I added this nifty Book Club tab to my navigation panel, anticipating writing book reviews (with some frequency). What I realize now is that it’s actually not that easy to write a review.
Do you include a synopsis? How much is too much? Is there a system for rating, or just my random opinions.
None the less, I really miss sharing books with my friends and family. I especially miss having somewhat meaningful and insightful discussions about them, even if casually. So, here we go:
I just finished reading The Dovekeepers, by Alice Hoffman.
It is set in Ancient Israel, and tells the tale of the Jewish resistance during the Roman siege of Masada. It is told through the eyes of four women; heroines with their own sad, inspiring, and mystical stories.
The Dovekeepers reminds me of one of my favorite books, The Red Tent, by Anita Diamont. I suppose it’s the ancient desert setting, and the focus on the lives of the women.
My complaint would be the length of the novel. I found myself wondering when it would end, even though I was enjoying it. It also takes a long time to learn how the lives of these women are really connected.
My rating -
Did you read The Dovekeepers? What did you think? Have another book you would like me to review? Let me know!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I haven’t read it, so thanks for the insights. My limited experience doing reviews involved a recent assignment for a writing class. Just as you say, it’s a real challenge to know how much of each ingredient (synopsis, analysis, opinion) to use in baking the review cake. I never thought it looked easy, and it wasn’t anywhere near as easy as it looked!
Sure. I hope you like it.
I used to have my students in both elementary and middle school write story & book reviews. So, it’s funny to be on the flip side of it.
Amy
I loved The Red Tent. And The Dovekeepers has been one of my recommendations from Amazon. I’ve been thinking about checking it out. I think I will. Thanks!
Let me know how you like it. I wouldn’t say it’s up there with the Red Tent though, but it certainly has a similar vibe.
Amy