59 pages • 1 hour read
Alice HoffmanThe Dovekeepers
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman is a historical fiction novel set in ancient Israel during the Siege of Masada from 70-73 CE, weaving a narrative through the perspectives of four resilient women—Yael, Revka, Aziza, and Shirah—each with a history of suffering and endurance, as they live and defend the imposing mountain fortress from the encroaching Roman forces. The novel contains descriptions of graphic violence, sexual violence, enslavement, and abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Alice Hoffman's The Dovekeepers enchants with its lyrical prose and richly woven narrative, recounting the lives of four women during the siege of Masada. Praised for its historical detail and emotional depth, some readers found the pacing slow and the multitude of characters hard to follow. Overall, it’s a compelling blend of history and fiction.
Who Should Read The Dovekeepers?
A reader who enjoys The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman likely appreciates historical fiction infused with myth, magic, and strong female narratives. This novel will appeal to fans of The Red Tent by Anita Diamant and The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, who relish deeply researched historical settings and complex characters.