The Coffee Trader

Miguel Lienzo is the protagonist of The Coffee Trader, and the majority of the story is told from his point of view. A widower, Miguel is popular among the women, who like “his easy manner, his quick smile, his large black eyes” (12).

Originally from Portugal, Miguel’s family are among the “Conversos,” Jews who were forced to become Christians during the Inquisition, though Miguel continued to study Judaism in secret. His father vehemently disapproved of this clandestine practice; ironically, he was killed by the Inquisitors. Miguel, on the other hand, escapes Lisbon for Amsterdam, where he is free to practice Judaism publicly and sincerely. However, his resistance toward authority puts him at odds with the strict ruling council of Jews, the Ma’amad.

At the start of the novel, Miguel has just experienced heavy financial losses in his sugar trade. With no money to his name, he moves into the cellar of his brother Daniel’s house. Nevertheless, Miguel still believes that he is a trader at heart, that “this was the true essence of Miguel Lienzo; he made deals and connections and arrangements” (18). This confidence propels him into pursuing the