The Red Tent is written from the perspective of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob (you remember him, right? He broke the parent code and openly favored one kid) and sister of Joseph (you remember him, right? Fave son, flashy coat?). The book highlights Dinah’s interaction with women in the red tent, a tent where the women of Jacob’s tribe were required by ancient law to stay during menstruation and births. Think of the red tent as an ancient Cedar Nails. A hub where Jewish women gather to gossip, bond and are unabashedly womanly without those pesky patriarchs. It’s an incredible feminist tale about female friendships, love, and brothers who are a tad too protective.
For men who are thinking, “I can barely buy my wife/girlfriend/lover tampons without being overcome with manly embarrassment, this book is NOT for me,” let me start by saying, closing yourself off to feminist and female literature due to discomfort will only hurt you in the long run. Also, you’ll be missing out on a great historical fiction book that yes, showcases amazing women, but also gives light to biblical men, giving them personality and life in a way you haven’t seen before. There is also murder, the only blood men like to engage with in literature and film, so you have that to look forward to if you choose to read it.
The Red Tent just celebrated its 20th anniversary so there is no better time to pick up this soon to be classic!
