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53 pages 1 hour read

The Coffee Trader

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

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David Liss

The Coffee Trader

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

402

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amsterdam • 1650s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Coffee Trader by David Liss is set in Amsterdam in 1659 and follows Miguel Lienzo, a Portuguese Jewish merchant involved in the risky new trade of coffee. Facing financial ruin, Miguel partners with a Dutch widow and navigates complex relationships and deceit within the culturally diverse city, ultimately experiencing both betrayal and unexpected success in the bustling Amsterdam Exchange.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Informative

Gritty

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.9

10,196 ratings

64%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Coffee Trader by David Liss is applauded for its meticulous historical detail and immersive storytelling, set against the backdrop of 17th-century Amsterdam. However, some readers find the pacing slow and complex financial terms challenging. The intricate plot and well-crafted characters clearly captivate, earning it overall positive acclaim.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Coffee Trader?

A reader who revels in historical thrillers with rich period detail, complex financial intrigue, and intricate character development would enjoy The Coffee Trader by David Liss. Fans of Michael Faber's The Crimson Petal and the White and Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose will appreciate its vivid 17th-century Amsterdam setting and felt tension.

3.9

10,196 ratings

64%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Miguel Lienzo

A Portuguese Jew and widower, Miguel is a trader who moves to Amsterdam after financial losses in the sugar trade, where he becomes involved in a high-stakes coffee scheme.

A Portuguese Jew and former secret Jew in Lisbon, Alferonda provides retrospective insights through his memoirs and becomes a usurer after being excommunicated in Amsterdam.

A charming Dutch widow who navigates Amsterdam's social and business circles with wit and reveals a secret connection to the city's notorious bandits.

Miguel’s brother’s wife, she is of Catholic origin, secretly questions her faith in Amsterdam, and finds camaraderie with Miguel amidst a lonely marriage.

Hannah's manipulative Dutch servant with a seemingly sweet demeanor hides her true nature and has complex ties to various key players in the unfolding intrigues.

A wealthy and influential merchant, Parido has a stern demeanor, is a member of the Ma’amad, and is entangled in business and personal conflicts with multiple characters.

Miguel’s younger brother, laboring under the favor of their late father, he maintains a semblance of devotion to Judaism in Amsterdam while lacking true spiritual engagement.

A former investor in Miguel's sugar venture, he initially seeks retribution but later aligns with Miguel for personal gain.

A young, muscular Dutchman closely associated with Geertruid, consistently loyal, and capable of carrying out acts of vengeance.

Miguel’s cautious friend and a successful trader linked to the Dutch East India Company who becomes involved in Miguel's coffee trade plans.

Book Details
Pages

402

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Amsterdam • 1650s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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