67 pages • 2 hours read
The Weight of Ink
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Book Brief
592
Novel • Fiction
London • 17th century
2017
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish, set in both the 17th and 21st centuries, follows historians Helen Watt and Aaron Levy as they uncover the life of Ester Velazquez, a young Jewish woman who served as a scribe for Rabbi HaCoen Mendes in 1660s London. The novel explores themes of resilience, agency, and forbidden love through Ester's determined pursuit of intellectual freedom and the historians' quest to bring her remarkable story to light. This book includes scenes of antisemitism and illness.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Inspirational
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
52,197 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish intertwines 17th-century and modern narratives featuring strong character development and rich historical details. Reviews praise its immersive storytelling and intellectual depth but note its lengthy, dense prose may be challenging. The novel's complexity and emotional weight are highlighted as both strengths and potential detractions.
Who Should Read The Weight of Ink?
Readers who relish historical fiction and intellectual intrigue will enjoy The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish. Fans of A.S. Byatt’s Possession and Geraldine Brooks’ People of the Book will appreciate its rich narrative, complex characters, and dual timelines exploring 17th-century and modern-day scholars unraveling hidden secrets.
52,197 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
592
Novel • Fiction
London • 17th century
2017
Adult
18+ years
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