Diamond Boy

by Michael Williams

A high-stakes, harrowing adventure set in the diamond fields of Southern Africa, from the critically acclaimed author of Now Is the Time for Running.

"Diamonds for everyone."

That's what fifteen-year-old Patson Moyo hears when his family arrives in the Marange diamond fields. Soon Patson is working in the mines himself, hoping to find his girazi--the priceless stone that could change his life forever. But when the government's soldiers comes to Marange, Patson's world is shattered.

Set against the backdrop of President Robert Mugabe's brutal regime in Zimbabwe, Diamond Boy is the story of young man who succumbs to greed but finds his way out through a transformative journey to South Africa in search of his missing sister, in search of freedom, and in search of himself.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Africa, Coming Of Age, Historical

400 pages, Hardcover

First published December 2, 2014

About the author

Michael Williams is a writer of plays, musicals, operas, and novels and the Managing Director of Cape Town Opera in South Africa. He began writing "radio plays" while studying at University of Cape Town and had his first novel published when he was twenty-five years old. He has written operas for young people based on African mythology as well as the libretti for symphonic operas that have premiered around the world. Michael is the author of several books, including the highly praised young adult novel Crocodile Burning. He finds writing fiction to be the perfect antidote to the drama of keeping an opera company alive in Africa.

Reviews

[Amber Foxx · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I was so deeply moved by a novel. I’ve read a lot of good books, but few as emotionally intense this one. The narrator, a Zimbabwean teenager, goes from an ordinary life in which he attends high school, runs on the cross country team, and is getting involved with a girl for the first time, to the diamond mines of Marange, at the instigation of his stepmother. She shows contempt for Patson’s father, a teacher, and his quiet, intellectual ways. Her demand to move the family in search of wealth is based on The Great Marange Diamond Rush, and the brutal actions of President Robert Mugabe’s soldiers are also based on actual events. After you read this, when you hear the phrase “blood diamonds” you’ll know what it means if you didn’t already, and when you hear the phrase “conflict-free diamonds” you’ll understand why that matters.

Patson’s transformation from regular kid to diamond miner and beyond are told in his narration, his journal entries, and his occasional text messages to his almost-girlfriend Sheena. He’s a believable hero, neither too perfect nor too weak. His relationships with his father, his remembered mother, his little sister, his fellow child miners, and the Congolese stranger and eventual ally Boubacar, are shown in depth. The story is at times an adventure, at times a nightmare, but always grounded in love. Characters go to great lengths to help each other. No one goes it alone. The story is African in that way. It’s not about how one person survives and wins, but how people struggle together. I found Patson’s strengths and limitations realistic for a teenaged boy in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. It takes him time to accept his father’s fate. He never seems able to articulate to himself what might have happened to his sister. Still, he’s resilient in the face of losses few of us can imagine, and capable of hope.

The end is beautiful—the ceremony and then the note—but don’t skip ahead to see why. Let it dawn on you in its fullness as the completion of an extraordinary story. This is labeled as Young Adult, for ages twelve and up, but that doesn’t make it light reading. I normally avoid YA books. In this case, I never felt as if I was reading one.

I acquired this book as an Advance Reading Copy at the Best of Santa Fe Block Party at the Railyard in July. Collected Works Bookstore was giving away ARCs to any booklover in Santa Fe who got to their table before the books ran out.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
wow, what a journey

[Sara J Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much more than I thought it would be.

I started reading it because it’s set in Africa, in Zimbabwe. I want to read more books set around the world and learn more about different cultures. Learning about President Mugabe and the devastating effect he has had on the country is horrifying. The danger and hope of the diamond mines is also horrific. Living in such abject poverty is also horrible. But the book doesn’t stop there. Williams weaves in AIDS and it’s lingering effects in Africa as well as child soldiering in the DRC, Congo. He also sets up the contrast between countries when Patson reaches South Africa and sees how different it is from Zimbabwe as well as how whites and blacks live differently by describing the luxury of the white neighborhoods and the shantytowns in the distance.

The realistic/historical (2007-2008) fiction is all too real in this story. Knowing that Operation No Return, the army ‘s brutal takeover of the mines, and the use of land mines are all real makes the story even more heart-breaking. I’m certain most lives were destroyed in these events rather than redeemed like Patson’s. His life along with Boubacar’s and Grace’s are probably the exceptions, but that’s what fiction allows: hope.

Michael Williams does a fantastic job with the plot, including a great twist even as the story winds down. The occasional diary entries that Patson writes enhances the story-telling. Which is mainly linear with a few flashback memories to fill in the backstories. He develops the three main characters as well as Arves, the Wife, Commander Jesus, and the doctors into believable, relatable people that I cheered, cursed, and cried for. For me, the most powerful aspect of this book is its theme that no matter how awful life is, a person can overcome it with hope and the help of others. Reading the Shona proverbs and creation myth interwoven build up the positive messages this book gives readers. My favorite is “you must always keep your words soft and sweet just in case you have to eat them”(12).

I recommend this book: you’ll learn about recent history and life in Zimbabwe, you’ll meet heroic and hateful characters, and you’ll come away inspired to help others.

[Matas Andrikonis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Diamond Boy," by Michael Williams is a book about a kid named Patson who worked in the mines and as you can by the title Patson mined diamonds. He was treated very unfairly in the mines he was beat and what he found was not his he was forced to give to the owners of the mines. He found a couple of friends on his journey that worked with him and they all agreed that they will not give their diamonds to the owners even though it is a huge risk they are willing to take it. One of Patsons friend even told him to not share his diamond with anyone even his friends because “You don’t find the diamond, the diamond finds you.” Eventually Patson has three diamonds in his possession and he is trying to find a way to escape.

Overall I really liked this book it can teach you a lot of things who to trust, perseverance and to take risks. This book can really you find out more about modern day slavery and diamond mining. It can show you how lucky you are to not be in Patsons situation because well not very many people are treated like you may be treated. I recommend this book to all people who are interested to learn more about diamond mining and modern day slavery.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teenage Patson and his little sister Grace move with their father to the Marange diamond fields in Zimbabwe at their stepmother's insistence that there will be "diamonds for everyone" there. Their father expects to teach at the local school with the children attending as pupils, but the school has turned into something very different, and Patson becomes part of a crew of boy miners trying to smuggle out some of the bigger stones they find instead of giving them to the boss. But worse is to come when the soldiers arrive.

I found this a fascinating, intense, and disturbing story.

[Mel Raschke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast read and great characters. YA/Adult literature. Good for both audiences.

[Bar Jor · Rating 5 out of 5]

DIAMOND BOY by Michael Williams is a multicultural fiction story set in Zimbabwe and South Africa in modern time. It is an attractive book that tells the very compelling story about 15 years old Patson’s life. The story is told by the first person narrator and it appealingly tells about Patson’s family, mining in Marrange’s place and the power of the Zimbabwe soldiers.
An author Michael Williams is a writer of plays, musical and managing director of Cape Town in South Africa. He has written many book. Most of his book are famous such as: now is the time for running, the secret song, crocodile burning, who killed jimmy valentine, the eight men, the genuine half-moon kid, Der Tag der Krokodile and into the valley. The author had lived in Cape Town and seen that so many children in Zimbabwe have difficulties, some did not go to school and some worked in mine. Because he has seen so many things happened to children, an author had made his choice to write this book.
The main character Patson, he is a very brave young man, responsible, helpful, and courageous. His main conflict is that he could not have a happy family because of his stepmother selfishness. The circumstance of the main character’s poor life condition get worse, worst then turned into big tragedy. He has to stop going to school then work in mine. He had faced with so many difficulties. His conflict slowly change to better situation then finally resolved at the end of the book.
The title of the book and the story of the character is very coherent. As a title is a Diamond Boy, the character is working in the mine and finding the diamond to sell. His goal is to change his poor life and help his family. Diamond is the main thing that the character wants because it can change his life forever and take his father and sister into a happy life.
In the story, the character is faced with so many difficulties. As he is a young man, work in Marrange, take care of family and suffer from the soldiers oppression, it is believable because so many people on the world including children and women today are work in mine, and facing the same situation as him.
As the main character faced so many difficulties, the plot became more interesting. The main character went to work in Marrange as a miner. While he was working in mine (a group of soldiers) called Commander Jesus came and conquered the Marrange. The main character was apart from his sister and father after soldiers came into Marrange. In this situation, the plot of the story became more and more compelling because the readers want to know and also worry about what will happen to the main character on the next chapter.
Michael Williams is very intelligent and creative in writing. His writing style is very compelling and interesting. Readers can understand and feel from what he is writing. “For my son write your own way into another life, your father”. P.94. In here you can see the author has placed strong writing because reader can feel directly from author words which follow the sequence of the character difficulties condition.
As we love and focus on the book that we read, always we had learned at least one thing. After I have read this book, I have learned a lot of things such as South Africa’s culture, businesses, education and the power of the soldiers. But the most common thing I have seen is that soldiers have too much power and kill the civilians.
Different people have different favorite things so I would either recommend my classmate to read this book and not read this book. For my classmates and friends who like the book that inspire them and willing to learn about cultures in other countries, this book is really appropriate and good for them. But for my classmates who do not like the sad story, please do not read this book because this book will make you cry.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars

I actually think Matthew Quick's little blurb on the back cover is a pretty good summary of my review of Diamond Boy:
"Michael Williams astounds us with the moral dilemmas facing southern Africa; he also buoys us with a realistic sense of hope and triumph. A must-read."

After learning about corruption in the diamond business from various people, I've wanted to learn more about it. Since actually sitting down to watch Blood Diamond between the cracks of my fingers wasn't all that appealing of an option, I was happy to find a YA alternative.

It seems like Williams did his research. (If his Acknowledgments are any indication, he did his best take advantage of the expertise of those around him.) I can really only vouch for the medical aspect though, which is on point. But I digress. I think Williams does a good job of accurately portraying a very real problem to an audience who might not otherwise be exposed to this kind of information. It's accessible, approachable, enjoyable (in that it's interesting, and not in a sadistic way) and, most importantly, informative. I do wish, though, that he had included either his reference list or recommendations for further reading at the end of the book.

The missing half of a star is mostly for the actual story aspect. Quick claims Williams, "buoys us with a realistic sense of hope and triumph," and I have to agree with all but one word: realistic. Yes, life sucks, the mines are brutal, greed destroys, and life and limb are lost in Diamond Boy, but you still end up with a relatively nice "happily ever after" at the end of the book. Like I said, the hardships are portrayed in the book, but the ending is a little too neat and tidy for me. Like, the fact that 1. he found, not one, not two, but three pure diamond stones, 2. old lady "Dr. Muti" somehow managed to hide said diamonds in his leg and expect him to find it, 3. he a) survived the arduous journey to cross the border, escape the army, etc. WITH SAID DIAMONDS IN HIS LEG and b) ended up recovering the diamonds is a little ridiculous. I mean, I get it. It's YA. Give the people want they want and all that, but how realistic is this kind of a story? How many children end up smuggling/selling industrial diamonds successfully, escaping the mines, outrunning the army, reuniting with the remainder of their family (especially when that family member is being traffic'ed around Africa by a corrupt "accounting student"), finding a surrogate parent, and becoming up "very wealth young [men]"? You can see the reason for my skepticism. Again, I get the compulsion to give Paton a (relatively) happy ending. I get wanting to have the young man caught up by diamond greed lose (almost) everything to learn about true worth. We want things to come full circle, redemption and all that, especially in YA. I usually have no problem with that, but with a subject like this, don't we owe it to ourselves and to the people who actually live this to try to understand what their life is truly like instead of looking for a nicely packaged ending. Give me a downer, give me and unfinished hopeless ending, give me life, but don't give me happily ever after and call it "realistic."*

*I know that Williams never actually claims anywhere that the story (vs. descriptive) aspect of Diamond Boy is realistic, and that I'm basing this entire rant on Matthew Quick's blurb on the back, but this is my review and I do what I want. Plus, I gave him 4.5 stars, which, in my world is really generous.

[Shar-Lee Atherton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that just makes you realise what pain exists out in the world. I live in Cape Town and have a lot of Zimbabwean friends who have experienced similar journeys across the border, who share stories of hardship similar to Patson's. But to really live the journey with Patson makes it so much more real. The worst part though, is that Patson's happy ending is just not realistic. Of course this story had to end well because it's a book, so we needed key good people along the way like Boubacar, Regis, Arves' grandmother who hid the stones, the doctor who gave them back to him, and the rest of the heroes who played a part in saving the day. In reality, a young girl kidnapped would end up lost forever in a nightmare existence, and young Patson would probably have died along the border somewhere. There would be no Boubacar who cared enough to help these siblings. This is what hurts most about this story. There is a real life version of it, and it has no happy ending.

The twists and turns in this story are neverending, there is no slow moment in it and one disaster immediately follows another. It becomes tiring and quite difficult to keep believing things could turn out okay for Patson and Grace. But that just reminds you that this is a story, and so the author has power to make things turn out however he wants to. It is a book filled with many uniquely African horrors but written in a way that a teenager could read them without it being too traumatic; the true depth of some of the things that are hinted at will be more apparent to an older reader.

All in all heartbreaking but beautiful, and definitely a good read for the South African / Zimbawean high-schooler.

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diamond Boy is definitely a must read in my book. Michael Williams brings to light the dangers and corruption surrounding the diamond mines in Zimbabwe. If you want a book that can make you laugh, smile and cry within one page this is the one for you. The characters were realistic, and made the book memorable. Each character served a purpose and brought to light the dangers that would surround their gender or age group in the diamond mines, or southern Africa.

The novel successfully touches upon the themes of friendship, family, disability, growing up, the dangers of greed, and the pressure and dangers of societal expectations. The book centers around the heart-wrenching and inspiring story of Patson Moyo. Just when you think Patson’s life couldn't get any worse than living in poverty and working in the dangerous diamond mines, Micheal Williams throws a new obstacle in Patson’s path. With the help of his friends and the wise words of his father, Patson finds the strength to overcome every obstacle.

Overall I give this book a 10/10. It's full of many memorable quotes and friendships, but it does address many heavy subjects (nothing to be scared of, they're just shocking). My favorite aspect of the novel was the relationship between Patson and his best friend Arves, which brought comedy when it was needed and saved Patson during his darkest time. The note at the end was touching and perfectly sums up the lesson taught by the story:

“I know you are going to make it. Even though it looks bad now, you’re going to be all right.”

[Chris Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me on a roller coaster of an emotional ride. The story is compelling and the characters are well-drawn and believable. There are thrills and excitement, fears and horrors, as we follow young Patson's journey from Bulawayo to the Marange diamond fields and ultimately to Cape Town. Tragedy strikes him at almost every turn, and the reader might wonder whether Patson's situation can get any worse, but there is timely resolution and the ultimate ending is satisfying.

Although a work of fiction, none of the events should stretch the reader's imagination too far. The events and situations described have happened in Zimbabwe in the very recent past. The story brings home the real horror and brutality of a corrupt regime, of those who survived and those who didn't.

This book will stay with me for a long time and I will be seeking out Michael Williams's companion book, 'Now is the Time for Running'.

[Rheetha Lawlor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely have I ever been so caught off guard about something happening in the world today that I hear about, but never realize the true meaning. Blood diamonds, conflict diamonds. That's what they are called. I remember hearing about it, and I was appalled. And then it kind of went away. But it didn't. Patson, a 16 year old boy, is determined to help his father and sister by finding the girazi, a diamond large enough to earn a way back to school and for his father to continue his teaching. But then the soldiers come, and it is no longer to help his family, but it is to save it. Definitely a book to read. The diamond problem is haunting Zimbabwe, and it is scary.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really well written and would probably be on my list for my top 5 favorite books. It was about a boy having to mine diamonds because his father had lost his job. But when he starts mining, he keeps finding the most precious diamonds that people have been finding for years. Because of all the rare diamonds he finds, they lead to bigger problems that he has to face. I'm pretty sure this would be the perfect book for readers who like realistic fiction books and adventure books but I strongly recommend it to everyone as it was a really great book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in galley form. Amazing! Chilling, nail biter! I had traveled to Zimbabwe and the setting was all too real. This is a companion novel to the author's earlier book, Running Out of Time. Proudly, this was inspired by a letter from one of our former NHS students. The author credits her in his book.

[April Hoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written book about a topic often unknown to this age group. For 7th graders and up. All the African names and places may throw younger readers out of the book without the help of a teacher or background info, but besides that I have no complaints about this book. The action really gets going in the middle of the book. A great read for boys!

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zimbabwe's diamond fields don't bring the treasure young Patson hopes to find. Very moving.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful, compelling story that is a worthy companion to Williams's excellent Now is the Time for Running (2011).

[Jennifer Lisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

[Sandy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will change the way you look at diamonds forever. Great realistic look at life in Africa and the sad and dangerous desire for mining diamonds.

[Jeremiahtruitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiler alert

This review is about Diamond Boy. Michael Williams is the author of this book. It is realistic fiction. It’s theme was to never give up hope. Patson, the main character, thought everything was lost; his sister, father, diamonds, and even his left foot. However, he got some of these things back.
Patson and his family moved to Marange so they could get rich working the diamond fields. They worked at Banda Hill, a diamond mine owned by his step-uncle, James Banda. He was working there for 2 months and found 2 girazis, gems of high value. Then the military took over the mines. In all of the action, many miners were killed, along with his father. About a week later, Patson found a third girazi. A few days later, the commander of the army stationed in Banda Hill, commander Jesus (yes, really) said that Patson could leave. Little did he know that he was being tricked. He ran into a minefield and stepped on one. This exploded and took his foot with it. He was then treated by his friend Arves’s grandma. Then Boubacar, the person who helped them get there in the first place, helped him get to his sister in south africa. Her scout leader, determine, was trying to sell her and her troop into slavery. She was the only one left. Boubacar left Patson in a hospital to heal and he went to go get Grace, Patson’s sister. While he was rescuing her, Commander Jesus, along with his step mom, went to go take Patson. Luckily for him, the hospital staff wouldn’t let her go and they called the police. Commander Jesus and his step mom were arrested. When Boubacar came back with Grace, they found out that the person who originally treated him put the diamonds in his wound, knowing they would be safe. Patson cashed them in and became rich.
The beginning was bad. I hated it. I only kept reading because I didn’t want to start over with a different book. I hated how Michael called Patson’s stepmom the Wife. I also wasn’t as interested in the beginning as I was in the end. There were too many plot twists as well. One is okay and prefered, but this many makes them predictable. The beginning was too long. It took up what felt like the majority of the book. However, after the beginning is a good book. It was a compelling story at least.
Overall, it was an okay book. If I could change it, I would change the beginning. Who knows, I may be the only one who dislikes the beginning. Other authors thought it was a good book. I might only think this because I have a stepparent and call him by his first name. It might also be Something religious, as some religions require you to be more polite. I rate the book 3 stars, only because of the ending.

[Adelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Williams takes the reader to the diamond fields of Marange, after 15-year old Patson is uprooted by his teacher father, under pressure from his new wife, to bring in a higher income than his teaching job. The family then moves to Marange, to join the syndicate of Patson’s step-uncle James Banda who is a diamond tycoon. The story then describes Patson and his father learning the ropes in the diamond mine, while continuing lessons at night in hope that he would be able to return to school soon, and how a group of young miners come together to scheme at making some money of their own on the side. Things start to take a turn for the worse though, when this rhythm is broken as the Zimbabwean soldiers arrive at the mine, seizing it and leaving Patson to fight for his life.

Describing the dangers of the diamond trade in Africa, the lengths through which miners are willing to go through to smuggle diamonds out of the mine for private sale in hope that this will net them a sufficiently big fortune to make a new life for themselves, and how greed can make everything go wrong for an individual, a community and even a country. I don’t blame Patson for wondering what could have been had the family not decided to move to Marange (obviously though, in this case there would be no story), however his love for his sister Grace and the willingness of the complete stranger Boubacar to lay his life down to help Patson and Grace when they are on their own is inspiring in itself. These diamonds are referred to as “blood diamonds” for a very good reason, which is brought out amazingly well in this book. My only real gripe is how the copy I read has such a misleadingly happy yellow cover, despite all the grimness that lies in the story within. A wonderful read, especially for those interested in Africa and the blood diamond trade. I obviously don’t know anything about what actually goes on in Africa, but the narration seemed realistic enough in my opinion. 4.5 stars, 5 on GoodReads.

[Anurag · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diamond Boy, a historical fiction novel written by Michael Williams, is an intriguing story that describes the rough economical despair in Zimbabwe, and the risky encounters of a young boy, named Patson. The author’s narrative was rather confusing in certain parts of the novel, because the plot felt as if it was very choppy. I felt as if Williams’ use of syntax unintentionally made the storyline quite misleading, because in some sections of the novel, I was unsure of the main character’s goal.

As well as the misleading structure of the plot, the setting of the book was also unclear. The shift in setting was not very established, and the author made it difficult for the reader to follow along throughout the novel. Even though there weren’t many changes in the setting of the book, the scene is not well described enough for the reader to envision the character’s surroundings. The lack of clarity regarding the changes in the setting hindered the audience's ability to understand and comprehend the story, making it difficult to connect with Patson’s experiences.

Although the author had an unclear setting and misleading plot, one thing Williams did very well was integrating a powerful message into his writing. One would say family is everything, and the actions of Patson further embody this. Throughout the novel, Patson came across various difficult situations, but the actions and decisions he made, looked out for the wellbeing of his family. At such a pivotal age, Patson is forced to make extremely decisions; however, the decisions he makes, reflects the author's theme.

However, I do recommend Diamond Boy to readers that enjoy novels that depict a life journey that also teach a lesson as the main character goes through their adventure. Williams, does a great job of capturing Patson’s determined journey for his family, while incorporating a valued moral lesson for the reader. I suggest this novel to a more mature audience, as it demonstrates a style that could be seen as untraditional. Overall, this novel requires an acquired taste in literature, but I believe many readers would enjoy this book.

[Aiden Bradbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

My SSR book Diamond Boy, by Michael Williams was an interesting story that was fun to read. It took place in Zimbabwe. The main characters are an entire family, the son Patson, the daughter Grace, the mother Sylvia, and the father Joseph. I stumbled upon this book in the library looking for an SSR book for Ms. Mangans class. I’m glad I did because I enjoyed reading this book.
One of the big conflicts of this book was money. Sylvia was always upset with Joseph because she felt he did not provide enough money for the family being a teacher. This is why he thought of diamond mining in the first place. He thought it would be a fast way to earn lots of money. His wife, Syliva has been pushing him to do this for years. But he loved his teaching job and knew that diamond mining was dangerous and frowned upon. He was thinking he would be unlucky until he found his first diamond. He had three big finds with diamonds and made lots of money. But the conflicts with the family occur throughout the entire story.
The ending of the story to me was very touching and I really liked it. It consisted of a long note from Grace to her family. She was talking very sadly and saying how she is super homesick. She has been very far away from her family for a very long time. The ending was just sort of sad to me. I really liked the letter that was my favorite part.
My personal opinion on this book is, I liked it for the most part and the fact that it had to do with diamonds. But there were a lot of boring parts that just kept on going and that killed my interest in the book a little bit. If there was a little more action I probably would have liked it a lot more. Someone who might like this book would be if you’re into suspense and mystery possibly. That is my book report on Diamond Boy, by Michael Williams.

[Massanutten Regional Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica, Grottoes patron, June 2017, 5 stars:

Diamond Boy tells the story of a teenage boy who is forced to move to the diamond mines of Marange, Zimbabwe by his evil stepmother. It exposes the brutality of diamond mines overrun by soldiers, and provides an enthralling story of a young boy, forced to become a man. This book lightly deals with the issue of HIV/AIDS and depicts violent scenes therefore, it is best suited for readers grades 9 and up; though I think mature 8th graders would also be able to handle the novel. Determination is a theme that runs throughout the novel, and it also highlights the importance of education. Just as I suspected this novel was a tear jerker, but I am so glad I read it. What a great book! While reading Diamond Boy I couldn't help but make connections to the movie Blood Diamond with Leonardo DiCaprio. I also felt the main character, Patson, had a bit of a Cinderella type story.

[Rumana Khair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of my school curriculum and I am extremely glad that I finished reading this novel! Usually I would not bother much about reading books for school, especially because some if the genres don't interest me, but this one was an exception. I absolutely loved every single chapter and it definitely exceeded my expectations! I was even excited to write an exam on this book when normally I would not be.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster but it was worth the read. The hero in this book is realistic and not extraordinarily strong which makes him an easy character to relate to. The plot is interesting and well written from start to finish. And the story on the whole was one that would have you hooked!

A little self-reflection: this book made me realise how much I have to be grateful for. The mere privilege of living in a war-free country is only a fantasy to others.

[Shella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the titles that has been in my TBR pile the longest. My former local library did not have it and the one time that I did find it I had to return it. I’m sad that it has taken five years to focus on and find this title. It was never available in my Scholastic book orders. For those of us that have that as our only way to free books- it is a shame. This is a title that should be in every upper elementary/middle school library. This is set in 2008 Zimbabwe. The political landscape of this country and region is complicated. The protagonist’s family goes to the Marange Diamond Fields. This book does not hold back the horrors of blood diamonds. It also reminds and probably will introduce the atrocities of land mine use. What I like most were the characters. There were some of the best and worst. The themes of greed/loyalty/friendship are distinguished. I want multiple titles of this book to add for historical book club choices. Rich, rich story.

[Deb Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diamond Boy surprised me with the intense level of emotion I felt as I read the story. Although it began slowly, I immediately connected with the main character and was curious and worried about his fate. The story is told from the perspective of 15 year old Patson as he deals with his new life in the diamond mines of Zimbabwe. It beautifully encapsulates the thoughts of an average teenager thrown into a far more dangerous situation than he could have ever imagined.
The author continued to expertly develop each of the characters as well as the horrifying conditions associated with working in these mines. The author's use of Patson's narrative, journal entries and texts is extremely effective. I was engrossed in the story and felt better educated about the corruption surrounding diamond mining in Africa. This is a book that will absolutely remain on my bookshelf for many years.

[Alan Malcore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The main characters in the book are 15 year old Patson his dad Joseph his step mom, and his sister Grace. Since Patson’s dad makes about two dollars a week teaching they have no choice but to find a better job so they take what little they have and head to the diamond fields(more towards Southern Africa) . Here Patson thinks he sees his future and how great it could be to be a diamond miner, but he didn’t know how wrong he was. Over the days Patson finds three Garazis, or perfect diamonds (worth about half a million dollars), but all these diamonds came at an awful price. The book was great I liked how the author kept the book exciting, I also liked how the book was very real ans not made up, and lastly I liked how the book taught you a lesson that you don't know know everything and you need to be able to listen to others. I didn't like how some characters joined and left, like I wanted to know the characters more. If I had to suggest this book I'd suggest it to young adults because violence, but at the same time the books' lexile wasn't very hard.

[Johnson Fantor · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Diamond Boy, a teenager seeking a better life encounters many losses in a search for "priceless" diamonds; girazis. This book is full of action and appropriate amount of emotion throughout each part. The story has many plot twists, dilemmas, and symbols that make the characters and storyline more complex, enjoyable, and realistic. From basically the beginning to almost the end, the story plummets in dozens of problems the protagonist, Patson encounters, when finally the tables simply "flip over" to have an enjoyable, happy ending. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves action, social justice issue related books, strong emotions, or realistic but devastating books about today's reality.

[Harsrith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diamond Boy is a really captivating story of how a young boy named Patson struggles to fight the dangers of living in poverty. The author describes how Patson had to relocate from his home town, go to diamond fields and do illegal mining and how the government took over the private farms since they don't have any income. The main theme of the story was how a failed state causes poverty which was shown quite clearly throughout the book. Overall, the book was really interesting because you never really knew what would happen next until you read it. I would recommend the book to people who really want to know whats happening in the world around them and how many countries are dealing with he lack of income and support.