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The Red Tent cover art

The Red Tent

By: Anita Diamant
Narrated by: Carol Bilger
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Publisher's Summary

Deeply affecting, The Red Tent combines rich storytelling with a valuable contribution in modern fiction: a new perspective of female life in biblical society. It is a vast and stirring work described as what the Bible might have been had it been written by God's daughters instead of sons. Far beyond the traditional women-of-the-Bible sagas in both impact and vigor, The Red Tent is based upon a mention in Genesis of Jacob's only female offspring - his daughter, Dinah.

Author Anita Diamant, in the voice of Dinah, gives an insider's look at the details of women's lives in biblical times and a chronicle of their earthy stories and long-ignored histories. The red tent of the title is the place where women were sequestered during their cycles of birthing, menses, and illness. It is here that Dinah hears the whispered stories of her four mothers - Jacob's wives Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah - and tells their tales to us in remarkable and thought-provoking oratories.

Familiar passages from the Bible take on new life as Dinah fills in what the Bible has left out - the lives of women. Dinah tells us of her initiation into the religious and sexual practices of the tribe; Jacob's courtship with Rachel and Leah; the ancient world of caravans, farmers, midwives, and slaves; her ill-fated sojourn in the city of Sechem; her years in Canaan; and her half-brother Joseph's rise in Egypt.

Skillfully interweaving biblical tales with characters of her own invention, the author re-creates the life of Dinah providing an illuminating portrait of a courageous woman and the life she might have lived. A new view of the panorama of life in biblical times emerges from the female perspective, and the red tent itself becomes a symbol of womanly strength, love, and wisdom.

The Red Tent is one of those extremely rare publishing phenomenons - a little promoted, but dynamically successful book (over 250,000 copies sold) that owes its success to enthusiastic word-of-mouth endorsements. Now, for the first time, this sweeping saga, which has struck a chord with so many modern-day women, comes to life as a much-anticipated audiobook.

Don't miss Anita Diamant at the 92nd Street Y.
©1997 by Anita Diamant (P)2000 by Audio Renaissance, An Imprint of Renaissance Media, Inc.

Critic Reviews

  • Book Sense Book of the Year Award Winner, Adult Fiction, 2001

"The oldest story of all could never seem more original, or more true." (James Carroll, author of An American Requiem)
"Carol Bilger narrates with a warmth and melodiousness that echo the rhythm of the musical interludes that separate chapters." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about The Red Tent

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Strength and courage of women

One of my most favourite stories of strength and courage of women. Powerful story of the true power of women, their connection and support for one another.

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such a beautiful and clever story

this was amazing, I loved that from the the Biblical footnote that is Dinah, a whole world is fleshed out so thoughtfully and creativity.

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a gem of a story

have read the paperback twice & seen the mini tv series prior to this audible version. i find the audible equally moving as the book & tv series. A relatable retelling of the lives of the biblical Jacob, his family & only daughter Dinah. Rich in feels of love and forgiveness.

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BREATHTAKING. A MUST READ FABLE.


I have purchased The Red Tent on multiple occasions, at least three times. I have read this captivating novel numerous times throughout the years. Additionally, I have lent it to many women who have all cherished and adored it.
The storytelling in this book is absolutely incredible, making it an epic tale. I have eagerly awaited its release on Audible, so I could experience the pleasure of having it read to me.
The narrator of the story did not disappoint, and I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone seeking an immersive journey into a rich and culturally diverse world. I do suggest keeping a pen and paper handy at the beginning of the audiobook, as it would be beneficial to create a small family tree to better comprehend the intricate family lineage. The book itself provides a family tree within its initial pages.


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