A Conspiracy of Paper

I picked up this book in the store because the cover caught my eye, started reading it by the rack, and could not put it down. Needless to say, I bought it! This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in I don't know how long. The characters are likable and realistic, the setting (a time and place I didn't know anything about) is beautifully constructed, and the plot is a total page-turner. "A Conspiracy of Paper" seems, at first, to be just a regular mystery, but it is far more compliated, intricate, and clever than any mystery I've ever read. A real treat for anyone who loves to read!

A Conspiracy of Paper is without a doubt the best historical mystery I have ever read-- suspense-filled, clever, filled with period detail, and written in a narrative voice evocative of the 18th-c without being precious or pretentious. Liss has created a hero who is irresistable and vastly complex. What makes this novel particularly remarkable is its pairing of financial intrigue with the development of probability theory, which is used to wonderful effect. The attention to Sephardic culture and boxing make this novel truly exciting and a pure reading pleasure.

I generally dislike comparing the work of one Author with that of another. But as this is the debut of Mr. David Liss, a reference point or two may be of help.If the writing of Mr. Charles Palliser is to your liking, or that of Mr. Iain Pears, or perhaps Ms. Tracy Chevalier, this book will earn its place on the same shelf.The book is excellent, and although its story occupies a time that is not unfamiliar, Mr. Liss has brought a style that is his own. His characters have depth, they do not imitate others drawn in another's book.The dialogue is well constructed, reads naturally, and together with the narration Mr. Liss and company lead you through a labyrinth of a plot, tempt you with false leads, and pull the carpet out just as you thought you were drawing together the threads. Not a chance, the Author anticipates the reader's moves, and misleads and deceives through a truly wonderful tale!History, twistery, truth, lies, or mystery? It is all here, brilliantly written by a Novelist that is destined for many great books that I look forward to.Outstanding!

This is exactly the kind of thing most of us seek historical fiction before: A gripping yarn, a fascinating setting, and a chance to reflect on things that matter to us now in a new way. The two things at the center of this novel-- money and religious heritage -- are of course old hat. But by placing them in the hands of his 18th century boxer, this book gives you the chance to reflect upon them as you never have before. Even better, this book has fascinating, three-dimensional characters (esp. the narrator), about whom you just want to know more and more. It's hard to put this book down.

Benjamin Weaver is an 18th century London Jew making his way in a complex Christian society, and an equally arcane criminal underworld. After turning his back on family and religion, he has made his living as a boxer, a highwayman, and a thief, until he found the less dangerous occupation of thief-taker. Now drawn back into the world of London's Sephardic Jews by a client who raises questions about Weaver's own father's death, Benjamin is surprised to find himself comforted by the traditions and family he thought he had rejected.This is one of those books that plop you right in the middle of a fascinating world completely unknown to you. Author David Liss creates the richly textured world of 18th century London Jewry, their traditions, their aspirations, played out against the famous stock speculation by the South Sea Company. Early stock brokers funded much of the 18th century's wars and economic growth from their tables in coffeehouses across London. Of course, there were also disasters, and the Jews, as the only stockbrokers, often took the blame for all sorts of economic downturns, as Weaver finds out.The characters in "A Conspiracy of Paper" are unusual and engaging. So many books have been set in 18th century London that it seems to be a landscape readers know well. One of the treats of this book is finding a different world in a place we thought we had down pat.