Summary from GoodReads:

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. Based on this tragic historical event, Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of four extraordinary, bold, resourceful, and sensuous women, each of whom has 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 lives of these four complex and fiercely independent women 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.

My Review:

I have only had a few experiences with Hoffman’s writing – but I think it’s safe to say The Dovekeepers knocks them out of the water.

One thing I’ve noticed recently is the variety of historical time periods that books are based on, that are being released.  This was the first of these books that I read and, although it was a difficult read, it was gripping all the same.

Told through the perspective of different women, all of whom are connected through the doves they are keeping, it’s an amazing look at the times and customs of the Jews while they were out wandering in the desert, attempting to escape the Romans.

Based on a true story, this is a book that will have the history lover in you cheering with anticipation and love for the story, and the skill of the person writing it.

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