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

A gift from Bryce

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

Engrossing Mafia Saga

What did you like best about this story?

I actually had a bit of trouble getting into the book initially. But as it went along, I trusted Bryce to get into some legendary storytelling, which of course, he did. Full of rich characters I really loved this book.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

I was impressed that Mr. Bower was able to sustain a "Canadian" accent throughout this book, instead of his normal Aussie twang.

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

I think it would be the parrot. I just loved the way Diamond Jim's repertoire grew during the book.

Any additional comments?

I felt that Mr. Courtenay gave his listeners and readers a huge gift by adding the "epilogue" to this book, as he knew he was dying and wanted this story to be completed. Normally, he would have produced a sequel but he obviously realized that this was not to be, and added this short epilogue to let us know what happened to Jack. I loved the ending (I'm a sap) and altogether, Jack of Diamonds was a wonderful experience for me.

Another wonderful read, love him.

Great read Bryce regardless of his age is just the best story teller I have ever read. From the Power of One to Jack its like reading the never ending corners of Mr Courtenay's mind. And as for Mr Bower's reading, well it makes me feel like I'm there in the room with the characters. Thank you both for your time and allowing me to enter your imagination to expand mine.

Unique and Fun

Where does Jack of Diamonds rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book ranks in the top 5% or all the books I have listened to. I didn't want to do anything else except listen to this book once I got started

What did you like best about this story?

Like all Bryce Courtenay's books, I love his quirky, fascinating, lovable characters and uniqueness of his story lines.

Courtenay characters are as usual superb

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

He is the master of seemingly all dialects, Australian, South African, German, Irish, Chicago, New York, Canadian, the list goes on.

Any additional comments?

Watching Jack grow from childhood to senior citizen and all of his adventures was spellbinding. I am truly sorry we are at the end of Courtenay's books. What a gifted storyteller.

Pedestrian novel, enlivened by great narrator

I had never before read anything by Bryce Courtenay, and downloaded Jack of Diamoinds based on Audible's recommendation. I found the story to be anodyne and predictable, but Humphrey Bower's fluid ability to navigate Canadian, American, South African and Australian accents, not to mention female voices and certain dialects made it a worthwhile read.

Loved this book

I have listened to every one of Bryce’s books and enjoyed this one the most as it felt like it was more personal and complete - thank you for providing entertainment in the form of a amazing story.

Be ready for an epic adventure!

While Jack of Diamonds can be a little long-winded at times, it tells a heartwarming, rag to riches and back to semi-rag tale of Jack. Characters are lively and the story is good. Humphrey Bower did a splendid job of narrating Jack's epic adventure across America, Europe and Africa.

Fantastic

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

Definately. Humphrey Bower really makes the characters come to life. Bryce Courtenay writes such big books it's hard to read them in bed at night. Listening is much more fun.

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

When Jack was stuck in the laundry truck.

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

Jack would have to be the favorite.

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

Jack. He went through so much in his life.

Any additional comments?

A fantastic read. So sorry that Bryce is gone. I have read all his books and loved them all.

Good story but often ponderous and slow moving

Good story and characters but often seemed repetitive and slow moving. I think the abridged version may have been more enjoyable.

A final fantastic Bryce Courtenay novel

Every since I started my Bryce Courtney addiction with The Power of One as a teenager, I have read and reread almost everything he wrote! What a fabulous writer!!! This might be my favorite…. Thank You, Sir!!!!