In the contexts of biblical texts, laws embodying cultural norms, and a survey of research on these rape narratives which includes feminist interpretations, Yamada (Old Testament, Seabury- Western Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois) critically reads three rape narratives in the Hebrew Bible--that of Dinah in Genesis 34, an unnamed concubine in Judges 19, and Tamar in 2 Samuel 13. Agreeing with others who consider these texts as being more concerned with the effects of rape on men's power issues than the victim, he emphasizes their shared themes of rape leading to further retributive violence among males despite legal recourse, and societal decline in periods of weak leadership in Israel. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)