You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
This book is long and intense and so, so good. Three protagonists weave a story in two (and a half?) different timelines, learning and relearning truths about themselves and the world. It's steeped in history and philosophy, which makes it sound boring, but it's not. The writing is strong and appropriate, regardless of which voice is speaking/writing. Here's the only negative I can come up with: the discussion questions at the end are self-conscious. Skip those.
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Rachel Kaddish’s novel ,The Weight of Ink, reaches back in time to ask the question: What does it take for a woman not to be defeated when everything around hers telling her to mind her manners?
The books is about two sets of characters set, Ester Velasquez and a rabbi, two Jewish refugee set in 17th century London and historians Helen Watt and Aaron Levy set in the year 2000 in London. Ester Velasquez and Helen Watt are two women in different time periods that refuse to mind their manners.
When a collection of documents is discovered in a historic home. Helen Watt is called to evaluate them.
The story alternates between Ester’s life in 17th century London and Helen Watt and Aaron Levy’s life in year 2000 London.
Rachel Kaddish uses exquisite writing to tell a story about characters fighting to be themselves and characters working to discover themselves.
The books is about two sets of characters set, Ester Velasquez and a rabbi, two Jewish refugee set in 17th century London and historians Helen Watt and Aaron Levy set in the year 2000 in London. Ester Velasquez and Helen Watt are two women in different time periods that refuse to mind their manners.
When a collection of documents is discovered in a historic home. Helen Watt is called to evaluate them.
The story alternates between Ester’s life in 17th century London and Helen Watt and Aaron Levy’s life in year 2000 London.
Rachel Kaddish uses exquisite writing to tell a story about characters fighting to be themselves and characters working to discover themselves.
challenging
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is not my normal genre of fiction but I was absolutely delighted in Kadish's spinning of this fantastic yarn. The ethical and theological questions she wrestles with through these two different time periods and myriad of relationships is exquisite. I never knew how she would unravel the webs she created and it was an absolute delight to get to know these characters and their motivations, hopes, dreams and growth. I would highly recommend this book and particularly to anyone who enjoys the power and connective potential of the written word.
Interesting settings and topic--I enjoyed reading about the Jewish presence in 17th century London, and the modern scholars discovering the writings of the people from the earlier era. But it took WAY too long for me to care about anyone in the story.
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes