The Weight Of Ink: A Historical Fiction Novel of Women, History, and Jewish Identity
WINNER OF A NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER
"A gifted writer, astonishingly adept at nuance, narration, and the politics of passion."—Toni Morrison
Set in London of the 1660s and of the early twenty-first century, The Weight of Ink is the interwoven tale of two women of remarkable intellect: Ester Velasquez, an emigrant from Amsterdam who is permitted to scribe for a blind rabbi, just before the plague hits the city; and Helen Watt, an ailing historian with a love of Jewish history.
When Helen is summoned by a former student to view a cache of newly discovered seventeenth-century Jewish documents, she enlists the help of Aaron Levy, an American graduate student as impatient as he is charming, and embarks on one last project: to determine the identity of the documents' scribe, the elusive "Aleph."
Electrifying and ambitious, The Weight of Ink is about women separated by centuries—and the choices and sacrifices they must make in order to reconcile the life of the heart and mind.
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER
"A gifted writer, astonishingly adept at nuance, narration, and the politics of passion."—Toni Morrison
Set in London of the 1660s and of the early twenty-first century, The Weight of Ink is the interwoven tale of two women of remarkable intellect: Ester Velasquez, an emigrant from Amsterdam who is permitted to scribe for a blind rabbi, just before the plague hits the city; and Helen Watt, an ailing historian with a love of Jewish history.
When Helen is summoned by a former student to view a cache of newly discovered seventeenth-century Jewish documents, she enlists the help of Aaron Levy, an American graduate student as impatient as he is charming, and embarks on one last project: to determine the identity of the documents' scribe, the elusive "Aleph."
Electrifying and ambitious, The Weight of Ink is about women separated by centuries—and the choices and sacrifices they must make in order to reconcile the life of the heart and mind.
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Community Reviews
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish
560 pages
What’s it about?
Two present day historians are called into a London home when a cache of historical documents from the 17th century are found. Rachel Kadish travels back in forth between London in the 1600’s and present day London to write a novel that both entertains and enlightens.
What did it make me think about?
This novel is overflowing with ideas! It manages to convey how different life was in London in the 1600’s, and yet also show that some of the same motivations drove the character's lives. Kadish aptly conveys what it was like to live in the time after the inquisition. What happened if you questioned God or if you wished a different role as a woman?
Should I read it?
I really enjoyed this book but it is not for the faint of heart. At almost 600 pages long (and in my opinion could have been pruned a little) it is a time commitment. Having said that- it is a great book and it really made me think! If you are willing to put in some time and effort then this is a very rewarding book.
Quote-
“A Woman’s body, said the world, was a prison in which her mind must whither.”
If you like this try-
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson
560 pages
What’s it about?
Two present day historians are called into a London home when a cache of historical documents from the 17th century are found. Rachel Kadish travels back in forth between London in the 1600’s and present day London to write a novel that both entertains and enlightens.
What did it make me think about?
This novel is overflowing with ideas! It manages to convey how different life was in London in the 1600’s, and yet also show that some of the same motivations drove the character's lives. Kadish aptly conveys what it was like to live in the time after the inquisition. What happened if you questioned God or if you wished a different role as a woman?
Should I read it?
I really enjoyed this book but it is not for the faint of heart. At almost 600 pages long (and in my opinion could have been pruned a little) it is a time commitment. Having said that- it is a great book and it really made me think! If you are willing to put in some time and effort then this is a very rewarding book.
Quote-
“A Woman’s body, said the world, was a prison in which her mind must whither.”
If you like this try-
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson
I loved this book and felt it was so beautifully written. The concept was so creatively executed. The characters were interesting. And yet, at times I was so bored I didn't feel like reading it. I would get really excited when I would remember the story and the way it was written and I would enthusiastically pick it back up and dive in. And then I'd get bored again. Maybe it's just me and this period in my life but I just wish it somehow would have read differently. I loved it in theory but in practice it was good but not great.
Jewish history ✔
Historical fiction✔
Contemporary fiction✔
My words would not do this book justice... But once in awhile when you close a book and exhale you know, this, this right here is why I (we) read.
Highly recommend!!
Historical fiction✔
Contemporary fiction✔
My words would not do this book justice... But once in awhile when you close a book and exhale you know, this, this right here is why I (we) read.
Highly recommend!!
Loved the many journeys this story took and the way it wound itself together. Characters are fully developed and relatable.
Only read through page 174. It's due back to the library soon and there's a waiting list, so can't renew. It was S-L-O-W reading. May try it again someday.
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