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The Diamond Hunter
‘It won’t matter how many diamonds you find if you lose the love of your child.’
When six-year-old Clementine Knight loses her mother to malaria during the 1870s diamond rush in southern Africa, she is left to be raised by her destitute, alcoholic father, James. Much of Clementine’s care falls to their trusty Zulu companion, Joseph One-Shoe, and the unlikely pair form an unbreakable bond.
When the two men uncover a large, flawless diamond, James believes he has finally secured their future, but the discovery of the priceless gem comes at a huge cost. A dark bargain is struck to do whatever it takes to return Clementine to a respectable life at the Grant family’s sprawling estate in northern England – while the diamond disappears.
Years on, long-buried memories of Clementine's childhood in Africa and her beloved Joseph One-Shoe are triggered, as she questions who she can trust. To solve the mystery of what happened to her loved ones all those years ago, she must confront a painful history and finally bring justice to bear.
From the harsh desert of Africa’s Kimberley diamond mine to the misty, green plains of northern England, The Diamond Hunter is a breathtaking adventure story about trust and betrayal, the ultimate quest for truth, and a love that is truly priceless.
When six-year-old Clementine Knight loses her mother to malaria during the 1870s diamond rush in southern Africa, she is left to be raised by her destitute, alcoholic father, James. Much of Clementine’s care falls to their trusty Zulu companion, Joseph One-Shoe, and the unlikely pair form an unbreakable bond.
When the two men uncover a large, flawless diamond, James believes he has finally secured their future, but the discovery of the priceless gem comes at a huge cost. A dark bargain is struck to do whatever it takes to return Clementine to a respectable life at the Grant family’s sprawling estate in northern England – while the diamond disappears.
Years on, long-buried memories of Clementine's childhood in Africa and her beloved Joseph One-Shoe are triggered, as she questions who she can trust. To solve the mystery of what happened to her loved ones all those years ago, she must confront a painful history and finally bring justice to bear.
From the harsh desert of Africa’s Kimberley diamond mine to the misty, green plains of northern England, The Diamond Hunter is a breathtaking adventure story about trust and betrayal, the ultimate quest for truth, and a love that is truly priceless.
432 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2019
355 people are currently reading
1629 people want to read
About the author
Fiona McIntosh
70 books1,983 followersFiona writes best selling historical adventure-romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Her most recent historical fiction has gathered such a following that she is now hosting a tour in 2014 to Paris and Provence so eager readers can walk in the footsteps of her characters.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
June 27, 2020
Clementine Knight loved her father, James, and Joseph One-Shoe, Zulu companion and partner in the diamond diggings of Africa. Clem’s mother had passed when she was six years old of malaria, and her father was distraught at her loss. He turned to the bottle to drown his sorrows, so Clem’s care fell to Joseph more and more often. But Clem dearly loved the two most important men in her life, and although she ran wild through their shanty town of New Rush and had no liking for school, she was a bright and intelligent young lass.
The discovery of a large diamond from Big Hole meant James could fulfil his wish to take Clem back to England, to the home of her mother, where she could grow up on the Grant’s estate in the manner of her mother. But the arrival at the diggings of her mother’s half-brother, Uncle Reggie, set a course for the future which was not one her parents had envisioned.
Twenty two years later, Clementine was nearing thirty when her memories of her African childhood were jogged and she suddenly wondered if her life in England had been based on lies. Would the love and trust she’d held all those many years be shattered?
The Diamond Hunter is another excellent, well researched historical novel from the pen of Aussie author Fiona McIntosh which I thoroughly enjoyed. Starting in the 1870s with Clem’s childhood, through to almost the turn of the century, I found the loyal bond and closeness between Clem and Joseph One-Shoe – Zulu name Zenzele – particularly poignant and heartwarming. A story of greed, love, loss and forgiveness, The Diamond Hunter is one I highly recommend.
The discovery of a large diamond from Big Hole meant James could fulfil his wish to take Clem back to England, to the home of her mother, where she could grow up on the Grant’s estate in the manner of her mother. But the arrival at the diggings of her mother’s half-brother, Uncle Reggie, set a course for the future which was not one her parents had envisioned.
Twenty two years later, Clementine was nearing thirty when her memories of her African childhood were jogged and she suddenly wondered if her life in England had been based on lies. Would the love and trust she’d held all those many years be shattered?
The Diamond Hunter is another excellent, well researched historical novel from the pen of Aussie author Fiona McIntosh which I thoroughly enjoyed. Starting in the 1870s with Clem’s childhood, through to almost the turn of the century, I found the loyal bond and closeness between Clem and Joseph One-Shoe – Zulu name Zenzele – particularly poignant and heartwarming. A story of greed, love, loss and forgiveness, The Diamond Hunter is one I highly recommend.
December 10, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
4.5 stars
I have to concur with the cover quote, provided by fellow book reviewer Book’d Out, which states, ‘Fiona McIntosh is an extraordinary storyteller.’ McIntosh returns with her annual historical release, The Diamond Hunter. This new tale from one of our most gifted Australian novelists takes the reader from the harsh grounds of the diamond hunting trade in Southern Africa, through to the bustling streets of England’s capital, and to a wealthy estate in Northumberland. Along the way, we bear witness to a consuming tale of love, family ties, commitments, honour, betrayal, trust, secrets and lies. The Diamond Hunter hooked me in from the first sentence, until the final word of Fiona McIntosh’s latest historical tale.
When The Diamond Hunter opens we are acquainted with a young girl by the name of Clementine Knight. It is a sad introduction to this child’s life, as Clementine’s mother passes away from malaria, while her family are based in Southern Africa, as part of the diamond rush. It is a family tragedy that leaves little Clementine in the care of her father, who is ravaged by grief and fueled by alcohol. Clementine turns to a gentle male figure in her life, a Zulu man affectionately named Joseph One-Shoe, who is her family’s companion. Together, this unlikely pair form a friendship that withstands time, distance and class relations. The discovery of a spectacular diamond marks the beginning of yet another tragedy for Clementine to weather. The unearthing of this gem and the events that transpire following the discovery of this rare diamond sends Clementine back to her family’s ancestral home, back in England. As for that very special diamond… it vanishes, without a trace. We follow Clementine’s life as she grows into a young woman of great respect and décor. However, Clementine cannot put the past behind her, despite her privileged status. She is plagued by memories of her upbringing in Africa, along with her loyal companion Joseph. It sends Clementine on a vital quest to finally put the past to rest, with startling and upsetting revelations. Questions of justice, entitlement and integrity prevail in this unforgettable historical undertaking.
The period in the lead up to Christmas is always a highly anticipated time of the year for me as a reader and I’m sure I’m not alone. We have so many wonderful releases to look forward to indulging in over the holiday period. Fiona McIntosh is an author who is always on the very top of my list when it comes to Christmas releases, though I did sneak The Diamond Hunter in prior to the Christmas holiday period. I am so glad I did as I enjoyed it immensely.
The Diamond Hunter sees Fiona McIntosh travel a little further back in the history books compared to her more recent releases. We are immersed in the world inhabited by Clementine Knight, accompanying her father, who is a diamond hunter by trade and her mother in Kimberley, Southern Africa. We soon develop a strong picture of this location and time period. Kimberley is the site for the diamond excavation trade, where prospectors came to uncover Africa’s riches, in the form of diamonds. Clementine’s father strikes it lucky in this department, but it is tainted by the loss of his wife to malaria. This is a pivotal life event that impacts the family greatly. It leads to further tragedy and eventually, Clementine must leave Africa for her family’s home back in Northern England. I did feel that the African based sequences were the far more superior aspects of The Diamond Hunter. McIntosh excels in her depiction of the sights, sounds, actions and way of life of the ambitious diamond hunters of Southern Africa. Part one of The Diamond Hunter was seeped in a heavy, but deeply satisfying history, that I absolutely consumed.
Part two of The Diamond Hunter changes tack and we are transported to the streets of London, followed by the entitled way of life inhabited by Clementine and her family in Northumberland. Clementine is now a grown woman. She has her own opinions, expectations and aspirations. On the whole, I found Clementine a very appealing, accepting and a non judgmental character. Clementine stands by her beliefs with a sense of conviction that I admired. Loosely tied into this segment of the book is the gentle romance that sparks between Clementine and a prospective suitor by the name of Will Axford. Their accompanying love story is plagued by some woes, concerns and acts of righteousness. However, I found the romance understated and it never seemed to detract from the central mystery of Clementine’s unresolved past. The questionable actions of Clementine’s uncle, who is charged with her care, ignites a journey into the past. Clementine’s expedition unearths some surprising and shocking revelations. Clementine’s uncle Reggie was a man that I really had trouble with, I seemed to sit on the fence in regards to his character. It is hard to go into this any further, without revealing pertinent details about the book, but this character issued me with quite a moral dilemma!
I think readers will really embrace the touching friendships that spurns between Clementine and Joseph One-Shoe in Africa. This is a defining part of the novel that gives the book a great deal of heart. It demonstrates that we can never truly leave our past behind, and there are special people that enter our lives that we can never cast aside. The pairing of Clementine and Joseph was quite unusual at first glance, but when I read further into the author’s helpful notes at the close of the book, I was appreciative of the personal motivations on behalf of Fiona McIntosh’s portrayal of this unlikely bond. Through the character of Joseph One-Shoe and his background, we bear witness to a world marked by injustice and prejudice. A glimpse into the world of compounds in the region in which the African based scenes in the book were based simply broke my heart. However, I am glad that I am now aware of the existence of these enclosures. My sincere thanks go out to Fiona McIntosh for all her detailed research in this aspect of the book and the novel’s historical footing in general.
A tumultuous journey awaits the reader by the close of The Diamond Hunter, where disclosures about the past are finally aired, revealing a nest of lies, secrets, deception and treachery. Clementine is finally able to lay the ghosts of the past to rest, with sense of restitution and acceptance. The question of Clementine’s future happiness hangs in the balance as The Diamond Hunter reaches its inevitable, but unforgettable conclusion. The Diamond Hunter is another triumph from one of our country’s most treasured storytellers and it is one book you really need to luxuriate in over the upcoming Christmas holidays.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Diamond Hunter is book #150 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
I have to concur with the cover quote, provided by fellow book reviewer Book’d Out, which states, ‘Fiona McIntosh is an extraordinary storyteller.’ McIntosh returns with her annual historical release, The Diamond Hunter. This new tale from one of our most gifted Australian novelists takes the reader from the harsh grounds of the diamond hunting trade in Southern Africa, through to the bustling streets of England’s capital, and to a wealthy estate in Northumberland. Along the way, we bear witness to a consuming tale of love, family ties, commitments, honour, betrayal, trust, secrets and lies. The Diamond Hunter hooked me in from the first sentence, until the final word of Fiona McIntosh’s latest historical tale.
When The Diamond Hunter opens we are acquainted with a young girl by the name of Clementine Knight. It is a sad introduction to this child’s life, as Clementine’s mother passes away from malaria, while her family are based in Southern Africa, as part of the diamond rush. It is a family tragedy that leaves little Clementine in the care of her father, who is ravaged by grief and fueled by alcohol. Clementine turns to a gentle male figure in her life, a Zulu man affectionately named Joseph One-Shoe, who is her family’s companion. Together, this unlikely pair form a friendship that withstands time, distance and class relations. The discovery of a spectacular diamond marks the beginning of yet another tragedy for Clementine to weather. The unearthing of this gem and the events that transpire following the discovery of this rare diamond sends Clementine back to her family’s ancestral home, back in England. As for that very special diamond… it vanishes, without a trace. We follow Clementine’s life as she grows into a young woman of great respect and décor. However, Clementine cannot put the past behind her, despite her privileged status. She is plagued by memories of her upbringing in Africa, along with her loyal companion Joseph. It sends Clementine on a vital quest to finally put the past to rest, with startling and upsetting revelations. Questions of justice, entitlement and integrity prevail in this unforgettable historical undertaking.
The period in the lead up to Christmas is always a highly anticipated time of the year for me as a reader and I’m sure I’m not alone. We have so many wonderful releases to look forward to indulging in over the holiday period. Fiona McIntosh is an author who is always on the very top of my list when it comes to Christmas releases, though I did sneak The Diamond Hunter in prior to the Christmas holiday period. I am so glad I did as I enjoyed it immensely.
The Diamond Hunter sees Fiona McIntosh travel a little further back in the history books compared to her more recent releases. We are immersed in the world inhabited by Clementine Knight, accompanying her father, who is a diamond hunter by trade and her mother in Kimberley, Southern Africa. We soon develop a strong picture of this location and time period. Kimberley is the site for the diamond excavation trade, where prospectors came to uncover Africa’s riches, in the form of diamonds. Clementine’s father strikes it lucky in this department, but it is tainted by the loss of his wife to malaria. This is a pivotal life event that impacts the family greatly. It leads to further tragedy and eventually, Clementine must leave Africa for her family’s home back in Northern England. I did feel that the African based sequences were the far more superior aspects of The Diamond Hunter. McIntosh excels in her depiction of the sights, sounds, actions and way of life of the ambitious diamond hunters of Southern Africa. Part one of The Diamond Hunter was seeped in a heavy, but deeply satisfying history, that I absolutely consumed.
Part two of The Diamond Hunter changes tack and we are transported to the streets of London, followed by the entitled way of life inhabited by Clementine and her family in Northumberland. Clementine is now a grown woman. She has her own opinions, expectations and aspirations. On the whole, I found Clementine a very appealing, accepting and a non judgmental character. Clementine stands by her beliefs with a sense of conviction that I admired. Loosely tied into this segment of the book is the gentle romance that sparks between Clementine and a prospective suitor by the name of Will Axford. Their accompanying love story is plagued by some woes, concerns and acts of righteousness. However, I found the romance understated and it never seemed to detract from the central mystery of Clementine’s unresolved past. The questionable actions of Clementine’s uncle, who is charged with her care, ignites a journey into the past. Clementine’s expedition unearths some surprising and shocking revelations. Clementine’s uncle Reggie was a man that I really had trouble with, I seemed to sit on the fence in regards to his character. It is hard to go into this any further, without revealing pertinent details about the book, but this character issued me with quite a moral dilemma!
I think readers will really embrace the touching friendships that spurns between Clementine and Joseph One-Shoe in Africa. This is a defining part of the novel that gives the book a great deal of heart. It demonstrates that we can never truly leave our past behind, and there are special people that enter our lives that we can never cast aside. The pairing of Clementine and Joseph was quite unusual at first glance, but when I read further into the author’s helpful notes at the close of the book, I was appreciative of the personal motivations on behalf of Fiona McIntosh’s portrayal of this unlikely bond. Through the character of Joseph One-Shoe and his background, we bear witness to a world marked by injustice and prejudice. A glimpse into the world of compounds in the region in which the African based scenes in the book were based simply broke my heart. However, I am glad that I am now aware of the existence of these enclosures. My sincere thanks go out to Fiona McIntosh for all her detailed research in this aspect of the book and the novel’s historical footing in general.
A tumultuous journey awaits the reader by the close of The Diamond Hunter, where disclosures about the past are finally aired, revealing a nest of lies, secrets, deception and treachery. Clementine is finally able to lay the ghosts of the past to rest, with sense of restitution and acceptance. The question of Clementine’s future happiness hangs in the balance as The Diamond Hunter reaches its inevitable, but unforgettable conclusion. The Diamond Hunter is another triumph from one of our country’s most treasured storytellers and it is one book you really need to luxuriate in over the upcoming Christmas holidays.
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Diamond Hunter is book #150 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
June 28, 2020
Another engrossing tale from an exceptional storyteller. The details and attitudes of the era are conveyed so authentically, the reader will be transported to the South African diamond-rush days of the 1870s, as well as the drawing rooms and gentlemen's clubs of Victorian England.
Clementine Knight is only 7 years old, and being raised at the diamond pit by her grieving, alcoholic father and his dependable Zulu business partner, when her uncle Reggie Grant comes to visit. He's travelled to New Rush to bring Clementine home to England to fulfil the wishes of her dying grandmother. It's a fateful visit, but a successful one from Reggie's point of view.
Fast forward a couple of decades and Clem Grant is about to turn 30, whereupon she will come into her inheritance, making her an independently wealthy young woman. At the same time, Reggie's business interests are at risk and the bank is threatening to foreclose. Reggie and Clem have developed a comfortable father/daughter relationship over the years, so she has no inkling of the lengths he is prepared to go to to save himself and protect the name of the Grant family. It is only when he introduces her to young insurance broker Will Axford that Clem begins to question her uncle's motives and wonder what happened to the diamonds her father discovered all those years ago.
It's a good straightforward story, with a number of strong, well-rounded characters. Clem is a young woman ahead of her time, and Reggie is a villain with some redeeming qualities. There were a couple of times things got a bit sentimental, but in fact it suited the storyline so I won't hold that against the author. What I liked about this book the most was being able to benefit from McIntosh's clearly meticulous research into the locations and the period. I really enjoyed her descriptions of the landscapes, the clothes, the food and the interiors. The Author's Note at the end also lent some poignancy to one of the key relationships in the story. Very nicely done.
Clementine Knight is only 7 years old, and being raised at the diamond pit by her grieving, alcoholic father and his dependable Zulu business partner, when her uncle Reggie Grant comes to visit. He's travelled to New Rush to bring Clementine home to England to fulfil the wishes of her dying grandmother. It's a fateful visit, but a successful one from Reggie's point of view.
Fast forward a couple of decades and Clem Grant is about to turn 30, whereupon she will come into her inheritance, making her an independently wealthy young woman. At the same time, Reggie's business interests are at risk and the bank is threatening to foreclose. Reggie and Clem have developed a comfortable father/daughter relationship over the years, so she has no inkling of the lengths he is prepared to go to to save himself and protect the name of the Grant family. It is only when he introduces her to young insurance broker Will Axford that Clem begins to question her uncle's motives and wonder what happened to the diamonds her father discovered all those years ago.
It's a good straightforward story, with a number of strong, well-rounded characters. Clem is a young woman ahead of her time, and Reggie is a villain with some redeeming qualities. There were a couple of times things got a bit sentimental, but in fact it suited the storyline so I won't hold that against the author. What I liked about this book the most was being able to benefit from McIntosh's clearly meticulous research into the locations and the period. I really enjoyed her descriptions of the landscapes, the clothes, the food and the interiors. The Author's Note at the end also lent some poignancy to one of the key relationships in the story. Very nicely done.
June 29, 2020
The Diamond Hunter is the latest book from extraordinary storyteller Fiona McIntosh. It is a grand historical romantic drama that is packed full of adventure, is told in two timelines and set in both Africa and England.
The story begins in the diamond rush and vast empty wilderness of South Africa during the 1870’s.
James Knight hopes to make his fortune and travels to South Africa with his young family to start a new life at the Kimberley diamond mine where they would initially live rough in a tin hovel.
James always wanted to prove himself worthy as his wife is from a wealthy family and he didn’t want handouts. He didn’t want to feel beneath her family’s social status so he wanted to find fortune.
In South Africa his wife Louisa tragically dies from Malaria and their six-year old daughter Clementine is left to be raised by her destitute father and a Zulu named Joseph One Shoe. James is devastated by his wife’s death and sinks into alcoholism leaving Joseph to take care of them both. Clementine and Joseph form an unbreakable bond.
The two men can’t believe their luck when they uncover a priceless diamond the size of a golf ball, enough to secure them all a wealthy future but things suddenly take a turn.
In the second part of the book we are transported to London in the Victorian era. Clementine has grown up to be a young woman ahead of her times and is living at her family’s grand estate along with her uncle, Reggie.
We follow Clementine’s journey as long-buried memories of her childhood are triggered and she sets off to find out the truth about what happened in South Africa all those years ago and what happened to the diamond.
Does a betrayal, made for the right reasons, justify itself? Themes in this book are adventure, love, family, trust and betrayal . A wonderfully written historical fiction story that was both fascinating and fast paced.
The story begins in the diamond rush and vast empty wilderness of South Africa during the 1870’s.
James Knight hopes to make his fortune and travels to South Africa with his young family to start a new life at the Kimberley diamond mine where they would initially live rough in a tin hovel.
James always wanted to prove himself worthy as his wife is from a wealthy family and he didn’t want handouts. He didn’t want to feel beneath her family’s social status so he wanted to find fortune.
In South Africa his wife Louisa tragically dies from Malaria and their six-year old daughter Clementine is left to be raised by her destitute father and a Zulu named Joseph One Shoe. James is devastated by his wife’s death and sinks into alcoholism leaving Joseph to take care of them both. Clementine and Joseph form an unbreakable bond.
The two men can’t believe their luck when they uncover a priceless diamond the size of a golf ball, enough to secure them all a wealthy future but things suddenly take a turn.
In the second part of the book we are transported to London in the Victorian era. Clementine has grown up to be a young woman ahead of her times and is living at her family’s grand estate along with her uncle, Reggie.
We follow Clementine’s journey as long-buried memories of her childhood are triggered and she sets off to find out the truth about what happened in South Africa all those years ago and what happened to the diamond.
Does a betrayal, made for the right reasons, justify itself? Themes in this book are adventure, love, family, trust and betrayal . A wonderfully written historical fiction story that was both fascinating and fast paced.
June 28, 2020
This read incorporates a great wealth of information regarding the lucrative diamond mines of South Africa. Whilst many will recognise the De Beers name who it's believed still controls many aspects regarding the price of diamonds, the background history like many throughout the new world is one of people desperate to make that one big find and to what lengths they take to achieve it.
When Louisa Grant makes the decision to marry and follow James Knight she leaves behind a life of love, wealth and security to an uncertain future. His promise to take her to Australia changes and instead she finds herself living with her small daughter Clementine in a tent city in the diamond fields of Kimberley South Africa.
Louisa's death leaves Clementine in the hands of her father who now carries the guilt of her mother's death; his drinking addiction increases. Their Zulu partner, named by Clemetine as Joseph One-Shoe because he wears only one shoe while the other foot remains bare, finds himself almost the sole carer of Clementine for whom he has become very attached to and vice versa.
Woodingdene Estate, England is the home of Clementine's remaining family, Reggie who is the half brother of Louise born to Henry Grant's mistress and Lilian Grant is his widow. The two despise each other. However when a letter from South Africa arrives informing them of the death of Louisa, Lilian who is ill, with reluctance makes peace with Reggie and implores him to travel South Africa and bring Clementine back to the family home before she dies.
It's with some trepidation that Reggie travels to Kimberley, the ox cart travel and rough desert life is in stark contrast to that of Woodingdene. Even so, there is at least a gentlemen's club where he can indulge himself. He has no regard for James Knight for the way he has treated Louisa and is wary that the situation could become very difficult. Still, he made a promise to Lilian and with travel tickets for James and Clementine he starts his search for them.
James Knight and the Zulu on the other hand have had a great find. This changes many things for this trio but James is out of his depth, still carrying the guilt of Louisa, his own failing health and concern for Clementine his drinking worsens and after such a session he runs into Reggie Grant with dire consequences for himself.
The story moves to the adult Clementine now happily living at Woodingdene although unknown to her Reggie has the estate in deep financial trouble as well as large personal gambling debts and while he covers this up well to his niece he finds himself forced into an action to try and refinance the estate and as a subsequence the secret of events are revealed when in South Africa. Clementine with all that she now has is pressed with the need to find Joseph One-Shoe and if possible discover the truth of events that had unfolded at Kimberley.
When Louisa Grant makes the decision to marry and follow James Knight she leaves behind a life of love, wealth and security to an uncertain future. His promise to take her to Australia changes and instead she finds herself living with her small daughter Clementine in a tent city in the diamond fields of Kimberley South Africa.
Louisa's death leaves Clementine in the hands of her father who now carries the guilt of her mother's death; his drinking addiction increases. Their Zulu partner, named by Clemetine as Joseph One-Shoe because he wears only one shoe while the other foot remains bare, finds himself almost the sole carer of Clementine for whom he has become very attached to and vice versa.
Woodingdene Estate, England is the home of Clementine's remaining family, Reggie who is the half brother of Louise born to Henry Grant's mistress and Lilian Grant is his widow. The two despise each other. However when a letter from South Africa arrives informing them of the death of Louisa, Lilian who is ill, with reluctance makes peace with Reggie and implores him to travel South Africa and bring Clementine back to the family home before she dies.
It's with some trepidation that Reggie travels to Kimberley, the ox cart travel and rough desert life is in stark contrast to that of Woodingdene. Even so, there is at least a gentlemen's club where he can indulge himself. He has no regard for James Knight for the way he has treated Louisa and is wary that the situation could become very difficult. Still, he made a promise to Lilian and with travel tickets for James and Clementine he starts his search for them.
James Knight and the Zulu on the other hand have had a great find. This changes many things for this trio but James is out of his depth, still carrying the guilt of Louisa, his own failing health and concern for Clementine his drinking worsens and after such a session he runs into Reggie Grant with dire consequences for himself.
The story moves to the adult Clementine now happily living at Woodingdene although unknown to her Reggie has the estate in deep financial trouble as well as large personal gambling debts and while he covers this up well to his niece he finds himself forced into an action to try and refinance the estate and as a subsequence the secret of events are revealed when in South Africa. Clementine with all that she now has is pressed with the need to find Joseph One-Shoe and if possible discover the truth of events that had unfolded at Kimberley.
December 29, 2019
This is the first book from MS McIntosh that I have read and it won’t be the last, she transported me back to the diamond rush days in Africa it is 1870’s when we get to meet six year old Clementine Knight and share her moving journey to adulthood.
James and Louisa Knight with their daughter Clementine are leaving the wealth and England that Louisa is used to make a new life in Australia, James is a poor Scotsman, an engineer but he loves his wife and daughter, but when the ship reaches Africa James decides that staying here and searching for diamonds will change their lives, life doesn’t turn out the way he thought when his beloved Louisa loses her life to Malaria and he is left to bring his daughter up in a shanty town, but they have befriended a Zulu warrior who Clem names Joseph One- Shoe, Joseph and Clem share a special bond, they teach each other so much and life goes on.
Joseph and James finally find the big rock they have been searching for and it is time for a return to England but when James brother in law Reggie arrives to take Clementine back to the Grant family and her heritage and the life he feels she should have, things change when James loses his life and Reggie takes young Clem away from Joseph the man who has been a father to her and the diamonds disappear.
Clementine grows up in wealth looked after by her uncle, they have a good life and although Clem never forgets Joseph a lot of her memories of her life have been buried, that is until Will comes into her life and memories are starting to return and she wants to solve the mystery of the diamonds and find Joseph One-Shoe.
This is a compelling story one that had me turning the pages, beautifully written the settings and the scenery feel so real, the characters come to life and the story is moving and poignant, the love and bond that a young Clem and Joseph share is beautiful, I loved this one and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great read, this is a story to fall into with lots of emotions, thank you MS McIntosh and Penguin Books Australia.
James and Louisa Knight with their daughter Clementine are leaving the wealth and England that Louisa is used to make a new life in Australia, James is a poor Scotsman, an engineer but he loves his wife and daughter, but when the ship reaches Africa James decides that staying here and searching for diamonds will change their lives, life doesn’t turn out the way he thought when his beloved Louisa loses her life to Malaria and he is left to bring his daughter up in a shanty town, but they have befriended a Zulu warrior who Clem names Joseph One- Shoe, Joseph and Clem share a special bond, they teach each other so much and life goes on.
Joseph and James finally find the big rock they have been searching for and it is time for a return to England but when James brother in law Reggie arrives to take Clementine back to the Grant family and her heritage and the life he feels she should have, things change when James loses his life and Reggie takes young Clem away from Joseph the man who has been a father to her and the diamonds disappear.
Clementine grows up in wealth looked after by her uncle, they have a good life and although Clem never forgets Joseph a lot of her memories of her life have been buried, that is until Will comes into her life and memories are starting to return and she wants to solve the mystery of the diamonds and find Joseph One-Shoe.
This is a compelling story one that had me turning the pages, beautifully written the settings and the scenery feel so real, the characters come to life and the story is moving and poignant, the love and bond that a young Clem and Joseph share is beautiful, I loved this one and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great read, this is a story to fall into with lots of emotions, thank you MS McIntosh and Penguin Books Australia.
January 14, 2020
The Diamond Hunter is a rich and full story in the tradition of a grand Victorian family saga. I really enjoyed this latest release by Fiona McIntosh. There is so much happening within the pages of this story, yet, it’s all perfectly paced with a stellar plot that had me entranced from start to finish.
‘She felt instantly illuminated and free. It was as if a door was yawning open and she was being ushered through it – back to childhood, the butterfly her guide. She could smell Africa; she could taste it on the wind and hear the haunting sounds of the wilderness in her soul. It was spring in Kimberley and butterflies were emerging to paint the air with their bright orange wings. As a child she had always thought that a famed artist must have come up with the elegant design painted on their wings, the orange striking against the black and white tips.’
There were characters within this story that I loved, some that I hated, and some that had so many shades of grey to them that I couldn’t settle on anything other than empathy. You know you’re reading a special book when both the characters and the plot stand out as exceptional. I loved the history that this story builds from: the diamonds, Africa, female emancipation, the emancipation of slaves; all set against a backdrop of the British Empire in the Victorian era.
‘Don’t feel bad, feel driven – take action. There’s always room for more compassion in the world.’
Inspired in part by the author’s own childhood, I felt that this story had a realistic edge to it that nudged it over the line from being a good book to a great one. Issues were portrayed with both historical accuracy and sensitivity, a delicate balance that only very skilled writers seem able to accomplish. It’s no wonder Fiona McIntosh is one of Australia’s favourite authors with a long waiting list for her masterclasses. She sure knows how to craft a brilliantly captivating story. Highly recommended.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of The Diamond Hunter for review.
‘She felt instantly illuminated and free. It was as if a door was yawning open and she was being ushered through it – back to childhood, the butterfly her guide. She could smell Africa; she could taste it on the wind and hear the haunting sounds of the wilderness in her soul. It was spring in Kimberley and butterflies were emerging to paint the air with their bright orange wings. As a child she had always thought that a famed artist must have come up with the elegant design painted on their wings, the orange striking against the black and white tips.’
There were characters within this story that I loved, some that I hated, and some that had so many shades of grey to them that I couldn’t settle on anything other than empathy. You know you’re reading a special book when both the characters and the plot stand out as exceptional. I loved the history that this story builds from: the diamonds, Africa, female emancipation, the emancipation of slaves; all set against a backdrop of the British Empire in the Victorian era.
‘Don’t feel bad, feel driven – take action. There’s always room for more compassion in the world.’
Inspired in part by the author’s own childhood, I felt that this story had a realistic edge to it that nudged it over the line from being a good book to a great one. Issues were portrayed with both historical accuracy and sensitivity, a delicate balance that only very skilled writers seem able to accomplish. It’s no wonder Fiona McIntosh is one of Australia’s favourite authors with a long waiting list for her masterclasses. She sure knows how to craft a brilliantly captivating story. Highly recommended.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of The Diamond Hunter for review.
June 9, 2020
This is a historical fiction book that starts out in the diamond diggings of South Africa in the 1870's. Clementine Knight is a young child who loses her mother to illness then lives with her father James and a Zulu she refers to as Joseph One-Shoe. A series of unfortunate events soon sees her back in England being raised by her deceased mothers wealthy family.
The story then leaps ahead about 20 years when Clementine is an established woman about to come into her large family inheritance that has been held in trust until she reaches the age of 30. She then starts to slowly unravel her past and discover things she does not want to believe to be true.
While I really enjoyed the story there were two things that held it back slightly for me, the first being that a lot of the story was caught up in the minutiae such as wallpaper, clothes, rugs and descriptions that to me were somewhat superfluous. The other thing is the way the story ended, perhaps selfish on my part but I would have preferred less of the detail and more of the narrative.
I look forward to reading more by this author who is new to me.
The story then leaps ahead about 20 years when Clementine is an established woman about to come into her large family inheritance that has been held in trust until she reaches the age of 30. She then starts to slowly unravel her past and discover things she does not want to believe to be true.
While I really enjoyed the story there were two things that held it back slightly for me, the first being that a lot of the story was caught up in the minutiae such as wallpaper, clothes, rugs and descriptions that to me were somewhat superfluous. The other thing is the way the story ended, perhaps selfish on my part but I would have preferred less of the detail and more of the narrative.
I look forward to reading more by this author who is new to me.
November 27, 2019
From a ramshackle, dusty miners camp in Southern Africa, to the green countryside of northern England, and the bustling city of London, Fiona McIntosh takes us on a journey of heartbreak, trust, betrayal, and love in her latest historical fiction novel, The Diamond Hunter.
Clementine is just six when her well-born mother succumbs to malaria on the plains of Southern Africa where her father, James, has brought them, determined to make his fortune during the 1870's gold rush in Africa. With his wife’s death, James obsession to prove his worth grows and he stakes a claim in a nearby diamond mine, but haunted by grief and guilt, both the working of the claim, and the care of Clementine, is largely left to his partner, Joseph One-Shoe, a Zulu warrior.
Just as Joseph uncovers a large diamond that will ensure a secure future for them all, tragedy strikes, and Clementine has no choice but to return to England in the care of her Uncle to claim her birthright as the only legitimate heir of the wealthy Grant family.
Clementine is a wonderful character, as a child she is sweetly precocious, adoring both her father, despite his obvious flaws, and Joseph One-Shoe, whose love for her is achingly tender. Though still only a child when she returns to a life of privilege in England, as she grows Clementine remains grounded, and I found her to be an appealing heroine.
Joseph One-Shoe is also a delight, a Zulu warrior with a largely unpronounceable name, it’s is Clementine that christens him due to his preference of wearing just one shoe in order to remain connected to the land. In her Author’s Notes, McIntosh reveals she based his character on a young African man who was hired to care for her and her family while they lived in a gold mining camp in Africa during the 1960’s.
Reggie Grant, Clementine’s Uncle, is perhaps the most complex character in the novel, neither a hero nor a villain, he is both laudable, and deeply flawed. His actions are the catalyst for the questions that arise surrounding the death of Clementine’s father, driving her to determine the truth.
There is a touch of romance introduced to the plot when Clementine meets Will Axford, an underwriter for Lloyd’s of London. While somewhat conservative in his thinking, Will is a good match for her, in that he is plain spoken and honourable, though perhaps to a fault. The unresolved nature of their relationship is unusual for McIntosh, and I wonder if perhaps the author has plans to return to this story.
As always, McIntosh's deftly weaves historical fact into her fiction. The story is meticulously researched, and her descriptions evocative, particularly in terms of her depiction of the frenzy surrounding the diamond rush, and the settlement that grew around ‘The Hole’, which later became the capital city of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, Kimberley. The author also includes some general insight into the diamond trade during the period, and alludes to Lloyd’s of London’s first steps in expanding beyond marine policies.
Beautifully written with authentic characterisation and detail, The Diamond Hunter is a captivating read from, as I’m quoted on the back cover, an extraordinary storyteller.
Clementine is just six when her well-born mother succumbs to malaria on the plains of Southern Africa where her father, James, has brought them, determined to make his fortune during the 1870's gold rush in Africa. With his wife’s death, James obsession to prove his worth grows and he stakes a claim in a nearby diamond mine, but haunted by grief and guilt, both the working of the claim, and the care of Clementine, is largely left to his partner, Joseph One-Shoe, a Zulu warrior.
Just as Joseph uncovers a large diamond that will ensure a secure future for them all, tragedy strikes, and Clementine has no choice but to return to England in the care of her Uncle to claim her birthright as the only legitimate heir of the wealthy Grant family.
Clementine is a wonderful character, as a child she is sweetly precocious, adoring both her father, despite his obvious flaws, and Joseph One-Shoe, whose love for her is achingly tender. Though still only a child when she returns to a life of privilege in England, as she grows Clementine remains grounded, and I found her to be an appealing heroine.
Joseph One-Shoe is also a delight, a Zulu warrior with a largely unpronounceable name, it’s is Clementine that christens him due to his preference of wearing just one shoe in order to remain connected to the land. In her Author’s Notes, McIntosh reveals she based his character on a young African man who was hired to care for her and her family while they lived in a gold mining camp in Africa during the 1960’s.
Reggie Grant, Clementine’s Uncle, is perhaps the most complex character in the novel, neither a hero nor a villain, he is both laudable, and deeply flawed. His actions are the catalyst for the questions that arise surrounding the death of Clementine’s father, driving her to determine the truth.
There is a touch of romance introduced to the plot when Clementine meets Will Axford, an underwriter for Lloyd’s of London. While somewhat conservative in his thinking, Will is a good match for her, in that he is plain spoken and honourable, though perhaps to a fault. The unresolved nature of their relationship is unusual for McIntosh, and I wonder if perhaps the author has plans to return to this story.
As always, McIntosh's deftly weaves historical fact into her fiction. The story is meticulously researched, and her descriptions evocative, particularly in terms of her depiction of the frenzy surrounding the diamond rush, and the settlement that grew around ‘The Hole’, which later became the capital city of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, Kimberley. The author also includes some general insight into the diamond trade during the period, and alludes to Lloyd’s of London’s first steps in expanding beyond marine policies.
Beautifully written with authentic characterisation and detail, The Diamond Hunter is a captivating read from, as I’m quoted on the back cover, an extraordinary storyteller.
December 21, 2019
What an epic! What a story! Absolutely loved it. Covers some enormous themes while you just feel you are being told a story. Class structure, race relations, wealth, self determination..absolute gold. I just loved it
September 25, 2025
4 ⭐️s
A compelling story set against the chaotic beginning of the diamond rush in the Kimberley, South Africa. Six year old Clementine was so endearing and vibrant, and her Zulu companion, Joseph One-Shoe was a remarkably insightful man. The bond between Clem and Joseph and the way they interacted was my favourite and it really stood out to me.
Enjoyed every minute of this story. very moving.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Penguin Random House Australia Audio
Read by Kate Sobey
Duration: 10 hrs 1.25x Speed
A compelling story set against the chaotic beginning of the diamond rush in the Kimberley, South Africa. Six year old Clementine was so endearing and vibrant, and her Zulu companion, Joseph One-Shoe was a remarkably insightful man. The bond between Clem and Joseph and the way they interacted was my favourite and it really stood out to me.
Enjoyed every minute of this story. very moving.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Penguin Random House Australia Audio
Read by Kate Sobey
Duration: 10 hrs 1.25x Speed
February 5, 2024
A disappointing read!
Whilst writing my review last night, I spoke to a friend who had also recently read it, stating that “…it just did not gel for me at all”. I wholeheartedly agreed and so an in-depth discussion ensued. Neither of us swayed the other as we both had exactly the same feelings. We often do.
It was not McIntosh’s best book and we’ve read quite a few. There are other books we preferred. It had the essence of a great plot at the beginning but dwindled away. We absolutely disliked the main character and even a few of the others, including the English males.
The title was good, the settings also, more so Africa. Yet it lingered on in England, in between, we felt. The Diamond Hunter was too predictable and lacked suspense.
Essentially the three parts in this story offered yet another glimpse into an intriguing time and setting (well used in plots over the decades), the Victoriana Era, along with its modernist expansion, especially in Africa. That was a good idea and premise to start with.
The main character is met when we are introduced to a 7 year old girl, Clementine Grant, our protagonist, in Part One. Events occur and she’s whisked away, end of Part One. She is an adult in Part Two’s English society and returns to Africa in Part Three spanning over a few short months.
The author reflects upon various cultural customs and social norms of the day, the looming of the modern era, especially for women, business and family ties etc. That was of interest.
The first part is the most fascinating we felt; the setting, centred around the early diamond discoveries in Cape Colony and the Big Hole in Kimberley, Southern Africa, of 1871-2, as well as the black and white people working alongside each other on a dig, living in a tin shanty existence.
In stark contrast, McIntosh then fast-tracks us into the second part, over twenty years later, to the upper echelons of London society and estate life in Northumberland, northern England. Again interesting but for a while only!
This part somewhat laboured on, by giving far more credence to fashion, decor, social norms and a painfully growing, perhaps stilted, romance, that overrides the events of Part One’s African setting. Then the plot's suspense raised slightly at the end, regarding missing diamonds, lies and deceit.
We were not happy about being whisked out of Africa, like the protagonist's life no doubt, and then skipping a few decades and being plonked in her over-privileged English adulthood in Part Two with all its in-depth and fanciful descriptions.
Then reverting back to Africa again in Part Three, we did find the expansion of modernism, the dormitory lifestyle of the black workers and diamond business quite informative. As well, some of the vivid scenic descriptions were rather lyrical.
The research was evident by the author; you could hear her voice as if she had to include every single detail. Part Three came to an end fast. It summarised the plot by disclosing truths, effectively reuniting a long-lost childhood friend who finally resolved a family issue. There are final farewells and the past is laid to rest, after a rather lengthy and tiring plot. Yet it still left a feeling of dissatisfaction. It gnawed at us.
It took us both a few weeks to read....yes it's an easy one, too easy in fact, but though McIntosh divides her well-researched historical tale into three parts, the plot seemed to literally plod at times. It lost our attention amidst rather lengthy, overly descriptive pages; there’s only so much one can read about furnishings, fashion & foibles. Reduction of text was essential here we felt. There is so much Victoriana out there already in various texts, TV series etc, that it tended to bore.
Thus, this tool entirely detracted from the far more important events of the plot and essentially from the crucial beginnings from which it pivoted…the humble, but entirely significant, African backdrop of Part One which seemed to dwindle away to the side-wings unfortunately.
Ostensibly this derailment consumed most of the lengthy Part Two, where I became somewhat irritated, prolonging my desire to continue. I found myself reading in short bursts, awaiting some glimmer of excitement. Of course, a romance gave Part Two an edge, but it too seemed rather a very one-sided affair.
Our protagonist, now a wealthy philanthropist, soon gave me the pip! My friend adds that “God, she was such a bloody annoying character”! There was something underlying that charitable and over-confident facade, perhaps billowing from an extravagant lifestyle and having been over-indulged as an only child, even by her parents and Joseph One-Shoe in Africa but more so, materialistically, from her Uncle Reggie in England. We did not like her characterisation and persona one bit.
It bordered upon an "I'll get my own way, no matter what" attitude, along with a well-tuned ability to put people in their place, turn her back, with a ‘do-as-she-pleases-and-says’ approach. Was this true to the era of new-found independence?
Probably but Miss Grant still irked us. She had them eating out of her palm such was her over-confidence and success. Or was it her powerful manipulativeness, of which she was acutely aware of? And she spoke about not being manipulated by men!
Wealthy Victoriana women, on the precipice of modernism, and with status, had impact in social circles even if it ruffled feathers. Clementine’s acceptance of the Africans more-so. Her desire to educate and find employment for the orphans was an admirable passion and nothing stood in her way; her wealthy status came in handy!
Grant sniffed independence on the eve of her 30th birthday but I believe it also confused her in knowing how to behave. An identity crisis and major family issue arose to throw her off kilter, almost.
I felt her character took her attitude to extremes, shocking many, particularly men of great importance. No more-so than when she banishes Uncle Reggie out of their home and her life forever. Not to mention her love interest, Will Axford, whom Clementine flits to the side and punishes as well!
Painfully, both men are weak characters, despite their love for her, and hers to them (though you would not know it); they bow to her demands instantly! She has a possessiveness over them. Did nobody stand up to her?
Indeed Clementine does not walk in parallel to the feminine mould of a late-19th century, fashionable Victorian London woman, for she is quite well-educated with an intellectual mind for business acumen. A plus. Thanks to her uncle who loves her dearly, a lost-soul himself who threw his life to her every whim. And look what he gets in return?
This protagonist lacks empathy for those she loves and appears to have incredible self-control in this area. Emotionally frigid maybe? A Victorian? She was not personally appealing at all, seemingly lacking in an intimate connection with her own womanhood. After all, what female mentors has she had? Personally and professionally? And which has also moulded who she became.
Yes she has some eager, heart-beating thoughts and feelings towards Will, but she puts it to the side in lieu of strategies to gain facts, ignoring feelings of affection and love, in the process, almost jeopardising a future with him. In fact, at the end we are left wondering whether Will was even going to be in the picture at all, or whether Clementine was aiming, headfirst, into becoming a solo business woman of the upcoming 20th century?
That ending was open-ended to a degree though it did reveal a change in her persona, for the better we hope, sitting with Joseph, under the African Baoab tree next to her family grave. Poignant enough as Part Three ran headlong into a trip to Africa, for Grant to find answers about her father’s death and then, as a bonus, discover that her Zulu friend, Joseph One-Shoe, was not dead after-all. You could predict that.
It seemed rather hurried after the sluggish Part Two, which at least, somewhat rose to the occasion with its suspense in the Jeweller’s. With Will, and a detective in hiding, Clementine discovers the truth about the missing diamond and her Uncle Reggie as well. At last, some action but not much really. It wasn’t that exciting.
Indeed, in Part Three, when we witness the protagonist rapidly reacquainting, over a mere few pages, with Joseph, a highly intriguing, influential and interesting character, we wondered if he would have given a greater impact to the overall plot if included earlier? Or even adding another Part and reducing the second considerably, than the feast of fashion we endured!
Joseph was a key….. at the end, his character reminds the reader of the diamond, the Sirius, the Dog, the mystery of the stars, wise words, the Zulu spirit etc…and perhaps this is what Clementine needed to shake her back to reality. However, his short appearance came too late, lacking any further depth to the plot for the reader to reconnect…before McIntosh shuts shop on the tale.
I was surprised to turn the page and find there was nothing else…a lingering feeling. A hasty end to a plot that fell completely flat and seemed unfinished. My friend and I both felt annoyed, disappointed and irritated, despite some resolution.
It took a few days before I started a review. Then I spoke to my friend partway through….we’ve not read any other reviews btw. I usually don't until after I've completed mine. I can often oscillate on my grading of a book, such as I did with this one. It’s only over time and then during the review process that the clarity of grading spills forth.
The Diamond Hunter, at its best, was sometimes a 3* and very occasionally, a 4*, but more often it sat at a 2.5*, sometimes even a 1*, if that! Therefore I’m hovering around a 2-2.5*…just! It does not fit the 3* level in our view.
The Pearl Thief fits above this with more suspense and plot interest we both agreed. It won’t put us off from reading Ms McIntosh’s books again but we do hope that constructive critiques help.
It may not bother others but like an artwork, not everyone has the same feeling toward one piece by the artist; the same for authors. Sorry Fiona but this one was that artwork which lacked appeal. 2*
Whilst writing my review last night, I spoke to a friend who had also recently read it, stating that “…it just did not gel for me at all”. I wholeheartedly agreed and so an in-depth discussion ensued. Neither of us swayed the other as we both had exactly the same feelings. We often do.
It was not McIntosh’s best book and we’ve read quite a few. There are other books we preferred. It had the essence of a great plot at the beginning but dwindled away. We absolutely disliked the main character and even a few of the others, including the English males.
The title was good, the settings also, more so Africa. Yet it lingered on in England, in between, we felt. The Diamond Hunter was too predictable and lacked suspense.
Essentially the three parts in this story offered yet another glimpse into an intriguing time and setting (well used in plots over the decades), the Victoriana Era, along with its modernist expansion, especially in Africa. That was a good idea and premise to start with.
The main character is met when we are introduced to a 7 year old girl, Clementine Grant, our protagonist, in Part One. Events occur and she’s whisked away, end of Part One. She is an adult in Part Two’s English society and returns to Africa in Part Three spanning over a few short months.
The author reflects upon various cultural customs and social norms of the day, the looming of the modern era, especially for women, business and family ties etc. That was of interest.
The first part is the most fascinating we felt; the setting, centred around the early diamond discoveries in Cape Colony and the Big Hole in Kimberley, Southern Africa, of 1871-2, as well as the black and white people working alongside each other on a dig, living in a tin shanty existence.
In stark contrast, McIntosh then fast-tracks us into the second part, over twenty years later, to the upper echelons of London society and estate life in Northumberland, northern England. Again interesting but for a while only!
This part somewhat laboured on, by giving far more credence to fashion, decor, social norms and a painfully growing, perhaps stilted, romance, that overrides the events of Part One’s African setting. Then the plot's suspense raised slightly at the end, regarding missing diamonds, lies and deceit.
We were not happy about being whisked out of Africa, like the protagonist's life no doubt, and then skipping a few decades and being plonked in her over-privileged English adulthood in Part Two with all its in-depth and fanciful descriptions.
Then reverting back to Africa again in Part Three, we did find the expansion of modernism, the dormitory lifestyle of the black workers and diamond business quite informative. As well, some of the vivid scenic descriptions were rather lyrical.
The research was evident by the author; you could hear her voice as if she had to include every single detail. Part Three came to an end fast. It summarised the plot by disclosing truths, effectively reuniting a long-lost childhood friend who finally resolved a family issue. There are final farewells and the past is laid to rest, after a rather lengthy and tiring plot. Yet it still left a feeling of dissatisfaction. It gnawed at us.
It took us both a few weeks to read....yes it's an easy one, too easy in fact, but though McIntosh divides her well-researched historical tale into three parts, the plot seemed to literally plod at times. It lost our attention amidst rather lengthy, overly descriptive pages; there’s only so much one can read about furnishings, fashion & foibles. Reduction of text was essential here we felt. There is so much Victoriana out there already in various texts, TV series etc, that it tended to bore.
Thus, this tool entirely detracted from the far more important events of the plot and essentially from the crucial beginnings from which it pivoted…the humble, but entirely significant, African backdrop of Part One which seemed to dwindle away to the side-wings unfortunately.
Ostensibly this derailment consumed most of the lengthy Part Two, where I became somewhat irritated, prolonging my desire to continue. I found myself reading in short bursts, awaiting some glimmer of excitement. Of course, a romance gave Part Two an edge, but it too seemed rather a very one-sided affair.
Our protagonist, now a wealthy philanthropist, soon gave me the pip! My friend adds that “God, she was such a bloody annoying character”! There was something underlying that charitable and over-confident facade, perhaps billowing from an extravagant lifestyle and having been over-indulged as an only child, even by her parents and Joseph One-Shoe in Africa but more so, materialistically, from her Uncle Reggie in England. We did not like her characterisation and persona one bit.
It bordered upon an "I'll get my own way, no matter what" attitude, along with a well-tuned ability to put people in their place, turn her back, with a ‘do-as-she-pleases-and-says’ approach. Was this true to the era of new-found independence?
Probably but Miss Grant still irked us. She had them eating out of her palm such was her over-confidence and success. Or was it her powerful manipulativeness, of which she was acutely aware of? And she spoke about not being manipulated by men!
Wealthy Victoriana women, on the precipice of modernism, and with status, had impact in social circles even if it ruffled feathers. Clementine’s acceptance of the Africans more-so. Her desire to educate and find employment for the orphans was an admirable passion and nothing stood in her way; her wealthy status came in handy!
Grant sniffed independence on the eve of her 30th birthday but I believe it also confused her in knowing how to behave. An identity crisis and major family issue arose to throw her off kilter, almost.
I felt her character took her attitude to extremes, shocking many, particularly men of great importance. No more-so than when she banishes Uncle Reggie out of their home and her life forever. Not to mention her love interest, Will Axford, whom Clementine flits to the side and punishes as well!
Painfully, both men are weak characters, despite their love for her, and hers to them (though you would not know it); they bow to her demands instantly! She has a possessiveness over them. Did nobody stand up to her?
Indeed Clementine does not walk in parallel to the feminine mould of a late-19th century, fashionable Victorian London woman, for she is quite well-educated with an intellectual mind for business acumen. A plus. Thanks to her uncle who loves her dearly, a lost-soul himself who threw his life to her every whim. And look what he gets in return?
This protagonist lacks empathy for those she loves and appears to have incredible self-control in this area. Emotionally frigid maybe? A Victorian? She was not personally appealing at all, seemingly lacking in an intimate connection with her own womanhood. After all, what female mentors has she had? Personally and professionally? And which has also moulded who she became.
Yes she has some eager, heart-beating thoughts and feelings towards Will, but she puts it to the side in lieu of strategies to gain facts, ignoring feelings of affection and love, in the process, almost jeopardising a future with him. In fact, at the end we are left wondering whether Will was even going to be in the picture at all, or whether Clementine was aiming, headfirst, into becoming a solo business woman of the upcoming 20th century?
That ending was open-ended to a degree though it did reveal a change in her persona, for the better we hope, sitting with Joseph, under the African Baoab tree next to her family grave. Poignant enough as Part Three ran headlong into a trip to Africa, for Grant to find answers about her father’s death and then, as a bonus, discover that her Zulu friend, Joseph One-Shoe, was not dead after-all. You could predict that.
It seemed rather hurried after the sluggish Part Two, which at least, somewhat rose to the occasion with its suspense in the Jeweller’s. With Will, and a detective in hiding, Clementine discovers the truth about the missing diamond and her Uncle Reggie as well. At last, some action but not much really. It wasn’t that exciting.
Indeed, in Part Three, when we witness the protagonist rapidly reacquainting, over a mere few pages, with Joseph, a highly intriguing, influential and interesting character, we wondered if he would have given a greater impact to the overall plot if included earlier? Or even adding another Part and reducing the second considerably, than the feast of fashion we endured!
Joseph was a key….. at the end, his character reminds the reader of the diamond, the Sirius, the Dog, the mystery of the stars, wise words, the Zulu spirit etc…and perhaps this is what Clementine needed to shake her back to reality. However, his short appearance came too late, lacking any further depth to the plot for the reader to reconnect…before McIntosh shuts shop on the tale.
I was surprised to turn the page and find there was nothing else…a lingering feeling. A hasty end to a plot that fell completely flat and seemed unfinished. My friend and I both felt annoyed, disappointed and irritated, despite some resolution.
It took a few days before I started a review. Then I spoke to my friend partway through….we’ve not read any other reviews btw. I usually don't until after I've completed mine. I can often oscillate on my grading of a book, such as I did with this one. It’s only over time and then during the review process that the clarity of grading spills forth.
The Diamond Hunter, at its best, was sometimes a 3* and very occasionally, a 4*, but more often it sat at a 2.5*, sometimes even a 1*, if that! Therefore I’m hovering around a 2-2.5*…just! It does not fit the 3* level in our view.
The Pearl Thief fits above this with more suspense and plot interest we both agreed. It won’t put us off from reading Ms McIntosh’s books again but we do hope that constructive critiques help.
It may not bother others but like an artwork, not everyone has the same feeling toward one piece by the artist; the same for authors. Sorry Fiona but this one was that artwork which lacked appeal. 2*
June 13, 2022
Fiona McIntosh “Deimantų ieškotojai“ 💎
Jausminga ir vaizdinga, nuotykių kupina istorija.
Klementina savo vaikystę praleidžia Afrikoje, kur jos tėtis, drauge su afrikiečiu Džozefu Vienabačiu, bando išpildyti savo svajonę – atrasti vertingą deimantą, užtikrinsiantį sklandų visų gyvenimą. Nusišypsojus neįtikėtinai sėkmei Klementinos tėvas galvoja, kad daugiau jie nematys vargo. Deja, jis smarkiai klysta. Iš Anglijos iki pat Afrikos atvykę giminaičiai yra pasiryžę ją parsivežti namo. Vardan to jie gali padaryti bet ką. Taip prasideda daug skausmo, meilės ir nuotykių kupinas naujas Klementinos gyvenimo etapas. Tačiau net ir praėjus dvidešimčiai metų merginą kamuoja neatsakyti klausimai likę Afrikos glūdumoje.
Tai ganėtinai rami ir jausminga istorija, kurios metu skaitytojas gali pakeliauti po tolimus Afrikos kraštus, bet tuo pačiu ir pabūvoti Anglijos turtuolių bendruomenėje. Istorija nėra linksma, joje sudėta tikrai nemažai sielvarto, netekties, neteisybės. Tačiau šios patirtys neatvaizduojamos per daug detaliai, pagrindinė veikėja tarsi išlieka šviesi ir rami visais gyvenimo etapais. Man šioje knygoje labiausiai patiko pirmoji jos pusė, kuomet didžioji dalis veiksmo vyko Afrikoje, taip pat žavėjo veikėjų tarpusavio ryšys. Tačiau antrojoje knygos dalyje veiksmas užsisuko su įvairiomis aferomis, sąmokslais ir biurokratiniais Anglijoje vykstančiais sandoriais, kas man buvo ne taip įdomu. Taip pat ir kai kurie veikėjai nesugebėjo iki galo įtikinti, atrodė, per daug neapsisprendę ir neišsigryninę savo tikslų ar vertybių. Tačiau bendrai skaityti buvo tikrai smagu, puikus, neįpareigojantis pasirinkimas atsipalaidavimui.
Rekomenduoju ieškantiems ramios, bet tuo pačiu ir jausmingos istorijos. Man ši knyga savo tėkme šiek tiek priminė „Ten, kur gieda vėžiai“ bei „Po magnolijomis“, tad jei patiko jos, siūlau čiupti ir šią. 😊
4 ⭐️ | 2022 – 25 📚
Jausminga ir vaizdinga, nuotykių kupina istorija.
Klementina savo vaikystę praleidžia Afrikoje, kur jos tėtis, drauge su afrikiečiu Džozefu Vienabačiu, bando išpildyti savo svajonę – atrasti vertingą deimantą, užtikrinsiantį sklandų visų gyvenimą. Nusišypsojus neįtikėtinai sėkmei Klementinos tėvas galvoja, kad daugiau jie nematys vargo. Deja, jis smarkiai klysta. Iš Anglijos iki pat Afrikos atvykę giminaičiai yra pasiryžę ją parsivežti namo. Vardan to jie gali padaryti bet ką. Taip prasideda daug skausmo, meilės ir nuotykių kupinas naujas Klementinos gyvenimo etapas. Tačiau net ir praėjus dvidešimčiai metų merginą kamuoja neatsakyti klausimai likę Afrikos glūdumoje.
Tai ganėtinai rami ir jausminga istorija, kurios metu skaitytojas gali pakeliauti po tolimus Afrikos kraštus, bet tuo pačiu ir pabūvoti Anglijos turtuolių bendruomenėje. Istorija nėra linksma, joje sudėta tikrai nemažai sielvarto, netekties, neteisybės. Tačiau šios patirtys neatvaizduojamos per daug detaliai, pagrindinė veikėja tarsi išlieka šviesi ir rami visais gyvenimo etapais. Man šioje knygoje labiausiai patiko pirmoji jos pusė, kuomet didžioji dalis veiksmo vyko Afrikoje, taip pat žavėjo veikėjų tarpusavio ryšys. Tačiau antrojoje knygos dalyje veiksmas užsisuko su įvairiomis aferomis, sąmokslais ir biurokratiniais Anglijoje vykstančiais sandoriais, kas man buvo ne taip įdomu. Taip pat ir kai kurie veikėjai nesugebėjo iki galo įtikinti, atrodė, per daug neapsisprendę ir neišsigryninę savo tikslų ar vertybių. Tačiau bendrai skaityti buvo tikrai smagu, puikus, neįpareigojantis pasirinkimas atsipalaidavimui.
Rekomenduoju ieškantiems ramios, bet tuo pačiu ir jausmingos istorijos. Man ši knyga savo tėkme šiek tiek priminė „Ten, kur gieda vėžiai“ bei „Po magnolijomis“, tad jei patiko jos, siūlau čiupti ir šią. 😊
4 ⭐️ | 2022 – 25 📚
October 11, 2020
A leader in the historical fiction genre, Fiona McIntosh has always been a must read.
The Diamond Hunter is no different, a sweeping saga that transports the reader to the 1800’s to a stately manor in London and the diamond fields in Africa.
A dazzling, exciting story of love, trust, betrayal, adventure and conclusively the truth.
Clementine Knight is six years old and lives with her broke grieving, alcoholic father, James.
Losing her mother to malaria she is left in the care of her father’s trusted Zulu companion, Joseph One-Shoe while they dig for diamonds in South Africa.
One day after uncovering a large diamond they think they have struck it rich but it comes at a cost.
Fast forward a couple of decades and Clementine is about to turn thirty and receive her inheritance and make her a very rich woman.
Her uncle Reggie, who wants her to be happy, thinks he may have found her a perfect love match in Will Axford.
But Clem has questions and begins to suspect all it not right especially with her uncle and one specific memory keeps popping up “What happened to the diamond?”.
Fiona is an exceptional storyteller and a master at her profession.
A grand romantic drama but at the heart of this plot is a beautiful friendship between a young girl and a Zulu man.
The reader is transported to a era that is beautifully described you can almost hear and feel the surroundings and the goings on in the scenes.
Well researched and very informative of a past and history that I didn’t know much about.
Strong well thought out characters, some kind and gentle and some scheming and evil all makes for a engaging and compelling read.
Landscapes, settings and places all have a presence of their own bringing the reader a complete visual of a time we haven’t been to.
A skilled writer, Fiona will continue to reign and be loved as one of Australia’s favourite authors.
The Diamond Hunter is no different, a sweeping saga that transports the reader to the 1800’s to a stately manor in London and the diamond fields in Africa.
A dazzling, exciting story of love, trust, betrayal, adventure and conclusively the truth.
Clementine Knight is six years old and lives with her broke grieving, alcoholic father, James.
Losing her mother to malaria she is left in the care of her father’s trusted Zulu companion, Joseph One-Shoe while they dig for diamonds in South Africa.
One day after uncovering a large diamond they think they have struck it rich but it comes at a cost.
Fast forward a couple of decades and Clementine is about to turn thirty and receive her inheritance and make her a very rich woman.
Her uncle Reggie, who wants her to be happy, thinks he may have found her a perfect love match in Will Axford.
But Clem has questions and begins to suspect all it not right especially with her uncle and one specific memory keeps popping up “What happened to the diamond?”.
Fiona is an exceptional storyteller and a master at her profession.
A grand romantic drama but at the heart of this plot is a beautiful friendship between a young girl and a Zulu man.
The reader is transported to a era that is beautifully described you can almost hear and feel the surroundings and the goings on in the scenes.
Well researched and very informative of a past and history that I didn’t know much about.
Strong well thought out characters, some kind and gentle and some scheming and evil all makes for a engaging and compelling read.
Landscapes, settings and places all have a presence of their own bringing the reader a complete visual of a time we haven’t been to.
A skilled writer, Fiona will continue to reign and be loved as one of Australia’s favourite authors.
November 24, 2019
The Diamond Hunter by Fiona McIntosh is not only Book of the Month but Book of the Year!
Set mostly in Africa and some parts of England we find Clementine who loses her mother to malaria during the 1870's diamond rush in Africa.
Clementine develops a close bond and friendship with a Zulu warrior, named Joseph One-Shoe.
A huge diamond is discovered and uncovered in a hidden place which leads to many different stories.
See if you can seek and find the diamond trail and the mystery surrounding the diamonds.
'Find Your Strength.
It's always there.
It will never fail you
if you know where to look'.
So, on a dark night look into the night sky where stars "sparkle" like diamonds!
There are many stories there to be told which unfold in Fiona McIntosh's latest novel, The Diamond Hunter which is full of imagination and adventure.
Set mostly in Africa and some parts of England we find Clementine who loses her mother to malaria during the 1870's diamond rush in Africa.
Clementine develops a close bond and friendship with a Zulu warrior, named Joseph One-Shoe.
A huge diamond is discovered and uncovered in a hidden place which leads to many different stories.
See if you can seek and find the diamond trail and the mystery surrounding the diamonds.
'Find Your Strength.
It's always there.
It will never fail you
if you know where to look'.
So, on a dark night look into the night sky where stars "sparkle" like diamonds!
There are many stories there to be told which unfold in Fiona McIntosh's latest novel, The Diamond Hunter which is full of imagination and adventure.
December 1, 2019
Another great book by Fiona McIntosh. Clementine was a wonderful character and her early life in South Africa was fascinating.
June 28, 2020
I loathed this book that I only read as it was chosen by someone in my book club. I was going to give it 1 star but felt that as historical, cliched, romances go, this is probably as good as any so added a star against my personal preference.
A few pages in a male character described a female characters hair as ‘fairy’s tresses’ as ‘it was so long and soft that a fairy could snuggle up and go to sleep in one it’s darkly golden curls’. That is when I knew the book was a load of shit and not for me.
A few pages in a male character described a female characters hair as ‘fairy’s tresses’ as ‘it was so long and soft that a fairy could snuggle up and go to sleep in one it’s darkly golden curls’. That is when I knew the book was a load of shit and not for me.
November 25, 2019
Probably one of the best books I've read in recent memory!
October 18, 2021
A delightful saga!
Clementine was only young when she left England with her parents in order for her father to make his fortune. On the death of her mother, she is left very much in the care of her father’s partner, Joseph, while her father struggles to cope with mining for diamonds each day. When they finally strike lucky, arrangements are made to return to Clem’s family home in Northern England where she will be able to live the life her mother would have wished for her. Years later, events arise which cause Clementine to try and recall the events of those troubled times and discover the truth of matters which are puzzling her.
This is a beautifully written tale which unfolds in a clever manner to keep the reader enthralled from start to finish in this charming novel. Clementine is a marvellous character who retains her fondness for those who were kind to her in childhood until many years into the future. She is a trusting soul but sooner or later doubts begin to creep into her mind about certain people and events; she isn’t the kind of person to let things go until she has tracked down the truth. This is very much Clementine’s story and it is a charming one but by no means a light one – there is real depth to this book and I enjoyed it very much. Definitely an author to look out for, and I’m both happy to recommend this one and give 4.5*.
Clementine was only young when she left England with her parents in order for her father to make his fortune. On the death of her mother, she is left very much in the care of her father’s partner, Joseph, while her father struggles to cope with mining for diamonds each day. When they finally strike lucky, arrangements are made to return to Clem’s family home in Northern England where she will be able to live the life her mother would have wished for her. Years later, events arise which cause Clementine to try and recall the events of those troubled times and discover the truth of matters which are puzzling her.
This is a beautifully written tale which unfolds in a clever manner to keep the reader enthralled from start to finish in this charming novel. Clementine is a marvellous character who retains her fondness for those who were kind to her in childhood until many years into the future. She is a trusting soul but sooner or later doubts begin to creep into her mind about certain people and events; she isn’t the kind of person to let things go until she has tracked down the truth. This is very much Clementine’s story and it is a charming one but by no means a light one – there is real depth to this book and I enjoyed it very much. Definitely an author to look out for, and I’m both happy to recommend this one and give 4.5*.
December 10, 2019
Another fabulous historical read from this author.
Read
August 6, 2024Another excellent story from Fiona based on her early life in the good fields of South Africa.
December 24, 2019
Loved this 🥰 a very good read!
November 16, 2022
Draugystės ir ištikimybės istorija nuo slėpiningos deimantų kasyklos Afrikos dykumoje iki žaliuojančių Anglijos lygumų. Patiko, kad knygoje yra nemažai autorės gyvenimo akimirkų, taip pat ir istorinių faktų, kurie meniškai labai gražiai susipina.
April 14, 2020
This book was bought for me as a gift, and whilst not being the usual type of book I'd chose for myself, I did enjoy reading this. The book is set during the late 1800's and mainly looks at the issues around gender and race, between men and women and how black people were considered by white people at this time. The book is set in three parts. The first part, we are introduced to Clementine, our main character of the book, as a young child living in South Africa during the late 1800's, where many at this time went to find their fortune digging for diamonds. Her father has taken her and her mother their to make their fortune. During this time, we learn of the bond Clementine has with a native African Zulu, known locally as 'Joseph one-shoe'. Having lost her mother to malaria, and her father spending his time either digging at 'The Big Hole' or at the local bars drinking, Clementine forms a close bond with Joseph one-shoe; she teaches Joseph the spoken and written language of English, he teaches her ways of the Zulu and they share a love of the stars and astronomy, so that when she is forced to return to live in England with her Uncle Reggie, the two swear that they will always hold each other dear in their hearts. The second part of the book then moves forward twenty years to England where Clementine has grown up, under the guardianship of her Uncle Reggie. It is here we learn more of her grandfather and how he was considered a man before his time with his ideas and business ventures. It seems Clementine also has this trait, having had her eyes opened at a very young age to a very different culture in South Africa, not just becoming friends with Africans at a time when blacks were considered unequal to white people, but also at a time when society was dominated by men and women married for financial security. Clementine, still not having found and not wishing to find a suitor at the age of almost 30, has strong beliefs about helping those less fortunate than herself, namely young African orphans and wanting to give them opportunities in life. This is much to the disbelief and against social acceptance of this time, but it is a quality which makes Clementine most attractive to a potential suitor Will. Her Uncle Reggie has a financial interest with working with Will. However, Will does not share this same sentiment and does not fully trust Reggie. Will's distrust for Reggie leads him to reveal many unknown truths to Clementine about her Uncle, which leaves Clementine feeling that again she has been let down by many people in her life, not being able to fully trust them, and finds herself alone. However, in the third part of the book we see her return to a place of her childhood upbringing, Kimberley in SA, which has now been further developed than when she was there as a child. Whilst she reminisces of her childhood with certain memories flooding back to her, she is reunited with her childhood friend Joseph one-shoe. It is with meeting him that he enables her to see that whilst she feels she has been deceived by some people in her life, it is to no long term benefit to her to isolate herself from them for the remainder of her life and he encourages her to find forgiveness for them so that she may live in harmony with herself. At the end of the book we see Clementine discover a realisation about life and herself and perhaps find an inner calm, as we hear Joseph's words of wisdom with her, which leaves us too with a feeling of calm and peace at the end of this tale. However, I found the character of Clementine at times quite irritating in her portrayal, which is where the story for me was let down somewhat. Whilst the character of Clementine is making a social statement about the views of women in society at this time, I did not always find her character likeable; the strength she portrays during some parts of the book, I felt at points almost verged on her being arrogant, often belittling others. Whilst she often shares her belief that money is of little importance to her, and how she wishes to give to those less fortunate than herself, it must be remembered that she is only able to do this during this time in society due to the wealth and status that she has, and so makes her character come across as somewhat egotistic. However, this is well written book and if you are someone who enjoys historical fiction then this may be a book you might very much enjoy. Sadly, for me I found it an enjoyable but just an average read with a main character I did not find I empathised with at all times.
August 22, 2022
Book 28: The Diamond Hunter
I finished this epic book a few weeks ago and loved it. It has a clear beginning, middle and end which was very satisfying for me as a reader - and most of all it had well-painted characters. None were perfect, all were likeable and, in some cases, deeply loveable.
I most enjoyed the relationship between Joseph One Shoe - a gentle giant Zulu, Zenzele - and Clementine, a tiny English girl with a huge heart. Soulmates from worlds afar. Spirit animals destined to meet. Unconditional love, unquestioned. All founded on mutual acceptance and respect. Just wow.
I also enjoyed the complex relationship between Uncle Reggie and his ‘stepmother’. So well laid out, so sad and so powerful. The dialogue was cutting and superb. Their relationship was masterfully described and I was quite engrossed by them and their motivations.
This book is about the world of hunting for and selling of diamonds in South Africa’s Cape, pure love, regrets, new relationships and a coming of age that brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful story Fiona!
I finished this epic book a few weeks ago and loved it. It has a clear beginning, middle and end which was very satisfying for me as a reader - and most of all it had well-painted characters. None were perfect, all were likeable and, in some cases, deeply loveable.
I most enjoyed the relationship between Joseph One Shoe - a gentle giant Zulu, Zenzele - and Clementine, a tiny English girl with a huge heart. Soulmates from worlds afar. Spirit animals destined to meet. Unconditional love, unquestioned. All founded on mutual acceptance and respect. Just wow.
I also enjoyed the complex relationship between Uncle Reggie and his ‘stepmother’. So well laid out, so sad and so powerful. The dialogue was cutting and superb. Their relationship was masterfully described and I was quite engrossed by them and their motivations.
This book is about the world of hunting for and selling of diamonds in South Africa’s Cape, pure love, regrets, new relationships and a coming of age that brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful story Fiona!
July 8, 2020
This was a great read! I enjoyed the story, especially the first part which was set in South Africa. The relationship between six-year-old Clementine and the Zulu warrior, Joseph One-Shoe was incredibly touching and gave the novel heart. Their friendship was pivotal to the story and was strong enough to withstand time, distance and social class. I adored Joseph and admired his quiet strength, patience and wisdom despite the racism and prejudice he continually had to face.
Set during the late 1800s, the author created a rich, historical story taking the reader on a journey from the harsh diamond mines of South Africa to the privileged world of Victorian England. Clementine lived in successfully both worlds and was a strong, independent young woman who refused to bend to society's norms.
Lies, betrayals, secrets and treachery were rampant in The Diamond Hunter and provided a fabulous backdrop for this entertaining and fast-paced novel.
Set during the late 1800s, the author created a rich, historical story taking the reader on a journey from the harsh diamond mines of South Africa to the privileged world of Victorian England. Clementine lived in successfully both worlds and was a strong, independent young woman who refused to bend to society's norms.
Lies, betrayals, secrets and treachery were rampant in The Diamond Hunter and provided a fabulous backdrop for this entertaining and fast-paced novel.
November 24, 2019
What a well researched and wonderful story by Fiona McIntosh. I am a new reader to this Author but I love everything I have read so far. The Diamond Hunter is a three part story. Part one is where we are introduced to the main character in the book Clementine. Part two is the adult life of Clementine and the third part is present. We meet some shady characters and some very knowledgeable, caring characters who influence Clementines life. There were a few jaw dropping moments and very emotional moments. I wanted a little more from a certain character in the last chapter or maybe a epilogue. Due to this we may be lucky enough to receive a sequel. I loved the very informative history on diamonds. A great read for all ages. Highly recommended!
December 4, 2019
In her latest novel, 'The Diamond Hunter,' Fiona McIntosh transports us to the 1870's and the brutality of the African desert's diamond mines. Viewed through the eyes of six year old Clementine Knight however, we also see the beauty and the wonder of this unforgiving land, perceptions nurtured by Zulu Joseph One-Shoe, her friend and saviour within the psychological and physical absence of her parents.
As an adult enjoying a privileged life under the tutorship of her maternal uncle in Northern England, Clementine aches to know the truth about the night she was whisked away from Africa and the supposed disappearance of the diamond her father had hoped would provide her mother with the life to which she was entitled; and of course Clementine yearns to reconnect with her beloved Joseph One-
Shoe. After sixteen years she returns to discover change which fails to rob her of her precious memories; but more important to her, she discovers the truth.
Fiona McIntosh has again validated the mantle she wields as a master story-teller. Exemplary research bestows this work of fiction with profound credibility and heart and well crafted characters pulled me into the story to live their aches and joys with them. 'The Diamond Hunter' is yet another compelling story from Fiona which again leaves me hankering for her next.
April 23, 2020
Once again Fiona McIntosh has shown why she is one of Australia's best and favourite storytellers. The Diamond Hunter is a wonderful story of all types of love - familial, romantic, and the love that develops when your chosen family is not blood born. Each character expresses this love through their own strong and distinctive voice. The ability to create such vivid characters is a skill Fiona McIntosh wields with ultimate precision in everything she writes.
Reading this story takes you on a journey to Africa and London in the late 1800s - a time of radical discoveries and the changes that spring from these discoveries. They say diamonds are a girl's best friend but reading this story, it appears they're man's best friend too! Impeccably researched, The Diamond Hunter is a gorgeous read that offers the glorious combination of armchair travel to another time and place.
Sidebar - I often purchase Fiona's books when they are released but hold onto them until I know I have a day or two to just dive in and read from start to finish uninterrupted - they are that good! So I bought this in October 2019 but saved it and it paid off (again) - I read this during the COVID-19 crisis and it was the perfect escape!
Reading this story takes you on a journey to Africa and London in the late 1800s - a time of radical discoveries and the changes that spring from these discoveries. They say diamonds are a girl's best friend but reading this story, it appears they're man's best friend too! Impeccably researched, The Diamond Hunter is a gorgeous read that offers the glorious combination of armchair travel to another time and place.
Sidebar - I often purchase Fiona's books when they are released but hold onto them until I know I have a day or two to just dive in and read from start to finish uninterrupted - they are that good! So I bought this in October 2019 but saved it and it paid off (again) - I read this during the COVID-19 crisis and it was the perfect escape!
November 19, 2020
The Diamond Hunter was annoying as hell. I couldn't bear the main character, Clementine. The author goes to great lengths to convince us that Clem is cleverer and more progressive than her contemporaries ("not like other girls"), but she is little more than a pretentious hypocrite with a very un-woke white saviour mentality. The Kimberley diamond mine setting had the potential to be interesting but just as we begin to feel immersed in it, we're whisked away to stuffy old England and bombarded, to the point of being bored-to-death, with descriptions of petticoats and teapots etc. etc. The denoument was rushed and completely underwhelming. Bleh.
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