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The African Diamonds Trilogy #1
The Angolan Clan
1974/5: After the Revolution of the Carnations, Portugal is transformed into a communist state. Capitalists are ruthlessly persecuted and the liberated Portuguese colony of Angola is thrust into one of the bloodiest civil wars in history. The fabled Angolan diamond mines are closed down, but not before a group of refugees escape with a hoard of the precious gems. Their lives promise wealth and success, but a legacy of revenge and greed will eventually find them all, with fatal consequences.. 2008: A millionaire businessman drowns in the swimming pool of his mansion in Marbella; a wealthy Frenchman is killed while skiing in the Swiss Alps; and a Portuguese playboy and a prostitute are found murdered together in a seedy New York apartment. The series of seemingly unconnected deaths sets two women Jenny Bishop, a young English widow, and Angolan born Leticia da Costa on a terrifying journey into the past to revisit the Portuguese revolution and the Angolan civil war. Together they begin to unlock a 30 year old mystery that promises to change their lives forever if they survive to reveal the truth. THE ANGOLAN CLAN takes the reader on a heart-stopping roller coaster ride, from past to present and back again. It is a deadly intercontinental treasure hunt laced with secrets, deceit and murder. The prize is a fortune in Angolan diamonds..or death at the hands of a pathological killer.
706 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2011
250 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 16, 2017
This was an odd book. It started out great. By the middle I was beginning to lose track of all the gazillions of characters. By the end I felt that the author had gotten tired because the writing became rather hackneyed and the plot rather silly, with the very end being altogether ridiculous.
That said, I did enjoy reading it. I had picked up the book as part of my historical novels of the world project, because how many historical novels deal with Angola and I needed one. And reading it for the history, which is essentially what I was doing, was very interesting indeed.
For example, I did not know that Portugal had experienced a military coup in 1974, which led to the end of its involvement in Africa. That upheaval overthrew the country's longstanding right-wing government and replaced it with a democracy, although not with assorted partisan jockeying in the meantime. I also didn't know that said coup led to the country's abandonment of Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea. And I knew next to nothing about diamond production in Angola, a fascinating if controversial part of its background.
Because I was (and still am) so unfamiliar with the histories of both Portugal and its African colonies, I found it hard to absorb all the background, but now I feel equipped to dig further. How involved were the Russians and the Cubans in the coup, for example? The author maintains that they were instrumental because they wanted the African colonies. What happened to the colonies after the Portuguese left? The author tells us that they devolved into civil war, but I'd like to know what the upshot was. I'd also like to explore the cultures of the places. So many historical novels deal with war, but it would be interesting to read smaller stories that give real insight into the people. (If you know of any, please let me know!)
Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you like learning about history and exploring new places. Yes if you like financial thrillers. Yes if you like suspenseful stories that change locations often. No if you're picky about characterization and perfect writing.
That said, I did enjoy reading it. I had picked up the book as part of my historical novels of the world project, because how many historical novels deal with Angola and I needed one. And reading it for the history, which is essentially what I was doing, was very interesting indeed.
For example, I did not know that Portugal had experienced a military coup in 1974, which led to the end of its involvement in Africa. That upheaval overthrew the country's longstanding right-wing government and replaced it with a democracy, although not with assorted partisan jockeying in the meantime. I also didn't know that said coup led to the country's abandonment of Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea. And I knew next to nothing about diamond production in Angola, a fascinating if controversial part of its background.
Because I was (and still am) so unfamiliar with the histories of both Portugal and its African colonies, I found it hard to absorb all the background, but now I feel equipped to dig further. How involved were the Russians and the Cubans in the coup, for example? The author maintains that they were instrumental because they wanted the African colonies. What happened to the colonies after the Portuguese left? The author tells us that they devolved into civil war, but I'd like to know what the upshot was. I'd also like to explore the cultures of the places. So many historical novels deal with war, but it would be interesting to read smaller stories that give real insight into the people. (If you know of any, please let me know!)
Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you like learning about history and exploring new places. Yes if you like financial thrillers. Yes if you like suspenseful stories that change locations often. No if you're picky about characterization and perfect writing.
September 18, 2016
This is a very complex book. I really had to concentrate, no reading this one last thing at night. In all honesty, I did loose the thread (more than) a couple of times. I also struggled with the copious amount of acronyms. I like to think I'm fairly bright and I knew a little about Portugal's tumultuous history, but the story required an excellent memory for names, places, dates, relationships and so on. With all that said, I enjoyed the book, and thought it was a brilliant piece of writing. The detail, although at times overwhelming, was necessary and it is my loss that I was bogged down in it. I will be reading this book again to ensure that I can fully appreciate and understand the nuances that combine to make it a fantastic novel
April 8, 2018
Started off really good but then as the narrative progressed, I was starting to get confused as too many characters are introduced and then there's so much of detailed information that the paragraphs went on and on. It started to get boring. Somehow managed to reach the end of the book.
August 27, 2017
A tale of diamonds, betrayal, murder and revelations
This long novel deals with a successful businessman who flees the Revolution of the carnations in Portugal of 1975 and deals with diamonds from Angola. It also ddeals with the aftermath of his business ventures in 2008.
Jenny, the main protagonist in this latter part, uncovers the mystery behind the business and becomes embroiled in a devious plot involving murder, forgery and dastardly deeds.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of and they are well-developed and the novel is enjoyable enough to want to know what happens. Well-researched, it does have a lot of short descriptions, some of which are really unnecessary in my opinion.
This long novel deals with a successful businessman who flees the Revolution of the carnations in Portugal of 1975 and deals with diamonds from Angola. It also ddeals with the aftermath of his business ventures in 2008.
Jenny, the main protagonist in this latter part, uncovers the mystery behind the business and becomes embroiled in a devious plot involving murder, forgery and dastardly deeds.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of and they are well-developed and the novel is enjoyable enough to want to know what happens. Well-researched, it does have a lot of short descriptions, some of which are really unnecessary in my opinion.
November 1, 2017
The first half of this book is a thrilling historical novel that takes place during one of Portugal's most turbulent periods, just after the April 1974 Carnation Revolution that saw the replacement of the relatively stable, 42-year-old dictatorial regime of Salazar/Caetano by a communist-led coalition that degenerated into lawlessness and anarchy throughout the country and bloody civil wars in the colonies. I found the historical component to be well researched and clearly presented; the fiction part is action packed, mostly realistic and blends well with the historical facts. This first half kept me riveted; I just couldn't put the book down. I gave this part full marks: five stars.
The second half, on the other hand, lacks a historical component and is more or less a standard murder mystery. The pace is rather slow, at times dragging, and the story line is repetitive; many of the situations seemed to me as being rather far-fetched. I gave this part only three stars.
At 600 plus pages, this book is much longer than it need be. It is well written, however (except for a few errors in the spelling of place names – e.g. Nueva Lisboa instead of Nova Lisboa) and easy to read. Although the second half is not nearly as captivating as the first, you'll probably want to read it right to the end if you want to find out who killed Charlie!
The second half, on the other hand, lacks a historical component and is more or less a standard murder mystery. The pace is rather slow, at times dragging, and the story line is repetitive; many of the situations seemed to me as being rather far-fetched. I gave this part only three stars.
At 600 plus pages, this book is much longer than it need be. It is well written, however (except for a few errors in the spelling of place names – e.g. Nueva Lisboa instead of Nova Lisboa) and easy to read. Although the second half is not nearly as captivating as the first, you'll probably want to read it right to the end if you want to find out who killed Charlie!
November 5, 2017
There were more than a few reasons for me to complete this book and a few that argued against that premise. Curiosity won out and it's now on my have read list. Curiosity wasn't the only reason for carrying on with this compelling story. Lowery has life experiences that bolster his storytelling skills. The story line was captivating from its roots in rebellion in Portugal in the 1970s, to intrigue in exotic places I've never experienced and finally to the whodunit at the core of the plot.
Traveling back and forth from the time of the revolution and its aftermath to closer to the story's present time made me work harder that most novels and I actually charted the story to keep up. Strangely, that challenge made me want to continue reading.
Where Lowery let me down was with his awkward character development. When he could have drawn some complexity into his characters by saying less, he beat the reader to death with repetitive descriptions and behaviors. As for his treatment of the female characters, only the main ones were treated with the respect and complexity they deserve. Most were passed off as a short, sad list of unsatisfying features.
The final plot twist was senseless and attributable to lack of experience. However, since there is a sequel and perhaps a trilogy, it may be yet another awkward plot device in Lowery's disappointing bag of tricks.
Traveling back and forth from the time of the revolution and its aftermath to closer to the story's present time made me work harder that most novels and I actually charted the story to keep up. Strangely, that challenge made me want to continue reading.
Where Lowery let me down was with his awkward character development. When he could have drawn some complexity into his characters by saying less, he beat the reader to death with repetitive descriptions and behaviors. As for his treatment of the female characters, only the main ones were treated with the respect and complexity they deserve. Most were passed off as a short, sad list of unsatisfying features.
The final plot twist was senseless and attributable to lack of experience. However, since there is a sequel and perhaps a trilogy, it may be yet another awkward plot device in Lowery's disappointing bag of tricks.
October 24, 2017
The author was living in Portugal in 1975, when a coup occurred known as the Revolution of the Carnations. Portugal became a communist nation and everything that smelled of capitalism was ruthlessly attacked. One of the bloodiest civil wars erupted in Angola, a Portuguese colony, in search for its independence. A very clear and illustrative description of these terrible historic events. Angola was famous for its diamond mines. This is the setting for this novel that spans for approximately 30 years, going back and forth in time and places. A series of apparently unrelated murders, start occurring and Jenny Bishop, a British widow, and Leticia da Costa, born in Angola, are thrown into the middle of the turmoil, in events that will change their lives. A long book that maintains interest until the last page. I loved this book, which taught me a lot about these European and African countries and that I really enjoyed reading.
December 4, 2018
A very long but entertaining read. The partly historical fiction novel weaves the events surrounding gives the Revolution of the Carnations together with a whodunit-type murder mystery plot. Be prepared to have to remember zillions of characters strewn across Luanda, Marbella, Geneva, Ipswich and Rio de Janeiro.
“Money is numbers and numbers never end. If it takes money to be happy, then your search for happiness will never end.” Robert Nesta Marley.
“Money is numbers and numbers never end. If it takes money to be happy, then your search for happiness will never end.” Robert Nesta Marley.
July 27, 2020
Diamonds, Revolutions, and Linked Destinies!
An engrossing read, linking several distant families, through Diamond mining, International business deals, communist revolution and tragedy. This story takes you to Lisbon, Malaga, via Angola, Rio Dr Janeiro, and Ipswich! Excellent plot swaps back and forth between the 70's and 2008, leading to a thrilling and surprising climax. A great read! Highly recommended!
An engrossing read, linking several distant families, through Diamond mining, International business deals, communist revolution and tragedy. This story takes you to Lisbon, Malaga, via Angola, Rio Dr Janeiro, and Ipswich! Excellent plot swaps back and forth between the 70's and 2008, leading to a thrilling and surprising climax. A great read! Highly recommended!
August 31, 2017
This was an absorbing thriller based around Portugal's withdrawal from Africa and changes in its' political structure. Diamonds are at the centre of the story which is very well structured and the descriptive writing makes it easy to understand the complexities of what is occurring. A very complex story and a plot unravelling to an amazing conclusion. A long book but well worth reading.
October 29, 2017
Now this was a book to sink your teeth into!!! After reading so many frivolous wanna be books and then there are the books that seem to on forever sequel after sequel just to keep you buying and reading this book has substance and sustenance.
It deals with an area of history that is not well know namely Angola, the diamond trade and the history of the various countries who become involved with Angola. On a more personal level the plot revolves around Jenny who has lost her husband and then loses her father in law and must travel for
the reading of the will. What happens after that is fast moving until(and this is where the book almost lost me) one starts to read the history of Angola and its turmoil. At first I felt like I was dragging my feet in cement but when one keeps with it the whole thing has a great deal to do with what is happening with Jenny.
The ending was -wow-totally unexpected. Good read.
It deals with an area of history that is not well know namely Angola, the diamond trade and the history of the various countries who become involved with Angola. On a more personal level the plot revolves around Jenny who has lost her husband and then loses her father in law and must travel for
the reading of the will. What happens after that is fast moving until(and this is where the book almost lost me) one starts to read the history of Angola and its turmoil. At first I felt like I was dragging my feet in cement but when one keeps with it the whole thing has a great deal to do with what is happening with Jenny.
The ending was -wow-totally unexpected. Good read.
October 24, 2017
Definitely thrilling!
Most of the action in this book will make your heart race as you follow the adventures of the characters. The historical narrative is very interesting. I did feel the pace changed towards the end, as if the author ran out of steam trying to bring it all to a conclusion, but it is a long book! A good read!
Most of the action in this book will make your heart race as you follow the adventures of the characters. The historical narrative is very interesting. I did feel the pace changed towards the end, as if the author ran out of steam trying to bring it all to a conclusion, but it is a long book! A good read!
November 25, 2017
This story could have been so much better had the author not been so fond of waffling. I scim read most of it just to finish reading. Far too much detail and way too many characters for my taste. Plowing through the book reminded me of being stuck beside a verbose bore at a formal function when making an escape is difficult.
January 2, 2023
Interesting
I have to say that the first part of the book was tremendous leaning about the history between Portugal and Angola and the development of the Angolan Clan, there are a lot of characters it is not an easy book to navigate on times .The second part of book was a little strange but has finished leaving you wanting to start the second book in series.
I have to say that the first part of the book was tremendous leaning about the history between Portugal and Angola and the development of the Angolan Clan, there are a lot of characters it is not an easy book to navigate on times .The second part of book was a little strange but has finished leaving you wanting to start the second book in series.
October 13, 2017
Amazing book
Full of historical events including how The Soviet Union outsmarted the Wold in 1970s. The story is full of turns and twists with incredible characters that intertwined 4 continents. A real page turner and a wonderful story. Loved it.
Full of historical events including how The Soviet Union outsmarted the Wold in 1970s. The story is full of turns and twists with incredible characters that intertwined 4 continents. A real page turner and a wonderful story. Loved it.
October 18, 2017
A Good Read
I enjoyed the story line very much. At times it was a little difficult to follow . What I enjoyed most was the history of Portugal - knew very little about it. Now I want to go there.
I enjoyed the story line very much. At times it was a little difficult to follow . What I enjoyed most was the history of Portugal - knew very little about it. Now I want to go there.
November 29, 2017
Like many other people mentioned; the first part is fascinating and a true page-turner. Then it gets too coincidental and pretty over the top. And the two women are getting boring as they hobble along the episoded that overrun them. Too fantastic, overdone in the end, unfortunately.
May 16, 2019
I confess I got no further than page 11. For want of a good editor who would have rooted out the multiple adjectives, the use of the continuous past, and cut the entire book by a third. This could have been - should have been - a great read.
Want to read
July 7, 2022I doubt I'll read this, since it's 600+ pages in a genre I don't read much from, but since it's set in Angola I'll add it. I learned of this book here: https://whttps://www.goodreads.com/re...
September 20, 2022
Excellent. Exciting read. The story was great, it skipped about from place to place, but with chapter headings the reader knows exactly where the action is taking place. I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out what happened
October 20, 2017
Good story but exceedingly slow at the start
November 4, 2017
intriguing and fit moving.
December 31, 2017
Nasty Times and Nasty People
The story moves across Europe as people try to get hold of the money and gems. Great characters and a cracking good story.
The story moves across Europe as people try to get hold of the money and gems. Great characters and a cracking good story.
January 15, 2018
I just could not get into the complex plot and the characters and finally had to stop because I wasn't looking forward to reading. I am sure it is a good read but I personally could not get into it.
January 31, 2018
I could not put this book down once l read the first page, fascinating and gripping.
June 10, 2018
Incredible story combining fact with fiction. A thriller with many twists along the way. Both parts making an entertaining read that one cannot stop reading to see what happens next
August 15, 2018
Decent job including historical events and enjoyable web of conspiracy. However, the character development and ending left something to be desired.
November 5, 2018
A complex book with a myriad of different characters. I felt it started off great but seemed to get lost in the complexities of the plot. In saying that, I end up enjoying it.
October 5, 2024
Excellent read, will read the next book in this trilogy 👍
May 5, 2016
Wow, this book really impressed me. There is always something truly amazing about picking up a book that can grab your attention in the first few pages, and then keep it all the way to the end. Quite simply Christopher Lowery can write! There are plenty of twist and turns in this story, and I enjoyed the complexity of it. This is certainly a book you can immerse yourself in. This story really shows the greed, and what lengths men are prepared to go to become rich. When Angola is thrust into civil war, you can understand why there are refugee’s wanting to get out. With the diamond mine shutting down, why shouldn’t they take some diamonds with them, and set themselves up. They just didn’t realise that many years later there was going to be such terrible consequences for stealing those diamonds. This story is rich in history, and it is certainly a Thriller in every sense of the word. This really is a great book, and well worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews