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Title: Great style but ......
Review: Diamant paints an elaborate word picture of the world of the patriarchs. Many of her characters are simultaneously captivating and sympathetic. Nonetheless, anyone remotely familiar with the Genesis text can't help but compare the two and find Diamant's story lacking. What makes other historical/biblical works of fiction successful is the writer's ability to transport imaginary characters into an historically accurate setting. Diamant places her imaginary characters into a psuedo biblical setting that completely conflicts with the Genesis text. Hers is a whimpy, whiny Joseph whose rise to power can only be described as serendipitous. Gone is the beauty of forgiveness, "What you meant for evil, God meant for good." In its place we are given an old man suffering from Alzheimer's and a son who can't get away quick enough. A story about the life and world of the otherwise little known Dinah was indeed a compelling idea. Too bad, Diamant fell short in her delivery.
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