The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman

This is a wonderful book – a bit slow to begin with so don’t give up! In 70 C.E. four Jewish women have taken refuge on Masada – a mountain upon which King Herod (the whacko!) built a palace within a fortress deemed to be impregnable. Nine hundred Jews from all over Judea have fled the Roman Army which has set out to destroy the entire nation (“True story”, as my good friend Steve Patterson from “The Debators” would say). The four “dovekeepers”‘s lives intertwine – their courage, strength and integrity bind them and move them forward. Tragic and inspiring – be in a good space if you’re going to read this baby!