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

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.

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.

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.

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.

I Am Devastated.

Mr. Courtenay usually writes about South Africa or Australia and we have gotten some real history lessons about these regions as well as entertaining stories. I have learned more history from great stories than I ever did in school. I really enjoyed Jack Diamonds. To absorb the life of someone "just across the road" from the United States in Canada during the turbulent "pre and post" World War II era was great fun. I quite simply love a good story (Bryce) read by a great reader (Humphrey).

I want to say here that Mr. Courtenay brought me to tears with his afterward. As I listened I could only hope (I realize quite selfishly hoped) that he had time for another story or two. I greatly appreciate his thoughtful goodbye - to me it was extremely personal because I always thought of Bryce Courtenay as one of my personal writers. I was absolutely devastated to learn that he passed away.

As a young person, I lived all over the world and the United States. I never got to Australia or Africa. Thanks to you and Humphrey Bower for the extraordinary journeys. I have always finished one story by looking for and anticipating the next one and have read each of Mr. Courtenay's books at least twice and some of them four or five times. Although I have not said much about this particular novel, I am sure that I will read and re-read and re-read Jack of Diamonds.

I am going to miss you. May God bless you and your family.

An overlong series of separate incredible episodes

Would you try another book from Bryce Courtenay and/or Humphrey Bower?

The reader was excellent. As for the book, I'm reluctant to be critical of a well-liked author who knew he dying of cancer, but I always felt that he didn't know where the story was going--so he just kept on going and going. First we have the "Jack learns to play the piano and escape blue collar Toronto story." Then we have the "Jack goes out west, becomes a poker player, and loses his virginity to a sweet hooker story before escaping from gangsters story." Then there is the "escaping from WWII by getting an early minor wound" story. Then the escaping gangsters in Las Vegas story. Then the escaping thugs in Africa story. Then the escaping his daughter's creditors in London story, which also results in saving Jack's talking parrot. One melodrama after the next. It all comes across like something written to be published in monthly installments in an old-fashioned magazine serial.

Wonderful

Only my second read from B Courtenay and I'm hopelessly addicted. Well done Mr. Courtenay!! You have another faithful fan.

I will miss his story telling!

He paints a very vivid and memorable picture that will stay with you a lifetime.