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aditurbo's review
5.0
I hope this is not the end of this series, since by now I'm finding it truly difficult to let Benjamin Weaver get out of my life. He and his friend Elias are fantastic characters, who have given me hours of enjoyment, as well as helped me understand the politics and economics of their time. I've followed their adventures with held breath, rooting for the unlucky former fighter and loving Elias for his full loyalty to his friend, ignoring the massive differences in status and position between them. I found the writing fluent and easy to read, even as it felt authentic to the period. Clearly the author is highly knowledgeable and an expert on 18th century England, but that isn't enough to make a novel work. What makes these novels so wonderful is the author's great sense of pace and plot, his ability to weave historical events in a believable way into his plotlines, and his masterful character building. This series is one of the best of the historical fiction genre, and is highly recommended.
krisrid's review
5.0
I've read several of David Liss's other books and enjoyed all of them but this one is the best so far! Liss is a wonderful writer of historical fiction, combining detailed research and an accurate portrayal of the period, wonderfully engaging and complex characters, and a skillfully applied subtle overlay of the modern reader's knowledge of how the future will be to the earlier time-frame of the book.
In The Devil's Company, Liss examines the business of the British East India Company - the subject of the title - once upon a time a behemoth of not only Britain and India, but well on the way to dominating the world.
We meet former boxer, thieftaker, and outsider, Benjamin Weaver on page one of the book, as he completes what he believes to be a simple case of delivering retribution for a client who was cheated, by winning a fixed card game. On page 12, we discover, along with Weaver that it's not the client, but Weaver himself who's been cheated, but we have no more idea than Weaver why things have played out as they have. Weaver learns he's been forced by blackmail, into the position of working for someone he wouldn't voluntarily, and obliged to do tasks that make little sense, with minimal information or understanding of why.
The story takes off immediately from this point and runs full-tilt right to the end without a moment for the reader to catch their breath. One of the things I enjoy about Liss's books is that he doesn't need to bore you with a bunch of set-up. He's a talented enough writer to tell the story as you go along, giving you just enough information to allow you to keep up while leaving enough unexplained to keep you interested, excited and wanting to know what happens next.
The Weaver character is very likeable, despite being a man outside the "acceptable" worlds of 1700's London. As a con-man, a man with a shadowy past, and most importantly, as a Jew, he is considered "less" by many people of the time. Nevertheless, he is a man of integrity - as far as his profession allows - and one who tries as best he can to do what is most just given the world he lives in. The term "honourable scoundrel" would be my best description of him.
The other hallmark of books by David Liss - and this one is no exception - is that they are chock-a-block with action, intrigue and excitement. There are twists and turns, surprising betrayals and unexpected allies, and people at every turn who are not what they appear to be. As much as the book fits historical fiction it would be equally appropriately classified as a thriller or action/adverture book because it is definitely a page turner with plenty of action.
One note - I realized after reading the book that it is the third in a series of books starring the Benjamin Weaver character. I have not read the first two books, but aside from some vague references in the early pages about Weaver's past investigations, I found no issues whatsoever in fully understanding and enjoying this book so I must assume the three books are each stand-alone stories and do not require reading in order. Although having enjoyed this one so much, I do plan to go back and read the others as well.
The machinations of the East India Company, with whom Weaver is forced to become involved to complete his assignment, is very much a character in the story. Neither it, nor the men who run it are in any way honourable, and the description in the cover that this book depicts "the birth of the modern corporation" is quite accurate.
There were two passages near the end of the book that I found particularly striking for their equal wisdom and applicability to our present world as much as the 1722 England in which the book takes place:
". . . the heart of what I love in this kingdom is found in its people, its constitution,
its liberties and opportunities, not in its companies."
and,
"Politics cannot always be about what is moral and right and good for all men and for all time. It must be about what is expedient now, and what is the lesser evil." "[Weaver responds]: "That is a wretched way to manage a nation. You are no better than the Company men, thinking only from one quarter to the next."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it, not only to those who enjoy historical fiction, or 1700's England as a period, but also to those interested in politics and the politics of business, because in this book, David Liss lays out the foundations of how our current environment very likely might have had its infancy, for better or, more likely, for worse.
In any event, this is a terrific read!!
In The Devil's Company, Liss examines the business of the British East India Company - the subject of the title - once upon a time a behemoth of not only Britain and India, but well on the way to dominating the world.
We meet former boxer, thieftaker, and outsider, Benjamin Weaver on page one of the book, as he completes what he believes to be a simple case of delivering retribution for a client who was cheated, by winning a fixed card game. On page 12, we discover, along with Weaver that it's not the client, but Weaver himself who's been cheated, but we have no more idea than Weaver why things have played out as they have. Weaver learns he's been forced by blackmail, into the position of working for someone he wouldn't voluntarily, and obliged to do tasks that make little sense, with minimal information or understanding of why.
The story takes off immediately from this point and runs full-tilt right to the end without a moment for the reader to catch their breath. One of the things I enjoy about Liss's books is that he doesn't need to bore you with a bunch of set-up. He's a talented enough writer to tell the story as you go along, giving you just enough information to allow you to keep up while leaving enough unexplained to keep you interested, excited and wanting to know what happens next.
The Weaver character is very likeable, despite being a man outside the "acceptable" worlds of 1700's London. As a con-man, a man with a shadowy past, and most importantly, as a Jew, he is considered "less" by many people of the time. Nevertheless, he is a man of integrity - as far as his profession allows - and one who tries as best he can to do what is most just given the world he lives in. The term "honourable scoundrel" would be my best description of him.
The other hallmark of books by David Liss - and this one is no exception - is that they are chock-a-block with action, intrigue and excitement. There are twists and turns, surprising betrayals and unexpected allies, and people at every turn who are not what they appear to be. As much as the book fits historical fiction it would be equally appropriately classified as a thriller or action/adverture book because it is definitely a page turner with plenty of action.
One note - I realized after reading the book that it is the third in a series of books starring the Benjamin Weaver character. I have not read the first two books, but aside from some vague references in the early pages about Weaver's past investigations, I found no issues whatsoever in fully understanding and enjoying this book so I must assume the three books are each stand-alone stories and do not require reading in order. Although having enjoyed this one so much, I do plan to go back and read the others as well.
The machinations of the East India Company, with whom Weaver is forced to become involved to complete his assignment, is very much a character in the story. Neither it, nor the men who run it are in any way honourable, and the description in the cover that this book depicts "the birth of the modern corporation" is quite accurate.
There were two passages near the end of the book that I found particularly striking for their equal wisdom and applicability to our present world as much as the 1722 England in which the book takes place:
". . . the heart of what I love in this kingdom is found in its people, its constitution,
its liberties and opportunities, not in its companies."
and,
"Politics cannot always be about what is moral and right and good for all men and for all time. It must be about what is expedient now, and what is the lesser evil." "[Weaver responds]: "That is a wretched way to manage a nation. You are no better than the Company men, thinking only from one quarter to the next."
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it, not only to those who enjoy historical fiction, or 1700's England as a period, but also to those interested in politics and the politics of business, because in this book, David Liss lays out the foundations of how our current environment very likely might have had its infancy, for better or, more likely, for worse.
In any event, this is a terrific read!!
brbmom's review
4.0
After ready Whiskey Rebels which was excellent, I was excited to pick up another Liss historical/mystery. I just love his characters, they have such a distinct personality. The plot twists and turns are amazing - so fantastical, but believeable. Liss uses a historical event or setting, in this case the British East India Company and the intricate connections between Government and Corporation, and interweaves his character and plot to perfection. Liss does more that write a novel set in a historical setting, he draws you in and you find yourself wanting to know more! Wonderful.
braydin's review
4.0
Liss returns to his Benjamin Weaver series. This was a solid historical mystery set in early 18th century London. The plot revolves around the dealings of the mother of all big businesses, the British East India Company.
I'd recommended it to fans of historical fiction or of period type mysteries. However, if you haven't read his earlier works I would start with A Conspiracy of Paper and go from there. The series is relatively self contained so reading previous books is not necessary, but I found that I enjoyed the first two books a bit more than this one.
I'd recommended it to fans of historical fiction or of period type mysteries. However, if you haven't read his earlier works I would start with A Conspiracy of Paper and go from there. The series is relatively self contained so reading previous books is not necessary, but I found that I enjoyed the first two books a bit more than this one.
juliechristinejohnson's review
3.0
3.5 stars. A bit of a pickle for me. The story got off to a slow start and I felt mired down in tangents. But once things picked up- around pg 150- the plot screamed away to a fun and breathless finish. I was charmed by Weaver and admiring of Liss's talent to take once again the seeds of financial history and grow a rollicking, entertaining narrative.
I think in this one, however, Liss teetered on the edge of getting lost in his own forest of details: there were too many trees. He has an astonishing ability to flesh out period details (in this case, early 18th century London). But the minutiae of miscellany that create the era of his setting-his characters' clothing, languages, homes, modes of transport, maladies, neighborhoods, food, dust motes & farts- almost overwhelm an already complicated story.
Still, the irascible Weaver is irresistible. I haven't read The Conspiracy of Paper, but it's going on the TBR list.
I think in this one, however, Liss teetered on the edge of getting lost in his own forest of details: there were too many trees. He has an astonishing ability to flesh out period details (in this case, early 18th century London). But the minutiae of miscellany that create the era of his setting-his characters' clothing, languages, homes, modes of transport, maladies, neighborhoods, food, dust motes & farts- almost overwhelm an already complicated story.
Still, the irascible Weaver is irresistible. I haven't read The Conspiracy of Paper, but it's going on the TBR list.
expendablemudge's review
3.0
Seriously ugly jacket.
Book is, well, book is...really well plotted, filled with characters whose ideas and motivations I get and even support, and told in a very engaging way.
Liss's trademark business angle is very much in evidence in this book. It's set partially within the confines of the East India Company, and quite a lot of the action takes place around the various business concerns of the characters; all handled in such a way as to make it clear that this story arises from those concerns, driving each actor to his or her next action. It's enviable, the way Liss can see the story in the business and not just the business in the story.
I like this book. I like the hero. I like the way early capitalist London is presented to our senses, and how the author brings us along in our readerly sense of how the sleuth is going to develop across the series.
So why a mingy three-and-a-half?
Because: 1) Several people die, one of whom I know to be a real blow to the future of the series, and in each case the event with its aftermath is curiously flat. The sleuth's response is well-enough drawn, but it's not...the stakes aren't *there* for the (or this) reader. And the quite, quite startling aftermath of one quite important death is announced and left for later, while some very exciting other plot stuff happens.
See? I shouldn't be able to type that sentence without the Nasty Fairy whackin' me a good one, sayin' "too far, boy!" But his whackin' wand is not raised.
2) A surprise reveal late in the chase portion of the story falls sort of flat as well, and a character whose character we are given no reason to admire is revealed to be so amoral as to have -- gasp, say it isn't so -- slept with men and women both, and for profit! Wouldn't even cause an eyeblink if this were not a) the only time this concept has ever been brought up in the series, and b) a trait presented as somehow amplifying the character's extant perceived vileness.
Full marks for fairness: Benjamin, the sleuth and a self-described vigorously straight man (yawn) does some surprising soul-searching about his sodomitical revulsion. The whorehouse madam makes a pretty good case for the sodomites she serves being pretty much just like the rest of the world. And in the end, a straight man who doesn't write pure scary-o-types when discussing the more fluid borders of sexuality is more to be praised than not. It just doesn't sit right in this case.
3) The Love Interest. Oh god. We now reach the portion of our series where the sleuth must Fall In Love, and with a worthy adversary. Just once, one lousy time, I'd like to see a likable hero like Benjamin Weaver make it through an entire series without a Love Interest. I know it's what the market likes, but yeesh. I content myself with observing that she's a interesting character in her own right.
I like the sleuth, I like the series, and I will buy the next one. You should too.
Recommended for Anglomanes, for business buffs, and for puzzle people; historical fanciers will hyperventilate at some of Liss's more atmospheric passages; and international intrigue fans...stay tuned....
Book is, well, book is...really well plotted, filled with characters whose ideas and motivations I get and even support, and told in a very engaging way.
Liss's trademark business angle is very much in evidence in this book. It's set partially within the confines of the East India Company, and quite a lot of the action takes place around the various business concerns of the characters; all handled in such a way as to make it clear that this story arises from those concerns, driving each actor to his or her next action. It's enviable, the way Liss can see the story in the business and not just the business in the story.
I like this book. I like the hero. I like the way early capitalist London is presented to our senses, and how the author brings us along in our readerly sense of how the sleuth is going to develop across the series.
So why a mingy three-and-a-half?
Because: 1) Several people die, one of whom I know to be a real blow to the future of the series, and in each case the event with its aftermath is curiously flat. The sleuth's response is well-enough drawn, but it's not...the stakes aren't *there* for the (or this) reader. And the quite, quite startling aftermath of one quite important death is announced and left for later, while some very exciting other plot stuff happens.
See? I shouldn't be able to type that sentence without the Nasty Fairy whackin' me a good one, sayin' "too far, boy!" But his whackin' wand is not raised.
2) A surprise reveal late in the chase portion of the story falls sort of flat as well, and a character whose character we are given no reason to admire is revealed to be so amoral as to have -- gasp, say it isn't so -- slept with men and women both, and for profit! Wouldn't even cause an eyeblink if this were not a) the only time this concept has ever been brought up in the series, and b) a trait presented as somehow amplifying the character's extant perceived vileness.
Full marks for fairness: Benjamin, the sleuth and a self-described vigorously straight man (yawn) does some surprising soul-searching about his sodomitical revulsion. The whorehouse madam makes a pretty good case for the sodomites she serves being pretty much just like the rest of the world. And in the end, a straight man who doesn't write pure scary-o-types when discussing the more fluid borders of sexuality is more to be praised than not. It just doesn't sit right in this case.
3) The Love Interest. Oh god. We now reach the portion of our series where the sleuth must Fall In Love, and with a worthy adversary. Just once, one lousy time, I'd like to see a likable hero like Benjamin Weaver make it through an entire series without a Love Interest. I know it's what the market likes, but yeesh. I content myself with observing that she's a interesting character in her own right.
I like the sleuth, I like the series, and I will buy the next one. You should too.
Recommended for Anglomanes, for business buffs, and for puzzle people; historical fanciers will hyperventilate at some of Liss's more atmospheric passages; and international intrigue fans...stay tuned....
karingforbooks's review
5.0
I quite liked it. There were some things I could figure out based on the clues provided, but there were more twists that I didn't see coming. The beginning is a bit hard because they introduce a lot of characters rather quickly, but the basis for the story is intriguing. And the narrator(audiobook) was enjoyable to listen to as well.
celli's review
2.0
I really, really enjoyed this book--up until the ending. It had a couple of last-minute improbably twists, and ended with the hero having been manipulated and defeated by his own government. I'm not opposed to a cynical ending, but I felt like this one didn't belong with the whole rest of the story. And a letdown like that colors the whole rest of the book for me.
Earlier: I won this in a Goodreads first-reads giveaway! Can't wait for it to get here so I can take a look.
Earlier: I won this in a Goodreads first-reads giveaway! Can't wait for it to get here so I can take a look.
encgolsen's review
4.0
Intricately plotted entry in the Benjamin Weaver series, in which an 18th century former pugilist turned "thieftaker" (I.e., private detective) uncovers nefarious plots. In this case, it's the British East India Company and its role in the textile trade around which a seething mass of conspiracies and betrayals swirl.
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