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; 2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

I really wanted to like this more.

Any additional comments?

I have loved many of Bryce Courtenay's books and bought this when I heard he had passed away. I finished listening to it in honor of the other Courtenay books I loved.................but I didn't love it. I could have stopped listening. It had similar elements to many of his other books and the story moved slowly. It could have been much better.Try The Power of One, The Potato Factory Trilogy and Four Fires for outstanding writing and interesting stories that you can't put down. Humphrey Bower was outstanding as the narrator (once again!). I buy books just because he narrates them.I will miss new additions from Bryce Courtenay. Rest in peace.

Bryce Courtenay will be missed...

I'm writing this before I've actually finished the book, but halfway through it's clear that thi is yet another masterpiece, apparently the last, from this marvelous author. Humphrey Bower, as usual, narrates superbly,changing his voice and his accent to suit the character who's speaking. As the father of a 17-year-old jazz musician, this book resonates deeply with me, but I can't imagine anyone not loving it.

May Bryce Courtenay rest in peace

If you could sum up Jack of Diamonds in three words, what would they be?

Loveable, noble, sad.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jack

What does Humphrey Bower bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Brings the characters alive without any corny accents

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, made me sad due to the death of Bryce Courtenay a week after the release of the book

Any additional comments?

May Bryce Courtnenay rest in peace with his son (April Fools Day) knowing that all Australians will remember him for his great works and his contribution to society

an epic personal journey

If you could sum up Jack of Diamonds in three words, what would they be?

overcoming great odds

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

I found that it was enjoyable with rarely a boring segment, but it was one I could put down and come back to later

Any additional comments?

This story, following a young boy from the depth of the economic depression of the 30's, virtually through his adult life was inspirational and read almost like a biography. It was, in a way, written in an old fashioned style of the 30's or 40's but modern in language and content. Its scope covered ground from Canada to Las Vegas, New York, England and Africa.

Awesome but a lot like whitethorn

What made the experience of listening to Jack of Diamonds the most enjoyable?

I love all BC books there a great way to get though the day

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dj was awesome :)

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

He is great with them all

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

No it was a little slow in pasts

Any additional comments?

Loved it but was a lot like whitethorn in parts

A Good Saga. . . Long, but Enoyable

I have enjoyed other Courtenay books more, but this is a very good story. For me, the difference was that in his other books, I have found a female character to empathize with/relate to; and found none in this one. Jack's mother, teachers, "girl friends" and others were just fleeting characters in the story.

Jack is bright but sure makes some crazy (aka stupid) decisions throughout the story. Nonetheless, he survives, even thrives and his life story takes the listener to interesting and exotic locales where he makes his way with music and/or gambling.

Humphey Bower as always, did a magnificent job narrating the story. I simply would have liked to "care" a little more about the characters, including Jack.

Fantastic historical story!

I loved the Jack of Diamonds. There were so many interesting people. Learning about Canada and the music at the beginning of the story was all new for me and I really enjoyed it! This was one of the best audio books I've listened to.

I miss Bryce

Great story again from Bryce. Hard to accept this great author is gone. I am up to my 3rd reading of Bryce's books

Never disappointed

Bryce Courtney's books are a treasure and this one is no exception. We'll miss him.

Very good storytelling.

All though I was almost ready to stop listening at times, I did not. Jack Spade did hold me interested through out and the narration helped much.