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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
“…the world and I have sinned against each other” states Esther Velasquez in the words of her confession (vidui). No words seem more appropriate be they written today or in the 17th century as one sums up a life of honor, courage, hard choices, pain and learning.
“…I’ve let my life become a museum”, writes Helen Wats to her research assistant, Aaron Levy and warning him not to do the same.
Two strong women of learning, one defying the rules and mores of her day and her people to fulfill the desire to use her God given intellect to ponder the most important questions of existence and faith. The other substituting scholarship for the desires of her heart.
In the time of the inquisition in Spain and Portugal Jews fled to Amsterdam to escape death or conversion. There they created a community that still exists today. Expelled from England in the 1390 began to return with the reformation. Esther Velázquez of the Portuguese Jewish community in Amsterdam comes to London at this time with Rabbi Ha’Cohane Mendez as part of his household, thus enfolds the story within the story. Esther’s story is discovered by retiring historian Helen Wats and her Asst Aaron Levy a graduate student foisted on her by the history department.
An excellent read. It is especially meaningful following events of October 7.
“…I’ve let my life become a museum”, writes Helen Wats to her research assistant, Aaron Levy and warning him not to do the same.
Two strong women of learning, one defying the rules and mores of her day and her people to fulfill the desire to use her God given intellect to ponder the most important questions of existence and faith. The other substituting scholarship for the desires of her heart.
In the time of the inquisition in Spain and Portugal Jews fled to Amsterdam to escape death or conversion. There they created a community that still exists today. Expelled from England in the 1390 began to return with the reformation. Esther Velázquez of the Portuguese Jewish community in Amsterdam comes to London at this time with Rabbi Ha’Cohane Mendez as part of his household, thus enfolds the story within the story. Esther’s story is discovered by retiring historian Helen Wats and her Asst Aaron Levy a graduate student foisted on her by the history department.
An excellent read. It is especially meaningful following events of October 7.
I am reading this book for a very enjoyable class, however the book suffers when compared to others like [b:Possession|41219|Possession|A.S. Byatt|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1391124124l/41219._SY75_.jpg|2246190] and [b:Year of Wonders|4965|Year of Wonders|Geraldine Brooks|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1651171905l/4965._SY75_.jpg|3211895]. I expected greater depth into the natural philosophers and the evolution of thinking. These philosophical and religious ideas are merely a vehicle for delivering the story of 20th century scholars discovering original source material from the sixteen century. I did enjoy the opportunity to immerse myself in the Jewish history of Restoration England and once I found the author's intent, I was able to settle into the story and enjoy it for what it was.
I love a book focused on scholarship and the intellectual. A story to show how literacy and education can open up so many roads to joy and purpose for anyone with the opportunity. Ester, Helen, the Patricia's and some of the minor characters portray great female fortitude and intelligence. The philosophical theme in the historical correspondence was enlightening. I don't recall knowing much of Spinoza, but will research further.
I went into reading the Weight of Ink with zero expectations. I’d hadn’t heard of the book until it was recommended to me on Kindle Unlimited and it was rated highly enough so I figured I’d give it a chance.
This book. THIS BOOK. It was perfection. The deeper I got into the story, the deeper I fell into the worlds of Helen, Aaron & Ester. Kadish could not have structured this novel better. Jumping back and forth through history allowed you to uncover some of the biggest plot points in the most exciting ways. I audibly gasped and jumped around my room at some of the revelations made in the last few chapters.
Honestly cannot recommend this novel enough.
This book. THIS BOOK. It was perfection. The deeper I got into the story, the deeper I fell into the worlds of Helen, Aaron & Ester. Kadish could not have structured this novel better. Jumping back and forth through history allowed you to uncover some of the biggest plot points in the most exciting ways. I audibly gasped and jumped around my room at some of the revelations made in the last few chapters.
Honestly cannot recommend this novel enough.
I picked up The Weight of Ink unsure what to expect and, at first, I was underwhelmed. Three different timelines knit together as the book tells the story of Kate Watts in the present day and 1950s, and Ester Velasquez in the mid 17th century. Ester is a Jewess, having left Amsterdam with her Rabbi guardian, following the death of her parents while Kate is a professor who has studied Jewish History throughout her academic life.
The book starts so slowly that I almost gave up on it but, slowly and surely, this book drew me in and the interwoven lives hooked me. It's a beautifully written book which, at times, almost seems to lose the narrative at the expense of crafting description, but it is well worth the time invested in reading a book of this length and allowing yourself to be drawn into the two women's story.
The book starts so slowly that I almost gave up on it but, slowly and surely, this book drew me in and the interwoven lives hooked me. It's a beautifully written book which, at times, almost seems to lose the narrative at the expense of crafting description, but it is well worth the time invested in reading a book of this length and allowing yourself to be drawn into the two women's story.
I stayed up til 1am the last two nights reading this - and I started it 2 weeks ago! I was engrossed from the beginning, invested in both Aaron and Helen in 2001 and Ester and the various characters she writes about in 1600s London during the plague. I loved the character of Rabbi HaCoen Mendes in particular, and the relationship between the Rabbi and Ester. Kadish does a remarkable job describing the Jewish community in London at the time, and the conflicts and issues across Europe that were being debated by philosophers and others. Highly recommended - but be aware, this is a dense novel, and it's LONG.
This was a great book to dive into over the winter. Reminiscent of A.S. Byatt's 'Possession.'
One of the few books I've found time to read twice. Rich, full characters, fun believable story, lots of cool obscure history, everything I look for when getting lost in a read.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No