53 pages • 1 hour read
David LissThe Coffee Trader
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.