Red Diamonds

by Justin McCarthy, Crln Yldz Ksr (Narrator)

In the South African wilderness, six men got together to mine for diamonds and become very rich. They agree that the wealth is to be split equally between them or their heirs after a few years and that the share of any one who died without leaving an heir or whose heir died before the time would be split between the remaining partners. Soon, all heirs are notified and wait expectantly for the first of January, on which the diamonds are to be divided between the partners. However, the diamonds are becoming increasingly blood stained, and January the first is still some time off... (Summary by Carolin)

15 pages, Audiobook

First published January 1, 1893

About the author

McCarthy began his career as a journalist at age 18 in Cork, Ireland. From 1853 to 1859 he was in Liverpool, on the staff of the Northern Daily Times, during which period he married (in March 1855) Charlotte Ailman. In 1860 he moved to London, as parliamentary reporter to The Morning Star, of which he became editor in 1864.

He gave up his post in 1868, and, after a lecturing tour in the United States, joined the staff of the Daily News as leader-writer in 1870. In this capacity he became one of the most useful and respected upholders of the liberal politics of the time. He lectured again in America in 1870-1871, and again in 1886-1887.

McCarthy's most important work is his History of Our Own Times (vols. I-IV, 1879–1880; vol. V, 1897), which treats of the period between Queen Victoria's accession and her Diamond Jubilee. He also began a History of the Four Georges (1884 1901), of which the latter half was written by his son, Justin Huntly McCarthy. McCarthy also published several novels, including three with Rosa Campbell Praed.

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Justin^McCarthy

Reviews

[Thom Swennes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This three volume novel, published in 1898, tells the tale of a group of adventurers that find diamonds and agree to share them. As they are waiting to profit from their fortune, one by one their numbers are reduced and as no heirs are to be found the individual portions grow. The price in blood for this treasure causes one to ask if they are a blessing or a curse. It is really a simple and basic plot (with love thrown in to add a bit of spice to the turmoil) but in the style of the times it tends to the wordy. If one can overlook this rhetoric the story can be quite engrossing. Justin McCarthy (1830-1912) wrote fourteen novels (Red Diamonds in number thirteen) but is now little known and very seldom read. He also wrote a number of historical non-fiction books that sound interesting. This is the first time I’ve read his work but wouldn’t hesitate to buy and read another. I feel sure many people would like this book.