I'm not a bible buff either but I do admit that when I started reading it, I got the bible out to read the original story which did help. There is a family tree at the beginning which was very helpful. the premise of the book, is that Dina (character) is mentioned once in the bible (don't ask me to quote chapter and verse, because I can't but I think she tells you in the book where to look) as being raped. Anita diamant has expanded her story and what a story!! Where she describes life in the "red tent" where the women are banished during their periods, is fascinating - that is the first half. The second half is after Dinah gets "raped", she goes away from her family and becomes a midwife.
It really isn't a religious book but rather a story based on a biblical story.
It was kind of like Child of the Morning by Pauline Gedge - about a woman pharoh in Egypt. Another good read.
