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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
Well-crafted, meticulously researched and fascinating for those who, like me, know little of Jewish history (I needed to stop at points along the way to look up certain names and events for context). I got totally immersed in the back-and-forth between the 17th century and the present day, certainly not a new idea but handled adeptly. The book would have benefited from some tightening, but a story this rich and complex needs room to breathe, so I can't fault that too heavily.
4.5 stars. Wow! This was not an easy read, but definitely worth the time it took me to finish it. I loved the scope of this historical novel, sharing information from the siege of Masada (74 BC), the Spanish inquisition, the great plague in the 1600's, Israel in 1950's through to current day London. The author includes many real historical figures, most notably Spinoza and William Shakespeare. This added to the author's beautiful descriptions of time and place, gives the novel a very realistic feel. The writing is exquisite, an example is where she describes a books as "An ecstasy of ink...". And for me this was the main theme of The Weight of Ink: the deep love and thirst for words and for knowledge, as well as the difficulty of being a woman with this passion. "One aspect of a woman's existence must dominate the other."
The only reason this book loses half a star is that I would have liked a lighter story or a more personable character in the current day story, to balance out the dense historical storyline.
The Story: Set in London of the 1660s and of the early twenty-first century, this novel tells the interwoven stories of two women: Ester Velasquez, an immigrant 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.
The only reason this book loses half a star is that I would have liked a lighter story or a more personable character in the current day story, to balance out the dense historical storyline.
The Story: Set in London of the 1660s and of the early twenty-first century, this novel tells the interwoven stories of two women: Ester Velasquez, an immigrant 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.
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
You g Jewish woman becomes a scribe for a rabbi, she starts a correspondence with philosophers of the time period.
challenging
dark
sad
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism
Moderate: Violence
I listened to this dual story and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is an interesting book to read at present since I felt some connection to daily life in late March/early April 2020 and plague ridden London in 1665. I welcomed Helen and Esther for the few minutes I listened daily. Very creatively written. Thank you Rachel Kadish.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I cannot express my love for this book enough. Rarely in my life have I encountered a book I was heartbroken was over. This is one of them.
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
slow-paced