Hoffman blends history, fiction in ‘The Dovekeepers’

Author Alice Hoffman is well known for her magical and supernaturally influenced novels, such as “Practical Magic,” “The Red Garden” and "The Story Sisters." But her latest novel, “The Dovekeepers,” finds Hoffman turning toward historical and religious themes.

Hoffman says she was inspired by a trip to Jerusalem, when she visited Masada, a fortress situated on top of a large mountain in Israel, where, during the 1st century, hundreds of Jews converged after fleeing their homeland while trying to escape from the invading Romans.

“The Dovekeepers” centers around four strong women who come to Masada after their homes and towns are destroyed, each arriving a completely different woman from whom she had been before. The four meet when they are assigned to care for the doves of the encampment.

Yael’s mother died in childbirth and her father, a famed assassin, has never forgiven her. Although she tries her best to please her father, he treats her like a dog.

Revka, the baker's wife, watched her daughter die horrifically at the hands of the Romans and now she cares for her two young grandsons who were made mute when they witnessed their mother's death.

Expert fighter Aziza has been raised as a son because it was illegal for women to pick up a weapon. She struggles with her true identity, especially when she meets the one man who completely understands her situation.

And, Shirah, known as the Witch of Moab, a wise woman who is trained in ancient magic and medicine, is feared for her insight and power.

Each woman bonds with the others as they share their stories of survival under the worst of circumstances. The strength they find in each other will soon be their saving grace as tensions surrounding the encampment escalate.

Hoffman has a unique way of capturing women’s emotions in her storytelling, and her writing is absorbing and mesmerizing. She expertly weaves historical details into a story of hope and tragedy, creating a haunting yet compelling novel of the power and strength of women when faced by adversity.