Books of Jewish Interest - A Conspiracy of Paper by David Liss

Taking on a “fiendishly intricate tale of financial skullduggery” in early 18th century London, as Kirkus Reviews called The Paper Conspiracy by David Liss, Jacki Katzman outlined “this hard-boiled detective story” in the summer’s June 26, second meeting of “Books of Jewish interest” a series curated by Gail Robinson.

Benjamin Weaver, nee Lienzo, is the story’s first person narrator. He boxed as “The Lion of Judah,”  and later transformed himself into an early 18th century private detective. The story begins with Benjamin helping “a gentlemen with personal problems” but evolves into a multiple murder who-done-it mystery. 

As Jacki and other readers reported, the author’s fictional foray into the status of Jews, the 1719 South Sea Company “bubble” (a stock speculation), the exercise of patriarchy that frustrated women with ambitions, suicide (or was it murder?), and the shenanigans of people we might regard as racketeers added up to an absorbing story.

Not everyone read it the same way. Some were interested in the story of Jews in the financial markets, and the transition from landed wealth to mercantile success.  Others were interested in the interweaving plot lines of corporate greed, deceit, double dealing and backstabbing, and judicial corruption.

The intergenerational tensions between the immigrants and first generation children seeking independence and assimilation into London society provoked discussion. 

All agreed that Liss accurately portrayed the indigenous antisemitism that flourished among the English aristocracy, working class Brits, the police and the judiciary. Also that he captured the cadences, vocabulary and style of 18th century writers like Austen and Sand, achieving the affect with a far more accessible and modern voice.

Jacki K. found parallels between financial developments in 1719, notably the emergence of paper money that displaced metallic money, and the emergence of cryptocurrency in the 21st century.  The actions of corporations then, and now, in pursuit of profits seemed current and timely.

Seventeen readers joined the discussion in person at the Bethlehem Public Library. Participation by Zoom was cancelled because of technical difficulties.

A make up Zoom-only session on August 3 filled the screen with readers from New Jersey to Los Angeles.  Jacki Katzman moderated a second discussion that ranged from historical references to Jews living in England, to the author David Liss’ literary style, to comments on historic fear and hostility toward innovative Jews. Rabbi Kirshbaum noted that the characters most invested in the status quo resented the Jewish influences, while those embracing change were completely uninterested in antisemitism.

–Edward Cowan, with Jacki Katzman