"Beautiful, harrowing. . A major contribution to twenty-first century literature." --Toni Morrison, Nobel Laureate in Literature Asked in today's Independent (Arts & Books section) to choose a favourite author, JODI PICOULT wrote: 'Alice Hoffman because she can write about love like no-one else. My favourite book by her is 'Turtle Moon' but even a bad Alice Hoffman book is almost better than anyone else's. Her books didn't make me a writer but as an adult reader they gave me my first fan moment.' "I am still reeling from The Dovekeepers--from the history Alice Hoffman illuminates, from the language she uses to bring these women to life. This novel is a testament to the human spirit and to love rising from the ashes of war. But most of all, this novel is one that will never be forgotten by a reader." -Jodi Picoult 'Hoffman makes ancient history live and breathe in this compelling story, set in 70 CE, detailing the siege of the mountain stronghold Masada, where 900 Jews held out for months against the Romans. Hoffman's novel follows four extraordinary women. Red-haired Yael has long been shunned by her father, a renowned assassin, because of her mother's death in childbirth. Forced to flee from Jerusalem, she makes a tortuous journey across the desert, during which she becomes involved with a married man, and after finally reaching Masada, is assigned to the dovecote, where she meets three charismatic women: Revka, a baker's wife who witnessed her daughter's horrific death at the hands of Roman soldiers; Shirah, a tattooed wisewoman; and Shirah's daughter Aziza, a warrior of uncommon skill. Forced to deal with the outside forces intent on eradicating them and with their people's patriarchal system, which is quick to condemn unconventional behavior, the women draw great strength from their own inner resources and from each other. This is both a feminist manifesto and a deeply felt tribute to courageous men and women of faith, told with the cadence and imagery of a biblical passage' -Booklist "In her remarkable new novel, Alice Hoffman holds a mirror to our ancient past as she explores the contemporary themes of sexual desire, women's solidarity in the face of strife, and the magic that's quietly present in our day-to-day living. Put The Dovekeepers at the pinnacle of Hoffman's extraordinary body of work. I was blown away." -Wally Lamb

Alice Hoffman wrote her first novel, Property Of, when she was 21. She has published a total of 28 works of fiction, including Practical Magic which was a major film starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock. Alice Hoffman now lives in Boston. Visit her website: www.alicehoffman.com