This became available at the library just after I'd finish Hoffman's Story Sisters, so I eagerly began reading it! The beginning mesmerized me; I entered that fugue state we all experience when reading a book that captures us. The characters were very well developed, the story line intriguing and rich. It begins in Jerusalem c. 72-70 C.E (a date that the Jews would not have used, but given us as a reference point and for those who know the history, and automatic tip-off that the Romans are going to destroy the Temple and try and commit genocide against the Jews, during which those who can will flee to Masada.) It makes for a very compelling plot ine for a book. The story is narrated by 4 women of (loosely) 4 generations (a mother and her teenaged daughter, a young woman and a grandmother) (NOT a spoiler!!) Okay, that is where it all fell apart for me. The narrators all have the same voice. Although they have very different stories, some of the same things are rehashed, and rehashed again, and I found myself become bored and just wishing to get to the end to see what happens. I think, at 500 pages, it was just too long. I forced myself to keep plodding through it and wonder if I am the better for it. This would not keep me from recommending it, however; historically, Hoffman presents a very important time both for Judaism and Christianity, and there are parts that are just exquisitely written. It took me longer to read than I would have liked, and there are sooooo many other books waiting!!