Miguel, a Portuguese Jew, is nearly ruined. He owes money to many, and has little hope of making it back on the Exchange in Amsterdam. Approached by a Dutch woman named Geertruid about anew fruit called coffee, they hatch a wild scheme to make them both rich.

All of Amsterdam seems to be against the scheme, including Miguel's own brother. Without giving too much away, let's just say things don't go as planned, and many get caught in the cross fire of the trade.

Wonderfully developed characters that make you want to shake the book and yell "What are doing silly!" as if they were really in front of you. I found myself feeling sympathy for the oddest sorts of fold and cheering for the "bad" guy at times. A definite must read.