The Sugar Merchant

by James Hutson-Wiley

When Thomas’s family is annihilated in a raid, his life changes forever. Wandering for days, starving and hopeless, he is rescued by a monk and is taken to live at the abbey of Eynsham. There he receives a curious education, training to be a scholar, a merchant and a spy. His mission: to develop commerce in Muslim lands and dispatch vital information to the Holy See.

His perilous adventures during the 11th century’s commercial revolution will take him far from his cloistered life to the great trading cities of Almeria, Amalfi, Alexandria and Cairo.

But the world in which he lives is chaotic. Struggling with love and loss, faith and fortune, can Thomas carry out his secret mission before conflict overtakes him?

Spanning the tumultuous medieval worlds of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, The Sugar Merchant is a tale of clashing cultures, massive economic change and one man’s determination to fulfil his destiny.

The 11th century world through which Thomas Woodward travels is changing; marked by the emergence of a disruptive commercial revolution. In the Mediterranean, the great Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam meet, often in cooperation and peace but, at times, in bloody conflict. It is an era of migration, globalism and multiculturalism leading to a robust interchange of technology, ideas and the basic tools of international trade. But, the interests of the Christian west are on a collision course with those of the Muslim world. War is coming. The Church is rallying the nobles of Europe to embark on an ‘armed pilgrimage’ to reclaim the Holy Land. Now, Thomas and his Muslim and Jewish partners’ lucrative sugar trade is in jeopardy. Thomas’s own secret and dangerous mission, directed from Rome, will become filled with even greater peril.

The Sugar Merchant explores the massive cultural and economic change occurring in the later part of the 11th century through the eyes of a fictional participant, Thomas Woodward, and his Jewish and Muslim merchant partners. This turbulent period of history marked the creation of a European commercial economy based upon global trade and the birth of capitalism. New innovations in technology, finance, navigation and commercial organization were developed, often as a result of the robust exchange of knowledge between the Christian west and the Islamic east. Long-established political and social structures began a radical process of transformation, eventually leading to political, spiritual and physical conflict. Thomas is a witness to, and may become a victim of, this remarkable revolution.

Genres: Fiction, British Literature, Historical Fiction

259 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2018

Reviews

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-crafted historical fiction...

The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this historical fiction that will guarantee the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the 11th century world marked by the emergence of a disruptive commercial revolution, this book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. The story is told from the perspective of the main central character Thomas Woodward and is a noteworthy tribute to the era. Highly recommended.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Description of the international trade increased at the time [11th century] through a group of tradesmen, one Christian, one Jewish, and one Muslim. Sugar is becoming popular. The main character is also fulfilling a mission for the Catholic Church. Fascinating read of that time and subject.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

BLURB

When Thomas’s family is annihilated in a raid, his life changes forever. Wandering for days, starving and hopeless, he is rescued by a monk and is taken to live at the abbey of Eynsham. There he receives a curious education, training to be a scholar, a merchant and a spy. His mission: to develop commerce in Muslim lands and dispatch vital information to the Holy See.
His perilous adventures during the 11th century’s commercial revolution will take him far from his cloistered life to the great trading cities of Almeria, Amalfi, Alexandria and Cairo.

But the world in which he lives is chaotic. Struggling with love and loss, faith and fortune, can Thomas carry out his secret mission before conflict overtakes him?

Spanning the tumultuous medieval worlds of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, The Sugar Merchant is a tale of clashing cultures, massive economic change and one man’s determination to fulfill his destiny.

The 11th century world through which Thomas Woodward travels is changing; marked by the emergence of a disruptive commercial revolution. In the Mediterranean, the great Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam meet, often in cooperation and peace but, at times, in bloody conflict. It is an era of migration, globalism and multiculturalism leading to a robust interchange of technology, ideas and the basic tools of international trade. But, the interests of the Christian west are on a collision course with those of the Muslim world. War is coming. The Church is rallying the nobles of Europe to embark on an ‘armed pilgrimage’ to reclaim the Holy Land. Now, Thomas and his Muslim and Jewish partners’ lucrative sugar trade is in jeopardy. Thomas’s own secret and dangerous mission, directed from Rome, will become filled with even greater peril.

REVIEW

An intriguing tale of the 11th century, one that takes in bits of history that are not usual fare for this reviewer. The world of commerce, the world of mingling religions, the world of manuscript preservation - all of these story lines blended into the adventures of one remarkable protagonist, Thomas Woodward. The author gives a finely detailed look at not only the intricacies of world trade, but also the climatic clashes of the three "peoples of the book", and the magnitude of the changes wrought by that clash.  While the main focus is on the trading enterprise, the huge demand for the new sensation, sugar being the ingredient that brings success to Thomas and his partners, it is also a cloak and dagger (or in Thomas' case, a staff) espionage tale that adds a nice element of entertainment to the narrative. An excellent weaving of history and story telling, the reader is drawn into the inner turmoil Thomas experiences as his business success threatens his mortal soul. I recommend The Sugar Merchant - a delightful, yet thought provoking tale.  4 stars

[T. Vand · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sugar Merchant explores the massive cultural and economic change occurring in the later part of the 11th century through the eyes of a fictional participant, Thomas Woodward, and his Jewish and Muslim merchant partners. This turbulent period of history marked the creation of a European commercial economy based upon global trade and the birth of capitalism.

This book was not what I expected. I was drawn in right away. I loved how the monks taught him and the skills he learns actually come into play later so it doesn't feel like filler. I loved the way everything connected. The character development. It went beyond surface development to third level development that really made me connect with the characters. And the author developed all the characters, not just Thomas. The book also features Islam, Christianity, and Judaism and how each plays into Thomas's journey. All in all this is a book I would recommend to those who love historical fiction and to those who are looking for something new to read.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

James Hutson-Wiley’s debut novel, “The Sugar Merchant,” gives readers a unique view into 11th-century trade and commerce. This tale chronicles Thomas Woodward, a young eight-year-old who is orphaned after a raid and rescued by a Benedictine monk from the Abbey of Eynsham. For the next 12 years, Thomas is trained by the monks before being sent on a mission to develop commerce in the Muslim world and act as a spy for the Catholic Church. Thomas befriends a savvy Muslim merchant, Assad, and an equally shrewd Jewish businessman, Jusuf, and they journey together to introduce Europe to a new commodity – sugar. Along the way, the three merchants encounter political unrest and greedy enemies while Thomas falls in love with Zahra, a Muslim girl. You’ll enjoy Thomas’s adventures in many different lands as he trades sugar and builds relationships with merchants of different faiths and cultures.

Hutson-Wiley’s dedication to the message within this story becomes obvious as readers immerse themselves in his 11th-century world; it’s meticulously researched, and no detail is left unmentioned. While it may bog down the story in some parts, it adds to the success of the novel. Rarely does a book written in this time period deal with commerce, as knights and bloody crusades are portrayed as seemingly more exciting to read. Lovers of historical fiction would be missing a great deal if they didn’t add this well-written novel to their reading list. The simple and unassuming cover are no indication of the complexity and depth of knowledge held with in the pages.

Paramount to Hutson-Wiley’s success is his ability to blend medieval historical fiction with an adventure featuring espionage with its trademark twists and turns. The change of pace allows readers to regroup and refocus after being singularly focussed on business. It is interesting to watch Thomas grow as a man and apply the principles he’s learned from the monks. He becomes an astute businessman who eagerly learns from his mistakes and uses them to further his expertise. Through Thomas, readers gain insight into personal struggles brought on by human growth, knowledge and interacting within different and distinct cultures. What we come to realize is that we face many of the same challenges today and our success, like Thomas’s, comes from our inner voice of reason as well as our education, both formal and informal. The impediments to our growth are the same as those Thomas faces, the consequences of poor decisions. What a wonderful glimpse into a rarely seen instant in time – Europe immediately before the Crusades.

Thank you to James Hutson-Wiley, New Generation Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

Mr. Hutson-Wiley’s epic adventure “The Sugar Merchant” spares no expense crafting a brilliant tale set at a time when humanity is discovering itself, when the world through trade becomes a smaller more accessible place.

Read full review in the 2019 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Reader Views · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Sugar Merchant” tells the story of Thomas Woodward. As a child, he is the only survivor of his family after their village is destroyed in a vicious raid. After days of wandering the wilderness, he is found by a monk from a local monastery, known as Eynsham. Thomas is adopted into their community and is brought up in the Christian faith by the Brothers. Upon reaching adulthood, and after amassing much knowledge about the markets and trade, he is sent on a pilgrimage to the Middle East. There, Thomas is tasked with finding and copying rare, historic manuscripts in order to preserve ancient knowledge, as well as expand the monastery’s wealth by establishing trade markets. Over the next couple of decades, Thomas will establish his own trading enterprise with a couple of newfound friends, amass his own wealth and knowledge, fall in love, and face grave peril.

“The Sugar Merchant” is told with wonderful, spellbinding, storyteller-like tone. The scenes and images flow together so fluidly that, though filled with historic details and information, the book is quite easy and enjoyable to read. I particularly enjoyed how the author has used historic terminology and spellings for various cities and objects. It gives the book an extra dose of authenticity, while also showing that the author definitely took the time to do extensive research on his subject matter.

While personally I didn’t always find myself connecting with Thomas, I still found him to be a reliable narrator and was constantly drawn into the story further with each new historic clue and the new characters we are introduced to throughout the book. One of my favorite things about “The Sugar Merchant” was the rich cast of characters. In this book, we have at its heart a Christian, Jewish, and Muslim working together to form and succeed in trade markets, as well as develop a deep affection for each other.

In particular, I enjoyed the specification made by Thomas that he, Jusuf, and Assad would pray together three times a day, each in their own faiths. Even though they were from drastically different cultures and had different beliefs, they were still able to respect each other’s beliefs and engage in prayer together because, ultimately, they were all seeking guidance from their Lord. Throughout the book, we see Thomas acknowledging that though his faith may decree various acts and beliefs as “wrong,” for the most part the Christians and Muslims are able to live and interact together in relative peace. As they start hearing word of what historically would come to be known as the Crusades, and some of the violence that came with the actions of the Knights, we see Thomas questioning how it can be right for these fellows of his own faith to believe that they are enacting the Will of God by bringing harm to others, regardless of faith.

This is an important and heartwarming theme to see in our current social climate. There seems to be a lot of contention these days between those of different faiths, and we need to be reminded from time to time that believing differently than someone else doesn’t make that other person inherently wrong or evil.

I do wish that we could have seen Thomas actually make his pilgrimage to Jerusalem toward the end of the book. I felt like it ended rather abruptly, and like I was missing a final piece of the puzzle. The only other drawback I found in “The Sugar Merchant” was that some of the chapters were quite long, and there wasn’t really any breaks or white space anywhere. Personally, it made it hard to find good stopping points sometimes, when after a particularly deep or historically intense portion I felt like I needed a brain-break! This could very well be just a personal preference, but sometimes adding section breaks or white space within chapters can help the timeline of the story feel more defined.

Overall, I found “The Sugar Merchant” to be quite enjoyable and I’m glad I was given the opportunity to read it. Many readers interested in historical fiction, especially that which takes place during earlier periods in history, would be quite charmed and intrigued by this book.

[Mariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author James Hutson-Wiley takes readers into the complex world of eleventh-century trade in his historically rich and educational novel The Sugar Merchant. The novel follows the life of Thomas Woodward, opening as our protagonist describes the intense events surrounding the destruction of his village and his later adoption by the brothers of Eynsham abbey. Hutson-Wiley does a fantastic job of capturing and maintaining Thomas’ voice without wavering or falling too close to modern conventions, even when Thomas’ thoughts might be out of place to a modern perspective.

Even still, other characters stole the show for me, demonstrating more compelling arcs of growth and stronger personalities. At times it felt as though Thomas was sitting in the backseat, disconnected from the action. Disconnect defines the novel’s largest flaws. I kept searching for moments of strong sensory detail (aside from the pervasive use of smell) and richer descriptions of these historic and iconic locations. Character’s physical appearances were handled well, but this couldn’t totally make up for the fact that I felt as though the story were taking place against a white background much of the time.

The story also lacked tension. The action/adventure elements of the novel were strong but they often got swallowed by other parts. I struggled to believe the stakes were as high as the narrative claimed them to be as, often, the story would leave behind a new twist or conflict before we could see the consequences - if there were any consequences at all.

The story’s reliance on the letter form prevented it from developing into more tangible scenes and instead read like a ledger of events. This extended to describing dialogue more often than conversations were played out. This was a shame, as often the strongest and most grounded moments of the book were the moments of dialogue. Characters could truly shine when allowed to speak in their own words and dialogue allowed for bright moments of humor that felt appropriate for the time and endearing.

On the technical side, a few errors in grammar and proofing, while not confusing, were distracting. Character’s names were spelled different ways at different points, almost as though they had been changed in later drafts and not entirely corrected before publishing.

What won me over, though, was the portrayal of relationships between those of different faiths, perspectives, and life experiences. It stood in sharp contrast to the, perhaps stereotypical, relationships I would expect for the time, and each faith portrayed was handled with respect. The highlights for me were the moments where characters bent the doctrines of faith or law in order to honor the higher rule of friendship.

[Slmarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical secret agent plot with religious overlap

The Sugar Merchant is a historical fiction novel that transports readers within the contentious setting of the late 11th century via protagonist Thomas Woodward, an eight-year-old orphaned boy who survived a raid in his English village to be rescued by a monk and thereafter raised for twelve years in an abbey where he was educated and trained to become a sugar merchant and spy in the name of the monastic religious order of the Benedictines. The author, James Hutson-Wiley, details this unprecedented moment in history for readers by capturing the essence of the disruptive economic and societal shifts within this time period in vivid description through successful character development serving to usher the historical narrative of international trade and the advent of capitalism forward in a clear and compelling manner that captivates readers regardless of their degree of historical acuity. As the plot develops, readers explore the journey and growth of Thomas and learn more historical details of the time while following his experience growing up at the Eynsham Abbey, studying the collection of ancient manuscripts and religious texts in the scriptorium, learning how to create and read secret encoded correspondences, performing daily self-defense training, interacting with merchants in the borough of Oxford while learning the intricacies of conducting trade with the fair exchange of foreign coins, and eventually partnering with other merchants to commence his appointed Benedictine mission. The novel integrates several major religions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism beautifully into an overlapping plot as Thomas works with Muslim and Jewish partners in commerce to fulfill his spy role for the abbey. The theme of subservience and obedience to the Christian monastic order reverberates strongly throughout the story as Thomas begins to questions his Benedictine mission endowed by his superiors at the abbey during his adventure. Readers get to experience how Thomas grapples to integrate the programming of his upbringing at the abbey within his own moral compass during his experiences from the mission entrusted to him. Adventuresome and thought provoking, this novel is surely one to enjoy for submerging into a historical setting of religious overlay within an enticing and daring plot.

[Kristine D · Rating 4 out of 5]

During a siege on his village, eight year old Thomas Woodward (as he is later called) flees into the woods, the only surviving member of his family. He spends time surviving by living off the nature in the woods and by stealing, until he is discovered by Brother Leofric, a monk from a nearby monastery. But this is no ordinary monastery. Thomas learns skills that most monks don’t even dream of, and becomes a spy tasked with developing merchant relations in Muslim lands, as well as uncovering information for the Church. His journeys, both physical and metaphorical, have him navigating not only foreign lands and cultures, but the vicissitudes of adult life as well.

The Sugar Merchant is by far one of the most detailed and deeply researched historical fiction stories that I’ve come across. I’ll admit that I struggled with the beginning of this book, as I felt that much of the first two chapters read like an extended prologue. Yes, it was nice to see exactly how Thomas grew up and trained at the monastery, but early on he reveals that he is trained to be a spy. Once I had that information, that’s all I wanted to know about. I felt it took a little longer than it needed to in order to get to the part that I personally found interesting and entertaining.

Once there, though, I found the book to be engrossing and exciting. Because of his extensive training, Thomas is an adept spy, and the author weaves and intriguing tale of adventure and thrill. Thomas is eminently likable, and by the time a reader gets to “the good part” they are invested in him as a character.

The book also explores larger thematic elements that are as relevant today as they were in 11th century. Religions and cultures clash because of nothing more than a lack of understanding, and Thomas, our beloved hero, often finds himself questioning his own beliefs. Though the book takes place in “ancient” times, there is still much reflected in what we see today, and the story never feels antiquated.

Get ready for a journey into a time and place not often explored in fiction (or maybe not often enough). The author is talented with his words and tells a story that is well worth the effort of reading.

[Mia C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it very much

Set in the 11th Century, this is the story of a kid who lost everything and everybody due to a raid conducted by Tostig, an outlawed son of Godwin and brother of King Harold. After harsh days, when he was starving, devastated and hopeless, he was rescued by a monk and taken to the abbey of Eynsham in Oxfordshire. There, he was educated and trained to be a scholar, a merchant and a spy, with the aim of developing commerce in Muslim lands and look for information for the Holy See.
“The Sugar Merchant”, written by James Hutson-Wiley, is a tale that captured my attention from the first chapter, where Thomas, the main character, tells in the first person what happened to him and to his family. While reading this, I felt as if I could hear the boy describing his misfortune. It was heartbreaking to read the description of what happened in the raid that night.
The author did a great job with this novel; the narrative is clear and very descriptive, making the reader imagine all the scenes. Moreover, he took me on a journey where I could read how the main character was evolving and how he struggled with love, loss, faith and fortune, making me wonder whether he would be able to accomplish his mission or not.
Also, in this novel we can see how different cultures and religions are and how things in the later 11th Century changed due to the emergence of the commercial revolution, leading to migration, globalism and multiculturalism. All this made this read really interesting and historical as well. I certainly learnt many things I did not know.
This novel has it all, a very good narrative, well developed characters, great descriptions that immersed me in the reading and some turns and twists that got me reading at the edge of my seat. For these reasons, I surely recommend reading it. It is an enjoyable read.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley - Educational and Enlightening

The Sugar Merchant is an amazing adventure novel by the very talented James Hutson-Wiley. It is an amazing novel that combined entertainment and education to form a brilliant tale with phenomenal character development.

This novel is set in the medieval period and the main character is a man named Thomas Woodward, who is a scholar and merchant. Both of his parents die at a very young age, and he is taken in by monks who educate him in a range of subjects and leave him as an enriched young man who is ready for the adventures the world is going to throw at him.

A wonderful element about this novel is the historical accuracy and detail that is put in. This allows the novel to feel more realistic and draws the reader in even more!

Furthermore, this novel explores a sensitive topic of religion (involving Christianity, Islam, and Judaism) that is dealt with in a great way that is both non-offensive and entertaining. I really enjoyed reading about the different characters within these religions and how they interacted with the world around them. I found this educational and entertaining.

I am a huge fan of historical fiction and I have read many great works, and this novel will certainly stay with me for a very long time, it is a rare piece of fiction. I particularly like how Thomas Woodward was a spy, it is a very rare combination of finding history and spies meshed together - yet this worked very well! Therefore, it is now one of my favorite novels! I hope there are more books to come from James Hutson-Wiley.

Overall, I highly recommend this novel to anyone who wants to be taken on a journey back in time with the characters and left wanting more tales.

[Diana Levit · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story described in the “Sugar Merchant” captured me right from the first page.
The story, set in the early 1000s, tells a vivid tale of an orphan, Tomas, raised by Christian monks. The Abby tasks the boy to become a merchant. This tasks alone speaks greatly of the dissonance between the preaching and actual actions of the Holly Church.
As the plot takes it’s turns, the main protagonist befriends a Muslim and a Jew – an unthinkable act by the 1000s standards. As the friends become closer, they discover that the three different religions actually share same core values and thus, though looking very different at first, Muslims, Jews and Christians in reality are closer than they can imagine.
The writer smartly forces his lead characters to travel to different places, with each place dominated by different religion. So, no matter the place, two o out of three friends are always classified as ‘infidels’ and is constantly being pushed to ‘convert into the real faith’.
The book rises a lot of important questions around the deeds that are ‘being done in the name of GOD’, criticizes the intolerance of people with different mindset and suggests that more often than not the ‘good deeds’ bring nothing but disruption.
I also loved the fact that the author puts a lot of attention describing the SMELLS. I felt like the smell was the feature that made this book so vivid.
I do feel that some of the traits of the characters, as well as their actions are not really probable for people of the described era. Nevertheless, I know I will be rereading this book in the future and surely recommend it to my friends. I believe the message of this book could not fit these times better: ‘Unity and tolerance is the key to the successful living’ and we must not forget about that.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley opens the doors to a world of espionage among the Catholic church, the mysteries of merchants, and the fight for the Holy City, Jerusalem. With a wealth of experience in the world of international trade and travel the author allows us to experience life through a religious man who sought to dedicate his service to the Lord. Thomas Woodward wondered as why he was treated and trained differently in the monastery, Eynsham. He was being groomed for a great cause that few knew about. Leaving under the pretense he was going to Jerusalem on a pilgrimage, little did he know his destiny would end at that city. As he prepares to honor a vow, he pens this memoir to his son in hopes he will understand the struggles he faced serving two masters and the circumstances that head him there.

James Hutson-Wiley has captured the persona of the underworld of monks and the larger role they play throughout history in their unassuming position. The Sugar Merchant is a powerful glimpse of the war in the Middle East during the late 1000s. The author’s insight of the trade industry and the “enjoyable” process of negotiation, is educational to those who are from countries that do not practice this art of purchasing. Along with the importance of understanding the customs of other nationalities and the correct way of giving respect is an invaluable insight if you plan to travel. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to others who are fans of historical fiction.

Review written by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite

[Jennifer Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Woodward is a young boy who loses his entire family in a massacre by Flemish Mercenaries. Roaming around, starving and exhausted, he is found by a monk who takes him to Eynsham Abbey. There the monks take him in and provide him with an education as well as training in the merchant trade and fighting skills. From there, Thomas becomes a key player in the Muslum and Jewish merchant trades during a turbulent time for commerce, which turns into being a cover for the true mission the monks have prepared Thomas to take on.

While I am not very educated on the events of the 11th century, it seems as though the author of this story really is. While this story is historical fiction, it feels as though it could be a true story of someone who lived during these times. There are very detailed descriptions of events and life during those times that feel very accurate.

The story also explore various religions and doesn't just focus on developing the character of Thomas. There are many interesting people he interacts with each receiving ample development to allow the reader to feel as though they are getting to know them. Thomas also travels to many ancient cities and the author paints a wonderful picture of these infamous cities.

The Sugar merchant is a wonderfully engaging read for anyone with an interest in the ancient times.

[James W · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Hutson-Wiley’s ‘The Sugar Merchant’ is a thoughtful piece of historical fiction that explores the eleventh century’s Commercial Revolution, a sorely underrepresented period that coincided with massive cultural and economic upheaval throughout the Mediterranean.

In the wake of tragedy, Thomas Woodward is forced to wander the countryside until he is eventually taken in by an Eynsham monk, curiously learning the fine art of spycraft. Woodward eventually embarks on a mission, a journey that transports readers to the majestic ports of Alexandria, Cairo, and one that is rife with unforeseen danger.

While Wiley’s tight, concise prose is a good fit for the genre, it’s his character-work (Woodward, in particular, is incredibly nuanced) that really propels this admittedly dry subject matter forward. This mixed with a thoughtful look at a trio of clashing ideologies (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) makes for a compelling read throughout. Wiley also skillfully utilizes an even pacing and leans heavily on foreshadowing and symbolism to elevate a story that is admittedly light on nail-biting suspense or action.

With ‘The Sugar Merchant,’ Wiley succeeds in crafting an intriguing and, at times, gripping tale of historical fiction. While the average reader may have trouble connecting with the story’s setting, fans of historical fiction are likely to enjoy this entry immensely.

[Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley is a book that follows a man named Thomas. After dealing with loss and tragedies at his home, our hero goes through living in the forest until he meets a monk. There, he gets educated and learns how to become a spy.

He then gets dragged into trade relations and meets with many different cultures, expanding into other lands and becoming a merchant who dispatches information to the Holy See.

This book was a very enticing read. I could tell that the author put a lot of effort into researching the history of where the book took place. The dynamics of relationships were interesting as well, and the characters felt lifelike.

They reflected the attitudes of the time very well. I thought the author did great on representing relationships between our hero and the different countries. I really liked the dynamic that the book had between people struggling with religion, along with the regimes that hid behind that curtain.

The religious aspects of the book were not preachy at all, with them enhancing the experiences of the book by adding a reason and motivation behind the actions of the characters. The capitalist aspects present throughout the plot were very interesting to look at as well. Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5. I can’t wait to see what else the author may bring to the table!

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Sugar Merchant” written by James Hutson-Wiley is the story of a physical and figurative journey. Set in the 11th century, the tale relates the adventures lived by Thomas Woodward, a boy who, after his village is attacked, loses everything and everyone he cared about. Alone and starving, he seeks refuge in an abbey where his life changes forever. For the next twelve years, immersed in a world of books and discipline, but also love, he becomes a scholar, a merchant and a spy for the Christian church. Following his mission, he leaves the monastery and embarks on a journey full of fortunes and misfortunes to remote lands, reaching finally Egypt.
This book is fascinating and I really loved it. The first thing that call my attention was the topic and the setting; this is not a very related period of history although it is a very important one where great changes took place in the occidental mindset, and a large part of the map of the world was reconfigured thanks to merchants and commercial trade. The distance between the West and the East shortened. I particularly enjoyed the way in which the author portrays topics such as religion and also the description of the settings. The development of the characters has been done with great mastery. All in all, this is a book no one should miss. I highly recommend it.

[Veronica Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley depicts the adventures of Thomas Woodward during the 11th century commercial revolution. He was only 8 years old when he ran away from a raid on his village. He spent days in the forest alone and afraid until a monk found him and brought him to the Eynsham Abbey. While there, he is cared for, taught language, scripture, etc. He also learns to be a merchant and trained to defend himself.

Thinking he will one day become a monk, he soon learns that his training will be better served on a secret mission for the abbey. This mission will test him in more ways than one.

Hutson-Wiley has done great research for this book, in the historical detail as well as his knowledge of world trade and the inner workings of the people of that time, especially the relationships between the three faiths - Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The story was also not lacking in character development or intrigue as all characters played a role within the story and no detail was left un-noticed.

I don’t often read period pieces that are earlier than World War II, but was glad I did. I learned a lot about this time period and the story was interesting and well-detailed. I also liked the glossary in the back to help with words that I didn’t understand.

[Carol M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an intriguing tale that combines history, religion and adventure. Set in the 11th century, 'The Sugar Merchant' tells the story of Thomas Woodward, who along with some tradesman, have the mission of developing commerce in Muslim lands and, at the same time, act as spy for the Holy See. To be honest, I couldn’t put it down until I found out how the events unfolded. Besides, it’s really interesting and engaging to see how Thomas is embedded in this world of commercial revolution where different cultures and religious beliefs clash.

James Hutson-Wiley, the author, has successfully managed to transport the readers in the story. This is due to the fact that the story is narrated in the first person, adopting Thomas' perspective, and that the descriptions included are incredibly vivid and accurate. I feel that the author was able to reflect the mind-set of the time and it can be seen that he went through thorough research to meet this aim.

All in all, I highly recommend this book as apart from being captivating, you would also learn a lot about this time of revolution and change.

[Caro Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the young age of eight years old, Thomas lost his entire family to a vicious attack from Flemish mercenaries along the English coast. As he grew, those memories stayed and grew with him. Thomas manages to escape and wanders cold and hungry for days before being rescued by a monk, who takes him to live at the abbey of Eynsham. There, Thomas receives the best education possible turning him into a brilliant scholar. He is taught to work thus making him a merchant, but that isn’t enough for he also becomes a psy.
Taking place during the 11th century’s commercial revolution and religious controversies, this historical fiction tale takes the reader to the great cities of Alexandria, Amalfi, and Cairo, while also learning about the worlds of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, controversial religions to mix together; and it is something that caught my eye. 
This book is incredibly capturing and will leave the reader pondering on who, what, when where and why through each page. The author , James Hutson-Wiley, has written a masterpiece that I highly recommend to everyone! 

[Nela · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great era to read about: the commercial revolution in the 11th Century!
In the Mediterranean, intercultural interchange of technology, ideas and the basic tools of international trade is happening; giving birth to capitalism in Europe. Also, the great Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islammeet coexist; sometimes in peace, sometimes not. And in the middle of those cultural and economic changes, Thomas Woodward, an English orphan becomes a wealthy merchant trading sugar. He is not only a scholar and a merchant, but he is also a spy whose mission is to develop commerce in Muslim lands and dispatch vital information to the Holy See. Can Thomas fulfill it before conflict overtakes him?
“The Sugar Merchant” by James Hutson-Wiley perfectly explores the magnificence and chaos of that time and describes vividly the scenes and experiences of its characters. This is an epic novel, full of adventures and emotions that will keep readers fully hooked. I really enjoyed its action-packed plot and gripping story.

[Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a clever tale ! I will strongly recommend this book to anyone with an interest for the years 1000-1100, when all began for international commerce as we know it today. this is one aspect of the book. the other matter is how networks of spies were used for political and religious affairs. But this is not a complete vision without the trading of knowledge and the possible friendship of men, whatever their beliefs. Don't be taken back by all these problematic contexts. The story unfold as a diary, with lots of fights, suspens, drama and emotional episodes. you'll be transported to other times when people were discovering new spices, materials and food, with exotic names. ( go to the book at the end of the book to identify places and food). I will recommend this book to my students learning business English, it is vital for them to discover that not so many things are changing. I won't say which ones to avoid spoilers.
I saw that in 2020 the author published book number 2, can't wait to read it.
I got a copy from NetGalley, all opinions are mine.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Long ago, I revealed that you will be doing the work of the Lord. On occasion, that work can cause pain and perhaps even death. Be not concerned. You are engaged in matters of importance to God and you are bound by your vow.”


Thomas was only eight years old when his parents were murdered by the traitorous Tostig and his band of Flemish mercenaries. Alone, lost and afraid, Thomas would have surely died if it had not been for Brother Leofric and the monks of Eynsham Abbey.

Eynsham became Thomas’ sanctuary, his home. Here he received an education. However, his schooling was different from the other boys who lived there. Yes, he learnt to read and write along with the rest of them, but he also acquired the skills of a merchant. If that were not enough, Brother Leofric taught him how to defend himself in a fight. Thomas was too respectful to ask why he needed instruction in the latter.

It was only later that he realised the monks had been preparing him for a very different life than the one offered inside the comforting and safe walls of a religious order. Nevertheless, the monks were quick to reassure Thomas that he would still be doing the Lord’s work. With the help of Thomas, Eynsham Abbey will become a centre of learning. However, to do so, they need to acquire the works of the ancients which are currently in the hands of what they called the Infidels. Thomas is entrusted with finding these manuscripts and copying them.

The Abbey’s plan for Thomas would see him travel to the trading cities of Almeria, Amalfi, Alexandria and Cairo. Here, under the disguise of a merchant, would he do the Lord’s work. However, world events threaten everything, including the survival of the manuscripts Thomas is so desperately seeking. It is a race against time. Can Thomas secure what the Abbey needs before the nobles, who are beginning to call themselves the Crusaders, attempt to recapture the Holy Land?

From an unobtrusive village in Essex to the House of Wisdom in the city of Al-Qahirah (Cairo), The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley is one of the most compelling Medieval Historical Fiction books that I have ever read.

Spanning two continents, The Sugar Merchant is the extraordinary story of Thomas Woodward — merchant, spy, business partner, and friend. Hutson-Wiley’s compelling narrative and his elegant turn of phrase instantly enthralled me. Told in the first person from Thomas’ perspective, Hutson-Wiley writes with not only tremendous verse but also with an acute sensitivity to historical controversy. The duplicitous way Thomas is mentored by the monks of Eynsham Abbey and manipulated to do their bidding was masterfully illustrated. Thomas is unknowingly held to ransom by the Catholic Church and carries out her orders with this overwhelming sense of gratitude and obligation. However, there are times when Thomas does regret some of the information that he naively passes onto the Church, not realising the significance of it at the time, which suggests that in his subconscious Thomas recognises that he is being used and the Church can be dangerous. There is no doubt in my mind that Hutson-Wiley has a wonderful novelist eye when portraying the human condition. Thomas is almost altruistic whereas the Church, as an institution, is described as manipulative and self-seeking. It made a very interesting comparison.

Although Thomas is the protagonist in this story, there are some magnificent secondary characters in this book, and through them, Hutson-Wiley has explored not only the meaning of friendship but also religion and how it can unite rather than divide. Assad was one of my favourite characters. He is a Muslim who has followed in his father’s footsteps and become a merchant. Assad is an intelligent and a wonderfully enigmatic character who hates camels — all bar one — and exercise! However, he loves elegant clothing and good company. I thought his portrayal was sublime. Hutson-Wiley has created a character who just by being himself is incredibly entertaining. Jusuf, who practices the Jewish faith, is another fabulous character worthy of mention. He has, by contrast, a very calm and collected personality. I thought the relationship between Thomas, Assad and Jusuf was really rather wonderful. They make an unlikely trio, but they all accept each other for who they are and not for their theological beliefs.

The historical detail in this book has to be commended. It is so luxuriant and rich in the telling that I can only imagine how many hours Hutson-Wiley spent researching this era. However, his dedication has certainly paid off, for he has crafted a story that has an incredibly authentic feel. Taking into consideration that The Sugar Merchant encompasses several very different kingdoms, which are unique not only in their history but their geographical landscape and climate, makes this novel a monumental work of impressive scholarship. Add to this the vivacious storytelling, means that whichever way you look at it, this story is a real winner.

What makes The Sugar Merchant so successful when compared to others in its genre is the way Hutson-Wiley has cleverly blended action, religion, espionage, commerce, romance, fear, hate, war, peace, trade and the occasional pirate all within 378 pages, and let’s not forget the meticulously researched historical setting and the colourful cast of unforgettable characters as well! This book has everything a lover of historical fiction could want, and then some.

If you are to read only one book this year, then let it be this one.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have rarely sped through a book with such velocity as I did The Sugar Merchant. Within the first page, I was immediately plunged into this historical world of the 11th Century. James Huston-Wiley's powers of description are matched only by his comprehension of the context in which he is writing.

As we follow the character of Thomas through his journey from an Abbey in Eynsham to the trading cities to which he's eventually sent as a spy, the author details the complex world of each setting with compelling realism. The one thing that drives the story and my own interest in it was the interfaith relationships as Thomas travelled from place to place. Instead of pitting each religion and culture against every other, The Sugar Merchant shows the greater complexities of the world, how compromises were made even amidst difference and enmity.

The history, the culture, and the characters of this novel make it an absolute must-read.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes place in the late 11th century. Thomas’s family is destroyed in a raid when he is only 8 years old, which changes his life forever. He is then rescued by a monk and taken to live at an abbey in Eynsham. Thomas receives training and becomes a scholar, a merchant, and a spy. He gets involved in a mission to develop commerce in Muslim lands and bring vital information with him to the Holy See. The book intertwines the tumultuous history of early Europe and the Middle East. As far as historical fiction goes, this book was very gripping and has you feeling the trouble with Islam, Christianity and Judaism as we compare it to modern day capitalism. The book concludes with a helpful glossary of terms used throughout and is helpful when reading about this time period. I enjoyed this look-back at a time period I had no knowledge of and found it intriguing enough to want to learn more.

[Agustina Sureda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sugar Merchant explores the massive cultural and economic change occurring in the later part of the 11th century through the eyes of our main character, Thomas Woodward. Both of his parents die at a very young age, and he is taken in by monks who educate him in a range of subjects and leave him as an enriched young man who is ready for the adventures the world is going to throw at him.
It is a tale that involves adventure, commerce, religious upheaval, love and loss. A great element about this novel is the historical accuracy and detail that is put in. This allows the novel to feel more realistic and draws the reader in even more. The author does a wonderful job of really bringing the reader in and keeping their attention. What I liked the most about this novel was the amount of information about the relationships between Christians, Muslims and Jews! It is a wonderful story, and I totally recommend it.

[Ivana S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Sugar Merchant” was written by James Hutson-Wiley. It is an action packed tale full of twists and turns that leaves you with high adrenaline throughout the body. It has a mixture of religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and that is something that really fascinated me because I like knowing about other religions. Also, the setting is presented with photographic detail so you can visualize what the character is seeing.
The book is set in the 11th century and tells the story of Thomas, who after having all his family murdered, a monk educated and trained him to be a scholar, a merchant and a spy. He is entrusted to akey mission: he has to develop commerce in Muslim lands and send important information to the Holy See. Will he achieve his mission?
To conclude, I would definitely recommend reading this story because it is a short novel, it contains only 258 pages which keep you hooked all the time. Don’t miss this amazing read!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This incredible story is set in the 11th century, where the boom of the rise of commerce in the Middle East exploded. Thomas is the protagonist of the novel "The Sugar Merchant" which is written by James Hutson-Wiley. When Thomas becomes orphaned, a monk takes him in and raises him to be a scholar, a merchant, and a spy. He has a mission: to set up a business in Muslim lands and send information. Will he be able to dispatch vital information to the Holy See?
With a little more than 250 pages, the author tells us this wonderful story where Judaism, Christianity and Islam mix and form an era of multiculturalism. Personally, I like stories where fiction mixes with reality. These types of stories make us not only enjoy a piece of fiction, but also that we enter and discover historical facts. I think the cover of the book perfectly sums up what the book will be about. The 3 crosses and the sugar cane appear on it.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Thomas Woodward in which we see in the first few pages that after suffering the loss of his family, he is going to be rescued by a monk and taken to Eynsham. There, he will receive a not so ordinary education; he will be trained to be a scholar, but also a merchant and a spy. With this knowledge the monks asked him to be in charge of cultivating commerce as well as report information to the Holy See.

The story is set in the 11th century showing the readers how the world worked back then, with a lot of changes in the horizon, such as migration, globalism, and interchange of technology, to name a few, Thomas will have to face a lot of hectic situation involving faith and fortune besides love and loss.

This historical drama is going to picture the perfect scenario for Thomas and his mission, but going a little further, this novel shows how the world lived back then, making it a much more interesting novel.