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.

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.

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

- The Coffee Trader is set in the bustling and financially adventurous world of 17th-century Amsterdam, a unique period when coffee was just beginning to spread across Europe.
- The novel delves into the early days of the stock market, highlighting the era's speculative trading and economic ventures.
- David Liss, the author, is known for his meticulous historical research, which adds a rich, authentic layer to the financial and cultural backdrop of the story.

**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.

**Alonzo Alferonda**  
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.

**Geertruid Damhuis**  
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.

**Hannah**  
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.

**Annetje**  
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.

**Solomon Parido**  
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.

**Daniel Lienzo**  
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.

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

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

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

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