Book Review: The Dovekeepers

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
2011
504 Pages

Synopsis from Goodreads
Blends mythology, magic, archaeology and women. Traces four women, their path to the Masada massacre. In 70 CE, nine hundred Jews held out for months against armies of Romans on a mountain in the Judean desert, Masada. According to the ancient historian Josephus, two women and five children survived. 

Four bold, resourceful, and sensuous women come to Masada by a different path. Yael’s mother died in childbirth, and her father never forgave her for that death. Revka, a village baker’s wife, watched the horrifically brutal murder of her daughter by Roman soldiers; she brings to Masada her twin grandsons, rendered mute by their own witness. Aziza is a warrior’s daughter, raised as a boy, a fearless rider and expert marksman, who finds passion with another soldier. Shirah is wise in the ways of ancient magic and medicine, a woman with uncanny insight and power. The four lives intersect in the desperate days of the siege, as the Romans draw near. All are dovekeepers, and all are also keeping secrets — about who they are, where they come from, who fathered them, and whom they love

Rating 2 / 5 

My Review from My Goodreads
I had great expectations for this book. I heard that it was really great, and made it to the bestseller's list. However, I was disappointed. I felt like I really had to *try* to get through it, and that's never good when you're wanting to enjoy it. Hoffman's writing is almost too metaphorical and descriptive for my liking.

I will say that I liked how the book was divided into four parts, each from the perspective of a main female character. I like how so many of the characters were entertwined throughout their lives and challenges. There were some parts that were difficult to read - just because of the gruesome nature (even if it was very true, it just made me sad to read about it). I can appreciate all the work that Hoffman did in researching for this novel. The historical aspects seem to all be in tact, and it's good to get a different perspective on events happening so long ago.

Out of all the female characters, I liked Aziza the best. She was determined, genuine and devoted. She was devoted to herself, her sister, her mother, her absent father, and the men she loved. 

I didn't much care for all the magic and spells in the novel. But the symbolism of animals was pretty distinct and neat.

I'm not sure if I'm ready to jump into another Hoffman book yet, maybe in the future.