"For me there is a coming-of-age feel to the storyline. A brilliant addition to an enticing historical fiction series."
12th century conflicts, trading adventures and one man struggling to find his place. ‘The Merchant from Sepharad’ by James Hutson-Wiley follows Joshua ben Elazar as he tries to please his father by taking a place in his trading dynasty, while also navigating the religious tensions and conflicts of the 12th century.
This story is part of a series that began with ‘The Sugar Merchant’, however I feel that this can be read as a standalone because while the previous books’ main characters are mentioned, ‘The Merchant from Sepharad’ tells Joshua’s story from beginning to end. The author has done a brilliant job once again to bring history to life, the tenuous line and strains between those of Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith is depicted in a way that feels authentic and adds more challenges to Joshua’s path.
The amount of detail provided in the setting and context helps to bring the story to vibrant life. Joshua seems like a lost soul to me at the start of the novel, eager for his father’s praise, but without the knowledge and experience to gain it. I read with interest as he grew, broadened his horizons and overcame obstacles.
For me there is a coming-of-age feel to the storyline. A brilliant addition to an enticing historical fiction series.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
Embroiled in the tumult of the twelfth century’s commercial revolution, Joshua ben Elazar, the scion of an illustrious trading dynasty, is torn between the dictates of his faith and his quest for wealth and love. The merchant from Sepharad, the third book in the series beginning with The Sugar Merchant, is a tale of religious persecution and deadly conflict. Joshua’s first commercial venture in Muslim-ruled Portugal ends in disaster when he is cheated by corrupt officials.
| Primary Genre | Indie Author Books |
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Embroiled in the tumult of the twelfth century’s commercial revolution, Joshua ben Elazar, the scion of an illustrious trading dynasty, is torn between the dictates of his faith and his quest for wealth and love. The merchant from Sepharad, the third book in the series beginning with The Sugar Merchant, is a tale of religious persecution and deadly conflict.
The Merchant from Sepharad features in the following genres: Indie Author Books, Indie Books We Love, Historical Fiction, Recommendations, Fiction
Paperback. Not Available.
The Merchant from Sepharad was written by James Hutson-Wiley and published by New Generation Publishing
The Merchant from Sepharad has 312 pages
