A Conspiracy of Paper: A Novel (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

Reviews (See all 87) Write a reviewfor this

It's a hit!

In telling the story of Benjamin Weaver, an ex-boxer turned investigator who is searching for his father's killer, David Liss brings to life the fi... (show more)

In telling the story of Benjamin Weaver, an ex-boxer turned investigator who is searching for his father's killer, David Liss brings to life the financial mania of 18th century London. The protagonist is a fascinating and conflicted character: as a Jew living during a time of great anti-Semitism, he is stuck between worlds; as a former ruffian who is, at heart, a gentleman, he is torn between his sense of justice and his desire for revenge; as an investigator living in a society rife with crime, he has to contend with people at all levels of society - and few of them are who they say they are. Readers might be put off by the style of writing; Liss adopts a voice that reflects some of the formality of early 18th century writing. There are also moments when the plot seems to stall, but ultimately, this is a very entertaining and rewarding book, particularly because the characters and the issues in the story resonate in our current age of financial mania. I highly recommend the book! (show less)

 

 

by Christina Kopp

No, it's a flop!

Can't say I enjoyed this one. I didn't care much for the characters or the story itself. The author is quite talented but it just didn't appeal t... (show more)

Can't say I enjoyed this one. I didn't care much for the characters or the story itself. The author is quite talented but it just didn't appeal to my interests. (show less)

 

 

by Leigh Gaston

More Reviews

• 
  

  This book is deep rich historical novel that is well worth the time and effort that one invests in it. Certainly we have had tales of the South Sea Bubble before, and we know it as the worlds first great stock swindle, Ivan Boesky and Michael Miliken beware.

  This tale is not that. We have that as background in its historical context. Just as we have recently lived through the internet stock explosion of the turn of the century where it was so obvious that if you have a website, you are an in... (show more)

  This book is deep rich historical novel that is well worth the time and effort that one invests in it. Certainly we have had tales of the South Sea Bubble before, and we know it as the worlds first great stock swindle, Ivan Boesky and Michael Miliken beware.

  This tale is not that. We have that as background in its historical context. Just as we have recently lived through the internet stock explosion of the turn of the century where it was so obvious that if you have a website, you are an instant millionaire. So to with the South Sea bubble, anything connected to the endeavor will make you a fortune.

  This story uses those details as background. Once again Liss provides his Jewish heritage to give us insight into not only the times but how the Jewish community fits in those times. That additional application of facts enriches the entire tale. But there is something more here then just jewish heritage and the economic troubles of the times. There is a murder mystery, and the bodies keep accumulating.

  Certainly the deft weaving of all the elements elevates this book to greatness and even more should be attainable if in the end device is not used for cleverness. Is the bad guy the bad guy, let us cast doubt. That is not needed. Then the complexity of the finances are still complex enough that motive seems wanting.

  Is it worth a second read, perhaps in a decade, but it is definitely worth your while now. (show less)

   

   

  by David William Wilkin on Jul 16, 2009 at 10:15PM

  Already read

  Is this review helpful? yes no
   
• 

  If you are interested generally in topic of the history of finance (which to me is the history of watching people try to gain an advantage over another using paper), then you will love this book. Well written and full of little historical anecdotes.

   

   

  by Facebook-användare on Dec 11, 2009 at 04:49PM

  Already read

  Is this review helpful? yes no
   
• See all reviews
  Write a review