THE DOVEKEEPERS

Ancient Israel is an unusual setting for a work by Hoffman, who is best known for contemporary novels featuring incandescent heroines and earthy enchantment. Hoffman's venture into a historical venue offers a bold testament to the human spirit as its female characters face challenges of biblical proportions. The struggles of fleeing from Roman armies and subsisting in the Judean desert are described by the youthful Aziza, portrayed by Heather Lind, and Shirah, a wise woman who is artful in the practice of traditional magic and medicine, portrayed by Aya Cash. Both are convincing as the compelling women they portray. Jessica Hecht and Tovah Feldshuh also grace this dark spiritual tale with powerful narrations. Hoffman loyalists may shy away from this archaic story but are advised to give it a try as the author solidly delivers on her signature themes of women's solidarity and mysticism. A.W. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2011]