The Dovekeepers

The Dovekeepers (2011) by Alice Hoffman. Set in approximately 70 A.D., this novel tells the story of several women, who each comes separately to the Jewish fortress of Masada in the hope of holding out against Rome. Hoffman tells her story colorfully, descriptively. The women are each distinct individuals whom we get to know through their struggles in the desert or in Jerusalem, also known as Zion. They hold out until the bitter end, but of course the Romans eventually overcome them. The fact that a few of them survive is part of the historical record, and Hoffman has researched her novel thoroughly -- as thoroughly as the sparse remaining records allow. The novel has an air of authenticity, and reads well. My only criticism is that it seems to be a "women's novel," not really geared toward the male reader. Grade: A-