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A review by lorinlee
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish
5.0
The novel pivots from the 17th to the 21st century in alternating chapters. Professor Helen Watt studies Jewish history. On the verge of forced retirement and ill with advanced Parkinson's disease, she uncovers some exceptional manuscripts from the 1600s. Aided by Aaron Levy, an American graduate student, she sets out to uncover the story behind them. The alternating chapters deal with the author of the documents, Ester Velasquez, who has emigrated to London from Amsterdam and serves as scribe for a blinded rabbi.
Aside from being the story of two remarkable women, Helen and Ester, the novel provides a wonderful glimpse into the difficulties of being an historian. Helen and Aaron see bits of Ester's life and have to deduce much more as best they can. The Ester chapters introduce us to the richness of her past, presenting details that are simply not available to the historians. As an historian myself, I found this to be fascinating. Included too is a competition with another historian to tell the story first.
And there is yet another level to the story, Ester's quest as a woman to be heard in a society where the role of women is restricted. It's a quest that that Helen has grappled with too.
And, finally, there is a philosophical dimension to the Ester story, for she is grappling with the meaning of God.
All in all, this is an exceptional book.
Aside from being the story of two remarkable women, Helen and Ester, the novel provides a wonderful glimpse into the difficulties of being an historian. Helen and Aaron see bits of Ester's life and have to deduce much more as best they can. The Ester chapters introduce us to the richness of her past, presenting details that are simply not available to the historians. As an historian myself, I found this to be fascinating. Included too is a competition with another historian to tell the story first.
And there is yet another level to the story, Ester's quest as a woman to be heard in a society where the role of women is restricted. It's a quest that that Helen has grappled with too.
And, finally, there is a philosophical dimension to the Ester story, for she is grappling with the meaning of God.
All in all, this is an exceptional book.