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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
An intense and well written novel, tying together two stories of two very different times. After the Inquisition, many Portuguese Jews fled to Amsterdam. In London after leaving Amsterdam, a blind Rabbi brings Ester, after a fire takes her parents. Ester is not typical, yearning for education and of a philosophical mind. In 2000, the Historian Helen Watt finds a treasure trove of writings, and gets help from an American student, Aaron Levy, who is in London working on a dissertation. The relationship that evolves between the brash American and the very stiff upper lip Helen, is unique and meaningful. Although some of the deep philosophical discussions were quite heavy, stick with it. I recommend for those interested in Jewish history.
Intriguing. Sometimes I couldn’t put it down, other times I struggled to stay focused. I appreciated the focus on making meaning of our lives. But the best part for me was the Jewish history and themes, as brutal as it was.
Unlimited stars!!! WOW. SWOON. Fanning self. Holy Mother of Books. Absolutely awestruck by the pure MAGNIFICENCE of this BRILLIANT mellifluous poetic historically rich masterpiece... Unadulterated GENIUS. Whoa. AAA! I'm sure I could not string enough accolades together to do justice to Kadish's work.
I had such a hard time thinking of where to begin this review because Weight of Ink is too incredible, really, to describe, at least by a non-poet like myself. Nothing I could say could ever do justice to this work and I feel like even trying to talk about it in mere-human language is doing it a disservice. But I'll try something, because in the very least, I hope to convince you to make some time for this book in your life.
First off, The Weight of Ink is, quite literally, weighty. At over 550 dense, long pages, it takes Herculean effort, attention and dedication to get through. I know many of us like to read widely and don't always appreciate savoring a book for months, but my recommendation would be, if you're not ready to spend weeks on end reading nothing but this book, to set aside some time each week while also continuing your regular reading. I took an extended vacation this summer (to Israel, where this book is partially set) - and was happy to bask in these glorious pages without other distractions, but I rarely have that leisure or patience at hand on my regular days. Whatever you do, my recommendation is to please be patient with this book. The pleasures it offers forth are profound, but not if you approach it as a "book to finish". This novel is an experience that is best imbibed to the core.
A very quick synopsis: the story alternates timelines between modern day England (and the story of academic historian Helen), Helen's coming-of-age in Israel some decades ago, and the 1660s Portugal/England Jewish community.
But really, this is a story about BOOKS, reading, knowledge, and the passion that each of us, as readers, holds for these intangible but empowering and delectable pleasures. (This is why it's so important to let it seep through your entire being while reading, and not to rush). Helen is a historian who has come across a newly discovered genizah, a trove of Hebrew/Jewish writings from a 1660s Jewish-English household, and The Weight of Ink details her journey into the life of the scribe who has set down these words - a woman who may have had previously undisclosed links to Spinoza, a Jew excommunicated from his community for his 'heretical' beliefs. Helen's world, the scribe's world, Spinoza's world - all revolve around books/reading/documents. And that's just the beginning - again, I have no words really to adequately describe the poetic nature of Kadish's words, but her language is divinely inspired and does full justice to her themes.
There may be other books that I consider just as brilliant but right now they've all been eclipsed from memory - The Weight of Ink is not just by far my most favorite book of the year, it may be the favorite for a lifetime. No other has ever paid such reverent homage to the art of books, knowledge, and reading.
I had such a hard time thinking of where to begin this review because Weight of Ink is too incredible, really, to describe, at least by a non-poet like myself. Nothing I could say could ever do justice to this work and I feel like even trying to talk about it in mere-human language is doing it a disservice. But I'll try something, because in the very least, I hope to convince you to make some time for this book in your life.
First off, The Weight of Ink is, quite literally, weighty. At over 550 dense, long pages, it takes Herculean effort, attention and dedication to get through. I know many of us like to read widely and don't always appreciate savoring a book for months, but my recommendation would be, if you're not ready to spend weeks on end reading nothing but this book, to set aside some time each week while also continuing your regular reading. I took an extended vacation this summer (to Israel, where this book is partially set) - and was happy to bask in these glorious pages without other distractions, but I rarely have that leisure or patience at hand on my regular days. Whatever you do, my recommendation is to please be patient with this book. The pleasures it offers forth are profound, but not if you approach it as a "book to finish". This novel is an experience that is best imbibed to the core.
A very quick synopsis: the story alternates timelines between modern day England (and the story of academic historian Helen), Helen's coming-of-age in Israel some decades ago, and the 1660s Portugal/England Jewish community.
But really, this is a story about BOOKS, reading, knowledge, and the passion that each of us, as readers, holds for these intangible but empowering and delectable pleasures. (This is why it's so important to let it seep through your entire being while reading, and not to rush). Helen is a historian who has come across a newly discovered genizah, a trove of Hebrew/Jewish writings from a 1660s Jewish-English household, and The Weight of Ink details her journey into the life of the scribe who has set down these words - a woman who may have had previously undisclosed links to Spinoza, a Jew excommunicated from his community for his 'heretical' beliefs. Helen's world, the scribe's world, Spinoza's world - all revolve around books/reading/documents. And that's just the beginning - again, I have no words really to adequately describe the poetic nature of Kadish's words, but her language is divinely inspired and does full justice to her themes.
There may be other books that I consider just as brilliant but right now they've all been eclipsed from memory - The Weight of Ink is not just by far my most favorite book of the year, it may be the favorite for a lifetime. No other has ever paid such reverent homage to the art of books, knowledge, and reading.
Wonderful book. Two intertwined plots: a Jewish woman scribe in 17th century London and a graduate student and his mentor in the 21st century. Beautiful, poignant affirmative description of the life of the mind, centered on two unforgettable women characters.
The last section on the London plague years is especially appropriate.
The last section on the London plague years is especially appropriate.
A beautifully written book that toggles between 17th Century London and 2001. A scholar and a student are called to look at a cache of papers found hidden in a staircase. They are battling both time and other researchers to make some incredible discoveries about Ester Velasquez and the community of Jews in London. Nothing appeals to me more than historical fiction with strong female characters breaking from their traditional roles. It is also full of early thought and theory about the role of women in society. Highly recommended for those interested in historical fiction.
If you liked Possession by A.S. Byatt or People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, you will probably enjoy this.
As an aspiring historian myself, this book really touched my spirit. I lost interest about 1/3-1/2 through & momentarily put it aside. I decided I couldn’t give up on it, so I picked it back up & found what in it I was looking for. It was fascinating to paint the pictures in my head, especially at tear jerking points. Highly recommend this book!
I really liked this book but I listened to it and it was over 20 hours. It took months to finish and I got confused by some of what was going on. It might be better to read it than to listen to it. It reminded me of People of the Book
slow-paced
The book was super slow. The author wrote long chapters. The only way I could finish it was to only read the modern day chapters.
I listened to this and really enjoyed it. I loved the back and forth through time and the scholarly subject matter and feel of it.