The Coffee Trader

A Novel

By: David Liss

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

Amsterdam, 1659: On the world’s first commodities exchange, fortunes are won and lost in an instant. Miguel Lienzo, a sharp-witted trader in the city’s close-knit community of Portuguese Jews, knows this only too well. Once among the city’s most envied merchants, Miguel has suddenly lost everything. Now, impoverished and humiliated, living in his younger brother’s canal-flooded basement, Miguel must find a way to restore his wealth and reputation.

Miguel enters into a partnership with a seductive Dutchwoman who offers him one last chance at success - a daring plot to corner the market of an astonishing new commodity called “coffee.”

To succeed, Miguel must risk everything he values and face a powerful enemy who will stop at nothing to see him ruined. Miguel will learn that among Amsterdam’s ruthless businessmen, betrayal lurks everywhere, and even friends hide secret agendas.

©2003 David Liss (P)2003 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Unusual and diverting." (The New York Times Book Review)
"Masterfully plotted, brilliantly imagined, The Coffee Trader brims with intelligence, intrigue, and suspense. David Liss has written a riveting novel about commerce and faith, loyalty and greed." (Tova Mirvis, author of The Ladies Auxiliary)

Flawless!

I've rated everything I've ever downloaded from Audible and this is only the second time I've given a 5 Star (the previous being a Jules Verne classic from 150 years ago!). Perhaps it's because I related to the novel's elements so much: Once upon a time I was a Foreign Exhange Trader; a Cafe Barrista; and have spent many, many nights in Amsterdam!

"The Coffee Trader" is one of those super-rare stories which sticks in my head long after listening to it on my morning & evening work commutes. I've had to snap myself out of a daze at work many mornings after listening to this on the way in. I noticed I was counting down the hours till closing time so I could hear what would happen to Miguel next!

David Liss' tale has it all: lust, greed, envy, humor, tension, you name it. Grind some dark roast beans; take a deep sip; and transport yourself to 17th Century Holland for a few hours. It'll be a journey you won't soon forget!

Excelent historical thriller

Excelent complex historical thriller with a fine narration that conveys all the ambience of the a past time.

This book did not live up to expectations.

Any additional comments?

This book did not live up to my expectations based on reading David Liss's other books.

Totally enjoyed it

I read this in hard copy, then listened years later to it again, as my memory was so fond. The guy tells a good story.

Solid story, good narration

This is a solid story. Some family drama, economic intrigue, plotting, and some history thrown in. The narrator does a good job keeping the characters separate and changing pace with the speed of the plot.

Another great historical read.

What did you love best about The Coffee Trader?

The author brings you into a different world. I loved learning how the futures trade market was started. It felt real, gritty and alive.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Jewish community as a whole was so interesting. How they lived in the time of the inquisition and thrived.

Which scene was your favorite?

The end, our hero never gives up.

Any additional comments?

Great read, fast and interesting. Loved the book

Wanted to like it, but nothing ever happened

I liked the characters, I liked the setting, I liked the narrator. I just wished the story had some meat to it. Instead of a taught, historical plot, the story line bobs and weaves around manners and religious etiquette and never really gets to any climax, any character development, or any great revelations.
The attempted plot twists at the end are clumsy and unrewarding.

No Redemption

I am writing this review because I can not allow this story to get a high score of approval.

I personally did not find the characters nor the story sympathetic. I found the main character excessively self involved.

Perhaps if I had been educated about the Jewish faith, and the Foreign Exchange Market I would have a better appreciation of the complexities in which the writer was trying to express his story; but I doubt it.

I found this story to be long, tedious, and drawn out to the point of dread.

LIKE A CUP OF SANKA

This souned like a great idea for a story - an historical financial thriller. I love historical fiction - and this had a lot about stuff I knewnothing about - great I thought. Sadly, this is one of a handful of audio books that I had to give up on because I had NO interest in the characters, the plot ot the historical context. I cannot believe that this author is so hightly regarded. HAS NO ONE EVER READ ROBERT HARRIS? I mean, this author isn't even close.

I Quit

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I never quit reading/listening to a book - never. And after 4 hours I just couldn't make myself do it. Instead of encouraging me to walk - it made me want to avoid my daily walk (audible books are the way I encourage myself to get more exercise). And - like other readers - I have a fondness for historical fiction and Amsterdam and coffee. Interesting topic - but put me to sleep (hard to do when you're walking).