A review by efirer
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish

4.0

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.