The re-imagined true story of Helena Jans, a Dutch maid in 17th-century Amsterdam, who works for Mr Sergeant the English bookseller. She yearns for knowledge, and wants to write so badly she makes ink from beetroot and writes in secret on her skin. When a mysterious and reclusive lodger arrives, who turns out be René Descartes, her life will change forever ... For fans of "The Girl with the Pearl Earring.