Review: The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

I picked up The Dovekeepers because it was going to be a two-part miniseries around Easter and I figured since I probably wasn't going to watch the adaptation, I should read the book. The story is based on part of the First Jewish-Roman War and takes place near the end when 900 Jews committed mass suicide in order to prevent being murdered by the Roman army right outsider there walls. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two woman and five children survived. This novel follows four women from different backgrounds who all end up in Masada (where the massacre takes place) and how their lives become fully intertwined with one another.

There was so much that this story held that I know I definitely did not get everything out of it that I could have. Symbolism was very important, especially when it came to animals in relation to humans, and the weaving of Jewish religion and what was considered "magic" back then was fascinating. I know next to nothing about this time period, this war, and the Jewish religion in general so it was all new information that I found interesting yet heartbreaking. The writing of this book was beautiful but oh was it heart wrenching. I knew in general what was going to happen at the end but just knowing that this wasn't a fully fictional event made me feel so sad and hopeless. I don't think I could read this again and I wouldn't recommend it to just anyone. The story and writing were truly beautiful but the subject matter is heavy and it's not a redeeming novel. It's reality (historical reality) and that puts a load on the mind and heart of the reader.

I am so glad I read this novel, however, and that I finally read something by Alice Hoffman. I was pushed out of my comfort zone and I learned so much from this story. It was heartbreaking but I really appreciate what the novel held in it's pages.

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