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The Dovekeepers

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The Dovekeepers

By: Alice Hoffman
Narrated by: Aya Cash, Tovah Feldshuh, Jessica Hecht, Heather Lind
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About this listen

The lives of four sensuous, bold and remarkable women intersect in the year AD 70, in the desperate days of the siege of Masada, when supplies are dwindling and the Romans are drawing near. All are dovekeepers, and all are keepers of secrets - about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them and whom they love.

There is Yael, the assassin's daughter whose heartbreak leads to her true path in the ruins of the desert; Revka, the baker's wife who loses her dearest treasure on Earth yet finds the strength to protect her family; Aziza, the warrior's beloved who leads a secret life not even those closest to her could imagine; and Marit, beautiful witch of Moab, a woman as loyal as she is dangerous.

©2011 Copyright © Property Of, Inc 2011 (P)2015 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
Historical Fiction Fiction Heartfelt

Critic Reviews

"Beautiful, harrowing, a major contribution to twenty-first century literature." (Toni Jordan)
"Hoffman makes ancient history live and breathe in this compelling story." ( Booklist)
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I enjoyed this book. Having the different narrators reading different characters made it interesting. The story is a mix of fantasy and history and keeps your attention. A great read.

A Captivating Read

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The women of the dovecote epitomise courage, dignity, faith even though their story, the big picture of history anyway, is already written and they cannot win. Gaining and keeping control, maintaining integrity at the level of the Self, when the forces arrayed against you cannot be overcome, that's the message of this beautifully written, beautifully spoken book

Strong and beautiful characters

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The story was engaging and the narrators were excellent. I couldn't stop listening it was so good.

Really enjoyed it, a must read

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Beautifully written & narrated. A story about the sorrow & pointless waste of war from the point of view of the women who must watch on as their children are slaughtered.

4 courageous women

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Loved it! I wasn't sure if I would enjoy a story set in this time period but I really did. Be warned there are a few images that will haunt you. Hoffman's writing is poetic and moving.

Stunning.

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A tough one to get into but compelling once the story is established. Graphically violent at times. An interesting insight into community and beliefs of the time. Overall it was enjoyable.

4 stars

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It's quite a slow start and I honestly strugged to keep on listening, I am also not religious what's ever so it was hard for me to follow however I did like the the main characters very strong women that don't take shit.



I would recommend it but if your not the religious history I would give it a miss.

a good listen

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