had to return before I could finish and intend to try again , although I found some it tedious to read. but I do love to find out how people lived in other centuries and this book is interesting in that it relates to a period where women were treated very differently. so Ill have it on hold and post again

I found this book tedious to read. There was far too much detail that was not really pertinent in my opinion. For me, the detail detracted from the story. The changes in narration was jarring and disruptive; it interrupted the flow of the story. I pushed myself to finish this book and almost gave up during the first part (Yael's narration). I persevered and enjoyed Revka's narration the most (the second part). The last two parts, narrated by Aziza then Shirah, were OK but I found myself skimming large portions. This is a shame because it is a very compelling and important story.

This is an exquisitely written story. I have read almost every book Hoffman has written and loved them, but this one is an incredible piece of history told with clarity and passion. This is a sublimely painful yet glorious story. I would love to see more from Hoffman like this. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time.

Excellent. Such a different book in the way the perspectives of Jewish women in ancient times are expressed. So well written with an unusual plot.

Not sure what I missed while reading this piece, but i did not enjoy the book in its entirly. Found the story became dragged on and way to full of (unnecessary witch craft ways. Didn't find the story rich or memerizing- the characters almost became very simliar by the end...

Read Sept 2012. Not read by Bookclub yet

As others have commented, this is a wonderful story of war, love, birth and womenhood in a primitive culture where only the male priests are allowed to call on the power of their god. The author has an amazing ability to weave together a plausable story based on the Masada massacars and the finding an Egyptian amulet in Wales and Welsh tartan weaving in Masada. Yes, the ending is almost hopless, as are all wars, but humanity has survived despite our dark roots in pillage and raiding from vulnerable neighbours. Better written than 'The Red Tent" and based on archeological findings of how these nomadic societies lived, this is a must read.

This is Alice Hoffman's best book yet – a deep, rich, epic story of four women living at the Jewish settlement, Masada, during the Roman siege in 70 C.E. I lived inside this book for a week and didn’t want it to end!

historian account of romans and jews, from jews account. lots of witchcraft , mystical, all struggles and death. dark, somewhat depressing, you just want something good to happen. but, it is historical so not much good happened during war of course. interesting book, i would recommend it.

Love Hoffman's work, but this was a departure and I miss the "other" her. Still, a good read.