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Liked It “I like it. It was really interesting to read about the history of stock exchange and trading there. And of course the history of coffee in Europe - this dark drink of devils.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “17th century Amsterdam, the beginning of the world's commodities markets, exiled Portuguese Jews it seemed like it would be great, but not so much. I listened to the audiobook, the reader John Lee was great.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“I like it. It was really interesting to read about the history of stock exchange and trading there. And of course the history of coffee in Europe - this dark drink of devils. ”
AJM wrote this review Monday, December 7 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Just really getting started, sharing it with another and waiting him to finish! Pulled me right into it.”
Jennifer D wrote this review Thursday, July 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Amsterdam,1600's, Worlds first commodities exchange”
Linda J wrote this review Thursday, July 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Excellent!”
mbolin wrote this review Wednesday, June 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Overall a tedious read. I did enjoy the historical aspect; learning about the Dutch commodities exchange and the Jews in Holland. But I have seldom met such life unsympathetic, lifeless characters. The main character, Lienzo, was greedy, selfish and bad tempered. After ruining everyone's life he ends up with the girl. A book I was happy to put down.”
Terry C wrote this review Thursday, May 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Miguel Lienzo, a Portuguese Jew trying to make a living in 17th century Amsterdam through futures trading, joins Geertruid, a Dutch widow, in devising a scheme to make a fortune off a new commodity - coffee. Secrecy and planning are of the utmost importance and Miguel uses his unorthodox friendships well. But a powerful businessman and member of the religious council is only one of many enemies who may be working against Miguel. Entertaining historical fiction but the stock market is just as confusing in its infancy as it is today and, though the characters are well-formed, none of them are particularly appealing. For fans of detailed historical fiction who don't require just, happy endings.”
bookappeal wrote this review Friday, May 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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Ju-Dith wrote this review Friday, January 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
THE COFFEE TRADER
David Liss
Random House
2003
390 pages
Set in 17th century Amsterdam, this book concerns itself with on Miguel Lienzo, a Portugese Jewish commodities trader....In an attempt to rebuild his fortune and reputation, Miguel goes into partnership with a comely Dutch widow in a scheme to corner the market on some new-fangled thing called Coffee...and the games begin...Financial skulduggery, personal vendettas, comely lasses in doorways, and the ruling body of the Jewish community, all conspire to thwart Miguel at every turn. but he is his own worst enemy
i was disappointed in this book, more for its pacing than anything...with a wealth of historical information and obviously thorough research...the “story” started to drag about halfway through..and , while i finished the book it was a chore..too bad, that because the ending is very good...given that no character herein was very appealing...none was repulsive...in the end Miguel may have recovered his position...but he lost much more..... not his self-confidence, however”
“After being slightly disappointed in A SPECTACLE OF CORRUPTION, I was a little nervous about picking up this latest Liss novel, but it was incredible, a very exciting read, in the same "historical financial thriller" way as A CONSPIRACY OF PAPER.”
Alethea wrote this review Wednesday, October 1 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“17th century Amsterdam, the beginning of the world's commodities markets, exiled Portuguese Jews it seemed like it would be great, but not so much. I listened to the audiobook, the reader John Lee was great.”
Holly S wrote this review Friday, September 19 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Someone lent me this book. At first, I wasn't sure I would like it because it wasn't my usual type of book. I ended up really liking it. It started a little slowly, but was an interesting plot with well-developed characters.”
Colleen T wrote this review Thursday, July 3 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
