Negative Positive
Title: Disappointing and disturbing
Review: I do not understand the glowing reviews for this book. The first half reads like a gynecology course for the ancients. (I must admit the second half improves, but not enough to carry the book.)It is clear that the author has a dim regard for the men of the bible, and she takes every opportunity to trash them while simultaneously elevating the women to priesthood. The women follow a goofy religion of gods and goddesses, worshiping mother earth, which culminates in a disturbing ritual at a girl's first menses.This is supposed to be historical fiction about the early Jews, yet the women don't even know about Abraham's God, and it doesn't seem that the men do much in this regard, either. I had hoped for a glimpse into early Judiasm, and was sadly disappointed.The basic story is interesting, but could be told in about three pages. The rest is tedious prose. Don't waste your time on this one.
Is the review positive or negative? 