![]() ![]() Enter Geertruid Damhouder, an enigmatic Dutchwoman to whom Miguel is drawn - in no small measure because of her large breasts but also to the bowl of steaming liquid she puts under his ever-inquisitive nose: coffee. Chief antagonist is Solomon Parido, a councillor who, it appears, has set out to make Miguel's life very difficult indeed, after he caused this respectable gentleman to lose as much as Miguel himself gained on a business deal. ![]() Being an expat Portuguese Jew, his behaviour is monitored by the Ma'amad, a council of elders who don't look too kindly on his various transgressions, and loathe most of all his disrespect towards the council. Liss uses his knowledge of this pivotal period in commercial history to play out his tale of avarice and intrigue as the central character, Miguel Lienzo, buys and sells stocks in an attempt to prosper and then, due to a somewhat cavalier attitude to the whims of the Exchange, to save himself from financial ruin. It had a stock exchange encompassing commodities markets and futures and, as painted by David Liss, a hum and sense of activity not unlike Wall St or the City today. Reviewed by MICHAEL LARSEN Amsterdam at the end of the 17th century was one of the most thriving centres of commerce in Europe. ![]()
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