Well written

I was submerged in their world powerful and courageous woman embracing who they are
Would recommend

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Totally Absorbing and Spellbinding

I was unsure about this book when I downloaded it. It took me a while to get around to listening to it. But I’m very glad I did. It is beautifully crafted and written, even in the moments when it risks becoming too wordy it twists and wastes no beautiful word.
The world it creates can almost be tasted and smelt, crafted in the ovens of mother’s and daughters, it skilfully captures the magic that is found between mothers and those marginalised by society.
It unravels like pattern woven in the most intricate design, like a heavy perfume it lingers In the air long after the wearer has gone.

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Pure brilliance.

Just listen to it. I understand it might not be some peoples cup to tea, but this is a book that will stay with me for a long time.

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Absolutely Amazing

This book is completely different from anything else I have ever read. I got it first as a kindle book but I was struggling to get through it. I them got the offer to add Audible which I done. I'm so so glad I did. The book is beyond amazing. So well researched and the narrators who all have their own characters story to tell are so good. it sounds authentic and believable. I just loved it.
Alice Hoffman is an amazing writer I especially loved Magic Lessons that she wrote.

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1 person found this helpful

Simply AMAZING!!! Hooked from beginning to end.

I have read numerous books and listened to even more via Audible. I rarely, if ever, leave reviews for anything. However, I have been so affected and moved by this book unlike anything I have read before. I am literally going to buy this in hard copy immediately and devour every page. I cannot recommend this enough. Love!!!

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I was really surprised I enjoyed this book as much

When it first switched to a different narrative, I was a little annoyed. I had gotten so sucked in with the main character, Yael. But then the more I listened, the more I again got sucked into a different angle to the story. Each new narrative just added a whole new layer to the story already created with the first character.

I was really surprised I enjoyed this book as much as I did. It wasn’t all action, there was very little of the action I am used too. Swords/fighting and what not. But the character building, the background information and just everything about this story just sucked me in from the first chapter. I was rooting for all the characters that were narrated. I wanted to see them survive, I wanted to see them happy.

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3 people found this helpful

Just amazing!

I have read many of Alice Hoffman’s books in the past and have found them all to be mostly excellent. However, having visited Masada which is exceedingly hot, in the middle of Judean Hills with an amazing history. I was most curious to see how such a sensitive story would be handled by her.This book brings alive what happened brilliantly, with great facts and mood. It is written in several “voices” which merge together to tell the story which is a phenomenal read, which I just couldn’t put down. Well done to Alice Hoffman.

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What a unique and wonderful tale

I loved this book. I found it a bit tricky to remember who was who at times, but I will probably listen to it again. I loved the sense of era with the writing and the spirituality.
Stories of women. Strong women. Heartbreaking and tragic.
There was one of the narrators whose voice I didn’t enjoy - very monotonous tone, but still didn’t detract from the whole experience.

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A masterpiece

This story takes you on a journey of four women who escape their homeland due to an impending Roman invasion. The book describes beautifully their customs, faith and experiences whilst suffering incredible hardships. Alice Hoffman’s writing style is akin to poetry and you become lost in the prose. The multi-narration of this audiobook is excellent.

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2 people found this helpful

Nothing cheerful happens- at all.

rapey, murdery, heavily religious, I had to put it down occasionally for being depressing.

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1 person found this helpful