The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish - The Hunt for Historical Fiction is Fascinating

Rachel Kadish's historical novel brings to life the story of Ester Valesquez, a Jewish woman living in the 1660s during the time of the Spanish Inquisition who immigrates to London and becomes the unlikely scribe for a Rabbi received the National Jewish Book Award ('17).  This multi-layered theological & philosophical tale is set in the milieu of life in London for the Jewish community amidst the perils of anti-semitism, societal norms and pestilence.  Ester's life is revealed through a trove of papers discovered in a home 3 centuries old.  The story within a story is framed around contemporary London through the pursuit of priceless historic correspondences in a race for time for deciphering.  Prof. Helen Watt & her American cad, grad. student Aaron, are desperately trying to unlock the trove's mysteries that should prove to be historically revelatory if not revolutionary in significance.  This construct has been done with literary flair by Wallace Stegner in his brilliant novel "Angle of Repose."  Both enlightening works depict important epochs expounding from a strong female heroine.  Ester is allotted the rare (and frowned upon) opportunity to scribe for a blind Rabbi.  Both the Rabbi & Ester have fled religious prosecution as Jews to London.  Ester's exceptionally gifted mind & pursuit for intellectual discourse is honed by the Rabbi's mentorship.  The Rabbi's sight was destroyed for refusing to foreswear his faith.  He's not blind to the societal constrictions limiting gender equality and heretical questioning. Both Ester & the Rabbi covertly enrich each other's lives.  Ester becomes wiser without pulling the wool over the Rabbi's eyes. "Why forbid woman or man from questioning what we are taught, for is not intelligence holy?" is one of Ester's many contemplations considered contemptible. The novel is at its best when submerged in the historic events & figures of the 1660s in London & Europe.  Kadish's serendipitous foray into the past elucidates the past in a palatable fashion much as Manuel's "Hamilton."  One's knowledge is enriched and intrigue for further study & consideration are piqued by Kadish's perspicacious writing.  The present day story (and past love story)  of Prof. Watts and Aaron's love life are essential impediments to the endlessly fascinating conveyance of the quotidian as perceived by a free-thinking woman living in an oppressive era with multiple strikes against her.  Among Ester's radical thoughts: "the impulse toward life to be of surpassing value.  Therefore all imperatives that oppose it, chief among them martyrdom, are in error," were punishable by death.  "The Weight of Ink" is worth more than its weight in gold.