This review originally posted at Christa's Hooked on Books 
 Thousands of years ago when the Romans invaded Jerusalem a small group of Jews escaped to the mountain fortress of Masada. There they lived as a community, as the war raged on below them. From the little we know, when the Romans finally managed to conquer Masada they found everyone dead except two women and five children. A true historical mystery. 
 The Dovekeepers tells the story of four women who survived the hardships of the desert and found themselves amidst the challenges of fortress life. Yael, a rejected daughter, whose skin is marked with blood, Revka, who witnessed her daughter's murder, Aziza a young girl with a warrior's spirit and Shirah, the community witch and medicine woman. Together they care for the doves, keep each other's secrets and do what they can to survive. 
 The book begins "We had been wandering for so long I forgot what it was like to live within walls or sleep through the night. In that time I lost all that I might have possessed if Jerusalem had not fallen: a husband, a family, a future of my own. My girlhood disappeared in the desert. The person I'd once been vanished as I wrapped myself in white when the dust rose into the clouds" From the moment I read these lines was hooked. The writing in this book is so beautiful. Steeped with emotion and incredible detail is was so easy to get lost in the story. You can tell Alice Hoffman put a lot of time and effort into researching this books. I can picture the world of Masada and the desert perfectly. 
 Though I loved all four women I think Yael and Aziza are my favourite. They are the youngest of the four but I think they are the strongest and the bravest. In many ways both are alone and instead of giving up or giving into despair, they hold on. In the face of adversity they push forward. They are continually evolving, trying to find themselves in the midst of chaos, and I find them admirable. 
 This is an incredible piece of writing and it is truly Alice Hoffman's masterpiece. It is the perfect book to curl up with and just let yourself get lost. If you're a fan of historical fiction or are simply looking for a beautifully written and tragic story, The Dovekeepers is one you won't want to miss!