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

wonderful!

I love Bryce Courtenay's books! Here is another wonderful book! I never get tired of listening to Humphrey Bower; which makes this book!

Great story teller

Great book; love Courney's stories, there is always a hero and a happy ending. I usually finish with a smile on my face.

Sadly, the last Courtenay

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

have not read the printed version.

What did you like best about this story?

A typical, emotional Bryce Courtenay story, and knowing it was his last he wrote, I savoured it. Shame he did not get to write part 2, which he did have planned, but he does give a summary of where the story would have gone at the end of the book.

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

I love the way Humphrey has done all of the Courtenay's books. His Canadian/ Irsih accent is good (his South African, less so). But his deep golden tone is perfect for books with such feeling. Pace and pitch perfect.

If you could rename Jack of Diamonds, what would you call it?

I would not rename the book.

Sadly not Courtenay's finest

Would you listen to Jack of Diamonds again? Why?

My favorite author and of course I would read anything he wrote.

What did you like best about this story?

The best part is the ending. His stories never leave you hanging, even the ones with sequels.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Humphrey bowers is me favorite reader. He's perfect. He can switch back and forth from male to female and do so many accent perfectly. I'm always amazed at his southern accent which no body can get right. You never get the chara ters mixed up because every one will have a different voice. I could listen to him read anything.

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

The parrot. Just kidding. Jack. The story is about Jack.

Any additional comments?

I rolled my eyes more than once and sadly though that it would be the last of his I'd listen to. I thought it was his same old storie in different clothes. Imagine how bad I felt when I found out it WAS the last one I would listen to! I'm so sad he died. Still, dont let this be your first Courtenay's book. Go with The Power of One or the Potato Factory.

My First Courtenay

This was my first Bryce Courtenay, won't be my last. It's a long one - 26 hours so be prepared to make an investment of time. Great story that reminded me of some Sidney Sheldon epics from the 70-80s.

Jack's youth and his Vegas experiences are detailed and comprise 85% of the book. His African experience is hurried and compacted. The reader learns in the epilogue why that had to be the case. Courtenay's health.

Jack's Vegas days reminded me of the movie - Casino. Crazy Sammie was Joe Pesci's character in Casino.... quite insane and scary.

Bryce's last book

It took me a while to read Bryce's last book because of the reviews. Yes it ended quickly but still well worth the read. Thank you Bryce for all the wonderful hours of pleasure you have given me.

ENJOYABLE READ

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

YES. I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH

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

JACK AND BRIDGET IN THE BASKET AND WOULD HE KILL JD

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

FELT LIKE A FRIEND SITTING IN THE LOUNGE HAVING A RELAXED CHAT

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

NO

Any additional comments?

I AM PLEASED I READ BRYCE COURTENAYS LAST BOOK. I WILL DEFINATELY GO BACK AND LOOK FOR MORE OF HIS EARLIER ONES.

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