The Red Tent

This historical novel retells the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, who receives only a brief mention in the Book of Genesis. The narrative follows her life from her childhood within a polygamous family to her old age in Egypt. The central tragedy occurs when she falls in love with Shalem, a Canaanite prince. Her brothers, viewing the union as a violation, murder Shalem and massacre the men of his city. Heartbroken and pregnant, Dinah flees to Egypt, where she makes a new life as a midwife. Throughout her journey, the book explores womanhood, ancient religious traditions, domestic life, and the social structures of the time.