Jack of Diamonds

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 26 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Born and raised in a poor, working-class family in Toronto, Jack Spayd is the son of an unhappy marriage. After being taken under the wing of "Miss Frostbite", the owner of a local jazz club, Jack becomes a gifted musician, playing piano and harmonica. Fame and the allure of gambling takes him to Vegas, and prospects of fortune take him to the Belgian Congo, where he's heard it's possible to earn big money working in the most dangerous parts of the local copper mines.

Jack of Diamonds is the story of a young, talented man, fighting to achieve his ambitions, and having to use his considerable talents to find his way in a perilous world.

©2012 Bryce Courtenay. Copyright Christine Courtenay 2013. (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing

Excellent!

As always a really great book from an awesome author. He will truly be missed.

Great narration great story

What did you love best about Jack of Diamonds?

This was was my first audiobook with Bryce Courtenay. When it first started I asked myself why did I buy a book that starts out in the 1930's????? My doubts were quickly dispelled and it sure did help pass the time away on a long Uhaul trip across the country.... in fact sometimes I couldn't put it down

great book like all Bryces books Humphrey the best

What did you love best about Jack of Diamonds?

great story

What did you like best about this story?

the places jack goes the things that happen sorry to get to the end. started it again

Which character – as performed by Humphrey Bower – was your favorite?

any thing Humphrey reads is great

Who was the most memorable character of Jack of Diamonds and why?

Jacks mum was great . she had pretty hard time

Any additional comments?

[RIP] Bryce loved every book . Audible we now need a good story teller like Bryce keep a look out please

another win for Bryce

What did you love best about Jack of Diamonds?

compelling characters

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jack of Diamonds?

the epilog finished the story off well

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

well done - soothing voice

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Jack's acceptance of life's bumps in the road and his steadfast outlook that they can be navigated with truth and grace

Any additional comments?

Love Bryce Courtny Books- only discovered them as his life was ending, wish it wasn't so as whe I get to the end I will be inconsolable.

Bryce Courtenay Fan

I love Bryce Courtenay books and shall miss him! However, this was not my favourite book. A bit repetitive material from his other books.

For Bryce Courtenay fans

His last book and so a truncated conclusion as you may expect given the rapidity of his decline. Have had many enjoyable hours of listening to Bryce's work over the years. Power of One was his first and best in my humble opinion. Vale.

Absolutely Brilliant Story.

Would you consider the audio edition of Jack of Diamonds to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version but will probably buy it as I have every one of Bryce Courtenay's books. He's the most amazing storyteller.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jack of course! He's flawed, but brave, innocent but inquisitive, talented and kind, unbiased in any way (like all Bryce's hero and heroines), picks his causes and they are always good ones. Loves his family, is loyal to his friends, and they to him. Makes enemies becos of his actions and views, but always sticks to his beliefs, and stands up for both those, and for others too weak, helpless or bullied to stand up for themselves. But yet, even though he sounds like a super hero he's very real.

Have you listened to any of Humphrey Bower’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't listened to any of Mr. Bower;s any other performances. His voice was perfect for this story.

If you could take any character from Jack of Diamonds out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Jack of course!

Any additional comments?

I am heartbroken that this is Bryce's last book, and I loved that he realized that we would all want to know what happened in the next book which was "in the writing" and would have flowed out of him in 2013 - so he told us briefly what happens. I am so sad that all his brilliance was condensed into just a few chapters - when it could have been chapters and chapters more - but I am so grateful that he told us the rest of the story. Thank you, Bryce for all your wonderful characters, amazing stories, incredible observations, respect for the truth and for goodness. I loved every flash of writing brilliance, and there were hundreds and hundreds of them in every book.

The best narration ever.

Humphrey Bowers narration is amazing. His accents and voice characters are simply the best I’ve ever heard, and I’ve listened to many hundreds of audiobooks. Bryce Courtney’s final book was bought to life. Thank you Humphrey I will be seeking out more of your books in the future.

FANTASTIC!!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

DEFINITELY!!

What did you like best about this story?

EVERYTHING..... A great journey through Jack's life with the perfect ending.

Which scene was your favorite?

What happened at the end. (Don't want to spoil the end)

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It is too long... But it is SOOO good, it is hard to put down.

Well worth the time

Would you listen to Jack of Diamonds again? Why?

I would listen again - and I plan to do just that.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I enjoyed most of the characters - but Jack was by far the most interesting.

Who was the most memorable character of Jack of Diamonds and why?

Jack's Mother.