mix of history and pure human emotion. Absolutely loved it! Highly recommend!

I've always remembered my Bibilical studies by Ray Vanderlann as fascinating especially when he shared about Masada. When I came across this book, the title alone piqued my interest. Alice Hoffman uses the story of Masada's only survivors as her foundation to weave a story of bravery, love, fierce passion, loyalty and the will to live no matter the circumstances. Her story-telling provides you a glimpse into history of the Jewish sects and Romans as well as the beauty of Masada created by King Herod. Truly a great read for anyone who is history lover!

The Dove Keepers is a novel of compelling emotional and spiritual power; a testimony to the promise we all are born with but too often forget, that love transfigures the righteous and the revenant alike. Alice Hoffman evokes a world where everything is sharp, immediate, pulsing; where the sacred and sacrilegious are interwoven in the mundane and miraculous lives of her characters. Yael, Aziza, Shirah and Revkah, narrate the story from four interconnected and beautifully layered points of view, and while they are the women who create and carry the story, they are only four in an incredible family of amazing and memorable characters. One feels the heat and beauty of the desert; the mean yet wondrous quality of life even more precious because so easy to lose. This story connects the reader to a past that is both not our own yet intimately our own; a reality that is harsh and sumptuous. Historical novels may not be your thing, but this is one that could change your mind. You will care about the characters long before you begin to consider the history they inhabit, and later you will realize that your own humanity is reflected in this caring and wonderful historical meditation and remembrance.

A beautifully written quartet of interwoven stories about four women in ancient Judea whose destinies were infinitely bound together. For women of our time, they exemplify what it means to truly be your own person, stand in your truth and embrace your unique gifts. A tale of strength, betrayal and courage interlaced with fierce loyalty and love. I couldn't put it down once I began reading and will pick it up again and again to immerse myself in the pure poetry of the story and the words used to tell it.