The Jewel Trader of Pegu, (Paperback)

from anshaw

In alternating first person narrative and epistolary chapters, The Jewel Trader of Pegu vividly describes a variety of exotic locations and cultural experiences. In particular, Hantover carefully details Abraham's previously unexperienced personal freedoms through his letters to his brother. Thes...

from mikeandmelinda

The Jewel Trader of Pegu provides an interesting look at life in the 16th century, both in southeast Asia and in Italy. Although the story takes place primarily in the island nation of Pegu, main character Abraham's letters to his cousin back in Venice show insight into Jewish life in Europe. The...

from Litfan

When a novel is so absorbing you can't wait to get home from work to keep reading, you know you've found something good. So it was with The Jewel Trader of Pegu. While initially confusing, as it's told in letters by the protagonist, interspersed with narration from an unknown character, the story...

from Wrighty

I was very surprised by how much I liked this book. I was so unfamiliar with this topic but impressed with the story. Abraham is a gem merchant who was born in Venice but after personal tragedy decided to travel to the Burmese kingdom of Pegu in the year 1598. It is hot, exotic, lush and full of ...

from LaBibliophille

The Jewel Trader of Pegu is an odd book. It tells the story of a sixteenth century jeweler from Venice. Abraham is sent to Pegu (now known as Bago, a city in Myanmar) to purchase precious stones for the family business. Abraham is Jewish, and the customs of the Buddhists of Pegu are baffling to h...