The Weight of Ink

By: Rachel Kadish

Narrated by: Corrie James

Length: 23 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Set in the London of the 1660s and of the early 21st century, The Weight of Ink is the interwoven tale of two women of remarkable intellect: Ester Velasquez, an emigrant 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.

As the novel opens, Helen has been summoned by a former student to view a cache of 17th-century Jewish documents newly discovered in his home during a renovation. Enlisting the help of Aaron Levy, an American graduate student as impatient as he is charming, and in a race with another fast-moving team of historians, Helen embarks on one last project: to determine the identity of the documents' scribe, the elusive "Aleph".

Electrifying and ambitious, sweeping in scope and intimate in tone, The Weight of Ink is a sophisticated work of historical fiction about women separated by centuries, and the choices and sacrifices they must make in order reconcile the life of the heart and mind.

©2017 Rachel Kadish (P)2017 HighBridge, a Division of Recorded Books

Compelling characters question life choices, ethics, religious rules, love and desire

I have listened to this book twice, and will probably listen to it again because I am still learning about the characters. There are three main subjects: an aging professor of 17th century Jewish history, a PHD student starting a dissertation about Shakespeare and his Jewish characters, and a 17th century Portuguese scribe who is the focus of their study. The history scholars discover a cache of documents that provide new insights into the lives of Jews in the last half of turbulent 17th century London. Each of the protagonists faces personal turning points, and has to navigate family history, gender expectations, self doubt, and cultural prejudice and must construct a way forward. I found the 17th century and 21st century history fascinating, ranging from Portugal to Amsterdam to London, and from Israel to London. The writing is dense and rewards rereading. The author gives several examples of strong women and good men, enhancing the novel with characters who add perspective and nuance to the histories. These include a Portuguese servant, real philosophers, a kind and learned rabbi, hide bound rabbis, a Christian playboy and actor, a gay man forced into naval service by his father, young and old librarians, and rival academics, among others.

Stick with It and You Will be Rewarded

I had a very hard time getting into this book, partly because of the writing style and partly because of the narrator's struggle with an American accent. I spent the first 10 hours debating whether to return it. I started another book but eventually went back to it. About half way thought I really started to enjoy it. It turned out to be a very interesting story, although I definitely enjoyed parts about the 17th century the best. But that could have more to do with the narrator's struggle to replicate a male American accent - it was so painful to listen to that I hated the character more than I think I should have.

As some have mentioned, there are some overwrought and unnecessary descriptions and side plots that tested my patience. But I feel like I really learned a lot from the book and at the end it was a satisfying story.

An excellent capture of accurate historical reference and heart

The immediate entry into an unfamiliar 17th subject in Jewish history evoked a sense that I didn’t know enough; by the end of the novel I question whether I have lived and explored enough. Very well done and one of the best books I’ve truly enjoyed this year!

A fascinating interweaving of time and personalities

I don’t give five star ratings lightly. I mean, all books on the same scale can’t have the same weight. But this one...

It’s historical fiction on a plane I’ve not experienced before.

I’m an historian of 17th century history and I fell hard for these people, for these strong, brittle, intelligent and yet broken women who live parallel lives across the centuries. Kadish paints 17th century London so accurately, and yet with care. You feel like you see it entirely both through a primary character’s eyes as well as through history. It’s engulfing, it’s satisfying. It’s real, without being overly descriptive. Finally an author who expresses what we experience - not just what we see.

I was blown away by this book. I would highly recommend it for the stories it shares, the character insights, and the world it creates around these events, giving them a memorable setting. It’s going to be with me for a very long time.

Highly recommend!

This book has a great degree of complexity matched by a high level of interesting characters. I enjoyed the historical knowledge I gained and also the characters who brought it to life. Great narration. Would highly recommend.

A truly magnificent book!

A fabulous and extremely compelling story...beautifully written!
Impeccable narration that brings the story to life!

loved this entirely!

I found the story and characters fascinating. I couldn't help but to imagine the pains and life of its characters, and to also reflect on how their stories related to the world and the pain and joy humans toil through.

Simply wonderful

English teachers can delight in this story about the power of words across centuries. The story within the story keeps you thinking and hoping for outcomes and doesn't disappoint. I was unsure in the beginning, but all plots connect wonderfully and leave you satisfied.

slow-moving but interesting

It was a struggle to get started, but once I got into the story, it was good. There is a pandemic in London in story so timely. I didn't know anything about this period the 1600s shortly after the Inquisition and the removal of the Jews from London.

A slow start but worth it in the end

This book is heavy in history and has a slow start but once you are about 10% in it really starts to come together. well with the read of you are into Jewish history.