Anita Diamant's Biblical novel sheds a good deal of light on a culture that treats women as chattels, valued solely for breeding sons and their unending, obedient toil.
But among themselves, they have evolved their own private subculture which ensures their survival.
The author's skill at portraying the detail of these close-knit personalites, often in emotional conflict presents a fascinating interpretation of familiar Bible characters and she doesn't flinch from showing some of the mean-spiritedness and despicable behaviour of many of them. Ms. Diamant has carefully read between the lines and exposed much of the troubling issues that surely must have caused some of the horrifying events and great sufferng that resulted.
It's a gripping, resonant story that transcends the narrow cliches of "women's fiction." Thought-provoking, indeed.
But among themselves, they have evolved their own private subculture which ensures their survival.
The author's skill at portraying the detail of these close-knit personalites, often in emotional conflict presents a fascinating interpretation of familiar Bible characters and she doesn't flinch from showing some of the mean-spiritedness and despicable behaviour of many of them. Ms. Diamant has carefully read between the lines and exposed much of the troubling issues that surely must have caused some of the horrifying events and great sufferng that resulted.
It's a gripping, resonant story that transcends the narrow cliches of "women's fiction." Thought-provoking, indeed.
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