Thursday, December 1, 2011

REVIEW: The Coffee Trader by David Liss

The Coffee Trader is set in the city of Amsterdam.

Excerpt

It is 1659 in Amsterdam, a city which has defeated the Spanish and which has established itself as a strong hub of commerce. The thriving city is home to many Jews who have escaped the Inquisition and want to live here quietly under the strict supervision of the Ma'amad, the governing council of the Portuguese Jews. Miguel Lienzo is one such Jew who makes his living trading in futures and stocks on the floors of the Exchange. Lately, Lienzo has run into trouble. He has lost a lot of money in the sugar market and his brandy futures are looking questionable. He is in debt and is being hounded by Joachim Waagenaar, who "wants his money back." In addition, Miguel has a sworn enemy in Parido, a prominent member of the Ma'amad. Years ago, Miguel backed out of an engagement with Parido's daughter after being caught in bed with her servant. Parido is not one to ignore such slights easily and he is out for blood.

The rest of the review is here.

The picture of Amsterdam is borrowed from this blog.

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