This was like watching murder. Defilement. And it was something worse than either of those things. Even among his family, black trade as they were, books were holy things.
This passage vividly captures the deep reverence and sanctity that the characters in Rachel Caine's 'Ink and Bone' attribute to books. The comparison of losing or corrupting a book to acts as heinous as murder or defilement underscores the profound importance of knowledge, history, and culture preserved within written works. In many societies, especially in the context of the story, books symbolize more than mere information; they are repositories of identity, power, and enlightenment. The phrase 'even among his family, black trade as they were' suggests a community involved in illicit activities—perhaps worth little regard for legality or morality—yet still holding the books sacred. This contrast highlights the unique value placed on literature, showing that, for some, books transcend cultural taboos, embodying a universal reverence. It prompts reflection on how access to knowledge is intertwined with truth and morality, and how its destruction or desecration represents a profound loss to society. The excerpt hints at the dangerous power of knowledge—how it can be protected fiercely or commodified illicitly—and that to uphold or destroy it is to engage in a moral battle with far-reaching consequences. Ultimately, this quote emphasizes that books are more than physical objects; they are vessels of human experience and enlightenment, deserving of respect and safeguarding.
