Blood Diamonds: Tracing the Deadly Path of the World's Most Precious Stones

by Greg Campbell

First discovered in 1930, the diamonds of Sierra Leone have funded one of the most savage rebel campaigns in modern history. These "blood diamonds" are smuggled out of West Africa and sold to legitimate diamond merchants in London, Antwerp, and New York, often with the complicity of the international diamond industry. Eventually, these very diamonds find their way into the rings and necklaces of brides and spouses the world over. Blood Diamonds is the gripping tale of how the diamond smuggling works, how the rebel war has effectively destroyed Sierra Leone and its people, and how the policies of the diamond industry - institutionalized in the 1880s by the De Beers cartel - have allowed it to happen. Award-winning journalist Greg Campbell traces the deadly trail of these diamonds, many of which are brought to the world market by fanatical enemies. These repercussions of diamond smuggling are felt far beyond the borders of the poor and war-ridden country of Sierra Leone, and the consequences of overlooking this African tragedy are both shockingly deadly and unquestionably global. Updated with a new epilogue.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Africa, Politics, Audiobook, War, Sierra Leone

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

"Whether it means talking my way past teenage rebels guarding a jungle checkpoint or asking hard questions in corporate boardrooms, my goals are to get the story and to tell it better than anyone.

I've been a journalist since 1993, and my work has taken me from the anarchy of wartime Sarajevo to the ritzy offices of the Antwerp Diamond District. I've reported from Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Italy and Belgium. All along the way, I've met fascinating people in exceptional circumstances. Through me, readers have come to know them as well.

My specialty is narrative nonfiction, telling true stories in an observant, fast-paced style. Crisp, clear and often witty, my writing combines the highest standards of journalism with colorful storytelling. "

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

How? HOW do these things happen? And keep happening for years? As if the common cutting of limbs, the raping, the murders of children, is all par for the course. Par for the course all right. Play your round of golf; complain about having too much laundry to do; bitch about how soggy your fucking french fries are. These kids, kid killers, they’d get drugged-up, snorting mad-uppers -- ten, eleven, twelve year-old boys -- killing babies, murdering their own families, not even knowing why.

WHY?

There was a game the kids would play while razing a town. They’d get out a pregnant lady they hadn’t murdered yet and take guesses as to the sex of her child. After cutting her open while still alive, they'd find out who guessed right and that was the winner.

THE WINNER.

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah would have been perfect to read in conjunction with this. Beah’s book tells of his personal experiences as a drugged-up, village pillaging, child soldier in Sierra Leone, but does little in providing the causes and context behind his situation. In contrast, Blood Diamonds tells us exactly why the bloodshed in Sierra Leone occurs; it spares no major historical or logistical detail behind the corruption and mass murders of innocents that took place for so many years without a blink of the eye -- with us, the United States, indirectly culpable of it as our businesses and citizens bought the diamonds that caused and supported it.

What kinds of atrocities are going on right now in remote parts of the world that you and I are unaware of? Could we in some way be partly responsible for what is happening? And even if not, do we have a responsibility to help put a stop to it?

A reason I read is to stun myself into a greater realization of -- a greater feeling for -- those that truly suffer. I don’t want to walk around as the typical ignorant American -- clueless, uncaring, and unfeeling of the grave injustices that have taken place and are taking place right now.

If nothing else, let us not be ignorant. Let us read and understand and feel.

And fuck-dammit let’s do what we can to help our fellow human beings.

FUCK.

[Kati Atwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am never buying a diamond ever again. Ever.

Note: Contains graphic content, and language.

[Otis Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about an area of the world I knew very little. The book was a journalistic nonfiction account of Sierra Leone, as opposed to the fictional movie (which I also enjoyed).

Key takeaways:
- Human beings can be pretty indecent to each other when the economic incentives are right, and when there are no checks on those in charge. The RUF murdered and mutilated thousands.
- There is *no* way to verify a diamond is not a conflict diamond. No matter what a diamond seller says, stones are untraceable and black market stones can be added in at any of a dozen of places on the way from the mine to the store. Only stores like DeBeers, who control their own mines and stores, can approach such a guarantee.
- The guy who started DeBeers was impressive. He bought up as many mines as he could instead of mining them, and eventually controlled the market. DeBeers has had some shady practices as the worlds biggest diamond buyer and mine owner.
- DeBeers has a monopoly on diamonds, and as such can't have more than 3 executives in the US at any time or they will be arrested for prosecution by the SEC.
- DeBeers has a stockpile of diamonds in London worth billions. Selling it would flood the market.
- In late 2001, a Washington Post reporter broke a story that Osama Bin Laden had been buying conflict diamonds from Sierra Leone for a the past year to convert his money to a liquid form. This was in preparation for Sept 11, as he knew the US would seize his funds after the attack. Its very likely the scheme worked, and conflict diamonds are what is funding him today.

[Michel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Possibly inspired by Ian Fleming's "Diamond Smugglers"?
One book I dreaded to read, and with good cause, as it turned out.
Not the book itself, it's pretty well written, but who wants to know the diamond you bought your wife has cost so much: slave labor, mutilations, murders, children soldiers…?
That's what we do to the 'third world': we give 'aid' to dictators, mostly military by the way, and insist on 'free' trade. The world won't be safe until we switch to 'fair' trade.

[[Name Redacted] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two biggest takeaways:

1) There is no way to verify a diamond is "clean" - this is a product of simple geological reality and also design on the part of diamond miners, sellers & buyers. It's just safest to assume every diamond is a blood diamond.

2) The U.N. is (quelle surprise!) more concerned with performative demonstrations and preserving their narrative of competency than they are about actually helping anyone or actually being competent. They stage celebrations, conflicts, etc. as photo ops. to help craft their narratives about the state of the world; and they DEEPLY resent journalists who won't pretend along with them.

Also, some excellent glimpses into the history of Nigeria which i wasn't expecting in a book predominantly about Sierra Leone!

[Patrick Belair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very disturbing book about a conflict far away that most people know little about, or don't care because it has no impact on them. Have clueless they are.The impact in this region will be felt for decades.Remember this the next time you go to the mall, And buy that small token of your love. Think about how many peoples lives have been destroyed.Big business is only concerned with the bottom line.Charles Taylor ex pres of liberia guilty! of war crimes. But someone will always be in line to be next.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes this is the book that the recent movie was based on. No I have not seen the movie. The author is a journalist, and it shows. The depth of research and detail in this book is amazing. It outlines in many layers the diamond industry, its history, and its relation to West Africa. I had no idea what to expect from the book, and was shocked to learn the horrid details and atrocities that have been occurring for decades there. Obviously, like the bumper sticker says, "if you are not appalled, you are not paying attention."

The Western world has no idea what people are suffering for this made up commodity industry. Campbell shows how elite people literally fabricate the demand for diamonds, and its price points. Everyone seems to believe that diamonds are the most precious thing you can give a loved one. Why is that? Have you ever wondered? Why is it better than any other gem or gift? The answers are very interesting, and are laid out in this book.

When you learn the origins of many diamonds, the process they go through and the conditions of the people who mine them, you may want to return it. I know I do. It made me sick. We live in quite a bubble about so many things. I am glad that someone is bringing a conscience to the public about horrible human rights situations like these. The sad thing is that it also makes you wonder why countries like our own are just ignoring it. If we can justify attacking other countries for made up reasons, why can't we take on true issues that are so well documented? It is all politics while people die.

This book is one of the best written books I have read in a long time. Campbell's writing style is intelligent, vivid, and picturesque. His depth of research and personal involvement in making this book is astonishing. I appreciate descriptions that make me feel like I am actually with the writer. Such is the case with Blood Diamonds. An excellent read if you can handle its gruesome reality and deep network of connections to follow

[asbah · Rating 4 out of 5]

it is a good habit to know where exactly your money is going through your purchases. so much in this world is not what it seems and conflict diamonds are just the top of the iceberg. i learned so much from this about the diamond trade. i’m horrified and disgusted at how little we hear about third world countries and their conflicts in media today. especially when we are the ones profiting off their struggles and pain.

a great work of journalism, and one that’s also quite well-written.

[Swati Sharma Sibal · Rating 5 out of 5]

One can NEVER EVER buy a diamond again after reading this book.

This book is the ultimate story of human debasement and the darkest abyss of our weaknesses.

I urge people to make their teenage children read this book so that at least the coming generation gives us more responsible global citizens.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as the gruesome contents of this book were incredibly hard to listen to, Greg Campbell does a beautiful job of telling this very difficult and complex story in an informative, understandable, and interesting way.

The work of Campbell, among other reporters, was and is so important in bringing to light the inhumane and evil results of our society’s obsession with diamonds (among other natural resources). What was most upsetting, but sadly not all that surprising, is the marketing strategies that were employed to drive up the value of diamonds while knowingly contributing to the abuse, torture, and loss of innocent lives. To call them “pure” and to suggest that they are the ultimate symbols of love at the cost of these lives is sickening. And to learn just how closely intertwined diamonds, deadly arms exchange, war, and terrorism are (ex: the 911 attack), while nations that purport to be “peacekeepers” turn a blind eye, is honestly mind-boggling.

Again, unfortunately none of this is really surprising, but to have it all laid out neatly and plainly in a book is still shocking.

Though Campbell talks about the various global efforts that were being discussed at the time to attempt to put an end to the dealing of conflict diamonds, I’d be curious to know what if any “real” solution has been found to help protect our neighbors.

Perhaps the only solution, if diamonds are to remain a sought after commodity in society, is to turn to lab-grown diamonds.

I will be reading more by Greg Campbell and encourage you to do the same so as to make informed decisions before making your purchases.

[Stacy-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good look at how diamonds come about also how it has been used.
WARNING: This is very very horrific violent book.
This is a great book to read.
'Every diamonds are blood diamonds'.

[Ellie Pretsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow-wa-we-wah what a read! So intense and so horrifying. I can say that I don’t think I ever want a diamond ring, pendant, bracelet etc. now. It’s absolutely heinous how much a small rock can cause so much damage across nations and fund so many terrorists. Well worth the read and gain of knowledge.

[Igor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truely jornalistic book. Not the style I prefer. But the author did a good job.

[Sigmund · Rating 4 out of 5]

The RUF and most of the diamond industry, particularly DeBeers, were guilty members in Sierra Leone's civil war. They allowed for ten years of anarchy and chaos to sweep through a country. The RUF by being the chaos themselves and DeBeers by enabling them, with money, to continue to do this. And yet, only part of the RUF was properly tried and executed for their crimes. DeBeers remains as a legal organization that supplies millions diamonds across the world. Blood Diamonds provided me with a much-needed perspective of the mutiny and devastation that swept through Sierra Leone through these years, and of the unfairness of it all.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went back and forth from liking some of this book to feeling bogged down in detail by other parts of it. Not being familiar with the geography didn't help either. The history of the diamond trade in general and in Sierra Leone in particular are interesting, and the ruthlessness of the various gov'ts/rebels is hard to even comprehend. I guess the logistics of the money transfers and amounts involved, althouogh necessary to make his point, made the story a little dry at times. I want Simon Winchester to write about Cecil Rhodes, the founder of DeBeers!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

i don't care how clean you tell me it is, i never want a diamond. i read a lot of depressing, intense non-fiction, and this was both if not extremely disturbing. the prologue alone made me nauseous and sad. HOWEVER, i think it's super important to read books like this, because nothing happens in a vacuum. knowing the sheer brutality exerted on people because of diamonds, a manufactured luxury, was enough to ensure i'd never ever want one in my life.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this would be a hard read and it is: the story of diamond smuggling in Sierre Leone. The other worldly butchery of the people, the complicity of the diamond industry, and the ties to terroism are here. I'm always struck by the horrific acts casually perpetuated by people. People not unlike myself. Would I give in to my darker side if circumstance, opportunity, greed, lust for power or maybe just plain survival were at stake?

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

So so book, it has some interesting stories.
Too much of the book is about the author,
how brave he was to go there,
the hardships he suffered,
,
how if everyone was as clear-sighted as him,
there wouldn't be a problem, bla bla bla.

Just when you think people couldn't be any worse than you already know
you read about how cutting off hands, and sometimes feet,
was used as a political tactic.

ugh

Where was god?

[MaryCatherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly complex history and tragic consequences of a bloody trade in an intrinsically worthless treasure. No diamond is worth this kind of exploitation and misery. Not ever. The author did a tremendous job in research and story-telling, going to some terrifying places to write this book. Before you buy any diamond, read this book. If you still think a diamond is romantic, I wonder about you, but the only forever thing about diamonds is the misery they produce.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narrator was wonderful. The material he had to work with was grueling to listen to, war and atrocities. Important things to know about the diamond trade and the almost unbelievable inhumanity surrounding it. I'm glad I've always been a CZ kind of person. If I had any diamonds I wouldn't be able to keep them after this book. Really tough but certainly recommended.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I read this book, to me diamonds were something very expensive and beautiful thing. Often, when I went to Costco, I saw an advertisement with a big diamond that was made for jewelry. It was shiny and beautiful. I imagine many times that people are like crows. Because, we love shiny and fancy things, like emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond.

But my perspective changed immediately when I read ‘Blood Diamond’ book. It was scary that the story inside the book was fact. Did you know the ranking of who killed the people most? 2nd place is people (the 1st place is mosquito). In the horror movie, there are a lot of scenes like people killing people. Such as RUF killing people for diamonds and expecting that this is the fact. Now, to me, a diamond looks like an evil cursed thing. For example, imagine you are living in a land that holds a lot of diamonds which mostly means you are dead, because people want diamonds too, so, they will make you suffer in pain. Although even you said you don’t know anything about this diamond. Also, you might see your cousins or family get their arms or legs lost because someone cut them with a big knife just to get diamonds on their own.

But, that was just imagination. Can the incident happen? The answer is, “Yes”. It happened in Africa. You might guess where it happened because Africa is famous for diamonds. When I looked at the globe, I saw the two big diamond pictures on Africa’s land. These tiny diamonds lead to horrible incidents. It’s so horrible that if you read this, you will automatically gasp in astonishment or think “What?! Did people do these such things?!” For instance, I explained some of the horrible events to my friend and her reaction was “Huh!?!?! Is it really true?!?”

I imagine what it feels like to hear the gun sound and you recognize the bad situation, so you try to escape. But, then, suddenly people appear in front of you and force you to wait in an unknown long line and in the line you could see your friends. Then the scream starts. You look ahead and realize that some plan called the “Operation No Living Thing” project was to cut people’s arms. When it’s your turn, you beg the person who held an axe, nevertheless, this person held it high and... Bam! Just like that, your good arms are lost.

I knew that thousands of people went through all that because this book’s writer went to Africa and met a person who had that nightmare-like time. So, I was shocked when I read Greg Campbell the journalist went there. When he traveled there he saw people who were in great pain almost as we saw trees in our lives. Despite the part I don’t like (for instance, killing or people who can see their death coming but can’t do anything), I like Greg Campbell’s bravery to go and show the readers what was happening in Africa.

So, all that chaos and pain made me sad and angry at RUF and other people who helped those horrible mad incidents. I wish every moment while I was reading the book that I could stop the chaos that was made because of those diamonds.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by a journalist that was somehow able to uncover the hurtful history on blood diamonds and the bloody truth behind these beautiful stones. The author, Greg Campbell, mainly introduced us to 2 topics in the book:
-Blood diamonds produce conflicts and human rights abuses in countries where they are mined and found, most of the time continuing in violence and instability.
-The diamond industry's global supply chain lacks transparency, allowing illegal (bloody) diamonds to be mixed with 'legal' ones, making it difficult for consumers to ensure ethical sourcing.

The author mainly portrayed the first topic, on human abuse. He tells us about the wars and fights that happened over lands that were rich in diamonds (Sierra Leone, Angola etc). Campbell also takes an approach with small scope by telling us a few cases on real people that were part of the abuse that started with blood diamonds (one of the people that were spoken of was a small boy named Salim, who was separated from his family and put into the cruel cycle of the production on blood diamonds). One of the most shocking truths mentioned under this topic was how the RUF would amputate the limbs of innocent villagers as a means of control. It really angered me thinking about how the innocent people going through such horrible pain.

The other topic (on diamond industries' transparency) made me think about the fault of the diamond industry traders and dealers. The illegal diamonds are often brought into Antwerp through complicated networks, involving multiple intermediaries and corrupt officials who turn a blind eye to the illegal activities. Once the blood diamonds have entered the legal chain, they are sold alongside legally sourced diamonds, further perpetuating the lack of transparency. This means that even high-end jewelry stores and reputable brands can unintentionally be selling diamonds that have contributed to conflict and human rights abuses. The author's research also reveals that consumers who wish to ensure they are purchasing ethically sourced diamonds often face significant challenges. Because of blood diamonds, even consumers are facing consequences in this industry.

In conclusion, "Blood Diamonds" by Greg Campbell reveals the bloody and cruel horrors of the diamond trade and its role in causing violence and instability in countries where these precious stones are mined. The book tells us of our need to take action on stopping the production and illicit trades happening behind the consumers and the innocent families and the abused.
This book really change my thought on the existence of diamonds (thought of them as shiny rocks barely the size of rabbit droppings sold at mouth dropping prices). I highly recommended this book overall because it tells crucial information that everyone in our society needs to know.

[Dark Passport · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considered the “most portable form of wealth known to man”, diamonds comprise a six billion dollar industry of which 80 percent of sales are completed at the hands of American consumers. Over a century ago, our bizarre fascination with the shiny stones was so blatant and blinding that even a teenager was able to capitalize on it. British imperialist Cecil Rhodes had enough foresight to begin buying up diamond minds in southern Africa, having not yet celebrated his 19th birthday. Rhodes eventually became the founder of the De Beers Company, a long-time monopolistic diamond conglomerate notorious for hoarding the in-fact common stones and artificially controlling their false rarity.

Blood Diamonds is author Greg Campbell’s remarkable exploitation of the conflict and controversy surrounding the African diamond trade. His painstaking and dangerous research began at the edges of the mines in war-torn developing nations. He then followed the stones from middlemen hustlers to corrupt merchants, practically using blood trails as guidance since the fraudulent certificates of authenticity were unreliable. Many of the diamonds ended up in heavily guarded vaults owned by De Beers or its subsidiaries, sequestered away from consumers to keep supply low and demand high. Others made their way to markets in Antwerp, Tel Aviv, London, and New York City to be cut and polished before finally being sold at extravagant prices to those individuals hoping to sparkle. In perhaps the worst of situations, the valuable stones landed among Al Qaeda terrorists seeking an alternative means of currency for funding their attacks.

Despite the author’s courageous work and the fact that this book formed the basis for an Academy Award nominated Hollywood film of the same name starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the wearers of diamond rings and necklaces remain blissfully ignorant of the blood and violence surrounding the industry. Diamond wholesalers and jewelers will preach baseless statistics of true “blood diamonds” being a miniscule fraction of the market as a whole, disregarding ongoing conflict in their countries of origin and a lack of authentic paper trail proving their legitimacy. Fortunately, however, Campbell’s work along with that of many others continues to bring much needed attention (including that of the UN) to the illicit diamond market.

[Moses · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book ‘Blood Diamonds’ shows the cruel and unforgiving path of diamonds as they make their way into jewelry shops worldwide. The author presents this ‘hidden dark side’ of diamonds by introducing a country situated in West Africa, Sierra Leone. This country, blessed with diamond-rich lands, was plagued by war and destruction over control of this blessing. Many prisoners of war, who were often dismembered and killed, were forced to dig up these diamonds through hard labor. But the corruption doesn’t end there. These diamonds are sold to illegal buyers, or in some cases, terrorist groups, who, in return, supply the nation’s war by paying with guns and ammunition. Those diamonds eventually make their way into the market, where they are cut and processed for sale.

Like the situation given above, the diamond market is extremely deadly and even harmful to our existence. It creates war, fuels greed, and causes chaos and corruption. However, we buy these diamonds in hope of eternal love and marriage. It’s quite ironic that these diamonds are produced opposite of what they symbolize.

Not only do these diamonds harm those who produce them, but they also cause great harm to us through terrorist organizations. The author of this book emphasizes the role that the diamonds played in helping the 9/11 attacks happen through the terrorist group ‘Al-Qaeda’. Due to the illegal transportation of diamonds, 'Al-Qaeda’ was able to acquire non-traceable funds for their illegal activities.

After reading, I was able to gain a clearer insight into diamonds and learned that without interest, nothing can change. Despite these inhumane diamond processing methods having been used for many years, we are just now realizing the threat they pose to our world. That’s why this book was written: to spread the message to people around the world to care about those who suffer.

Overall, it was a good book as it used stories of people and their changed lives because of diamonds as well as the author’s own experiences, which made me feel more immersed.

[Sally Yoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m rating this book with 4 stars because it was a really fascinating book about hidden stories of diamonds, but yet not really my type. Personally, I just don’t really enjoy nonfiction historical books, but if anyone who likes that kind of book read this ‘Blood Diamonds’, I bet they would give 5 stars for this one.

One of the most expensive minerals, diamonds. I mean, I don’t really have one but I know it’s precious and everybody wants it. I thought diamonds were just a beautiful stone wherever it came from. Now I know after reading this book. This book kinda made me feel guilty about buying diamonds even though I don’t have any ability to get one. I mean, if you have diamonds and read this, you may want to return it.

The conditions of people who mine the diamonds are horrible. People tortured and cut off limbs, and even murdered children to get mine of diamonds. I can’t believe those things happened and are still happening. Totally blowing up my mind. I kinda thank the author of this book who brought up the terrible situations behind the most beautiful stone for lovers.

It just made me so mad that seven, ten, twelve-years old children had been murdered, not even knowing why. Now I know how people’s greed can make terrible situations with that many innocent people. I felt like people think if it’s not their situation, it’s none of their business. We shouldn’t, we can’t just think like that. Those people are getting tortured not because they are different from us. They didn’t opt to live like that. All these thoughts kinda made me sick while I was reading it. Not the best feeling, but I know I shouldn’t ignore it.

It was kind of interesting how people traded and smuggled diamonds. Also how DeBeers almost took control of the diamond market. I had never gotten interested about how diamonds come to us, but now I know thanks to this book.

This book gave me some interesting new knowledge and guilt about people who mine diamonds. I really recommend this book to those who want to know about the dark side of a beautiful stone that everyone wants.

[GraceReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

We associate diamonds with being luxurious, romantic, and sparkly. However, there is a dark side to these glittering diamonds. Greg Campbell's investigative and eye-opening exploration sheds light on the violent industry of diamond trading. From child labor to straight-up torture, Campbell shows how far companies are willing to go to get their diamonds. As I was exposed to the horrors that so many miners have had to go through, it infuriated me that these companies let this happen knowingly.
Those luxury brands that we all thought of so highly were exploiting poor workers and treating them like slaves. I could not believe that one human could do these horrifying acts to another. It disgusted me to think that people with such high power would let these human rights violations continue for a bunch of diamonds. But at the same time, I wasn't surprised. This book challenged my ethics and my morals. Are human lives really worth a bunch of "valuable" gems that we have so much of? they aren't even that rare. Why are we letting people suffer for virtually nothing? For a simple fad that industries have planted into our minds. Why is it the more people suffer for something, the more valuable it is?
What is really horrible is that this has been going on for years, even decades. The darkness that Campbell has shredded light on is not even new. Governments and companies know about it, and so do we. Yet, it feels like nothing is changing. People will continue to suffer at the hands of these vile and greedy people. And all we can do is spread the word.

[Jim Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating (and often repulsive) look at the world of blood or conflict diamonds, especially in Sierra Leone. I say 'repulsive' because there are many descriptions of the Revolutionary United Front, effectively a terrorist organization, amputating hands and arms from people to 'send a message.' This is because they wanted to control the flow of money and power from cultivating these diamonds.

This book is for you if you enjoy tales of seedy gun runners, drug dealers, revolutionaries, and backdoor dealers in foreign lands. And it's all true. It's also quite tragic in its descriptions of its devastation to the people who survived. Here's a description of a visit to a hospital:

"From the mounting gloom, crippled, emaciated patients oozing disease began plodding towards us like the undead. One was a 12-year-old civilian girl whose arm had been nearly shot off in crossfire. A retarded (sic) boy with severe polio simply sat in an ever darkening hallway corner, the whites of his staring eyes practically the only part of him that were visible."

So, like that. The guy writing this and his sometime companions traveled so frequently into remote, dangerous areas I kept Googling them to see if they were still alive. An interesting read and the only reason I didn't give it more stars is because after a while it became repetitive and might have worked better as a long Atlantic article or series.

[Jordan McPeek · Rating 3 out of 5]

The horrific lengths many went to in 1990s Sierra Leone to control and mine the diamond fields is just part of the blood diamonds story. The role of everyone else down the line who bought and sold the diamonds that ended up in our jewelry is the rest of the story. And of course, the former wouldn't happen without the latter. In that way, this is a disturbing book, especially for one like myself who bought my only diamond in the mid-90s. Campbell packs on the details of both the horrors of the fields and the intricacies of the global diamond trade. At each stage of the journey a diamond takes from the fields to your local mall, each handler ignores info on its likely source in favour of the sure profit. He illustrates how, despite diamond trade assurances to the contrary, no one can be certain if they have a blood diamond on their finger. Various attempts to regulate and control the industry have failed and things aren't likely to change. Although this isn't one of the author's points, here's one of the takeaways for me: the history and practice of the diamond trade is a fine illustration of the dangers and antisocial results that come from an unfettered free market.

A somewhat uneven book that dumps a lot of info without framing it as much of a story. Parts were very dry and difficult to wade through.

[Emily Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the day that I heard the author speak, to coming to terms with my diamonds…my engagement and wedding rings to the family, historical legacy diamonds that had been passed to me that I was wearing In audience…I felt such a reckoning responsibility and enlightenment. There is honor in the past and a present responsibility to be aware of the precious traditions and possibilities and realities of diamonds. Diamonds have been, are, and will be passed down in celebration of my family. Now, they will forevermore be shared between generations with a responsibility of awareness. I have yet to see, and may never see the movie because the authors first hand accounts as I sat listening as I was wearing legacy, generational and marital diamonds struck me deep. I spoke to the author, asking how to reconcile the diamonds I had been gifted with such significance and wore with such honor. His response allowed me to raise my honor in my diamonds that will be on our family for generations while honoring the blood sacrifice and unknown history so the next diamonds and the next generations will be more educated, advocate more and never ever underestimate the responsibility we have in our family treasures. So close to our emotions and so important to be educated in future family traditions. This book will literally stay with me and my legacy forever.

[Paul Spence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books as good as Blood Diamonds are rare. Through the macabre description of ongoing conflict in poor Sierra Leone, Greg Campbell connects with the reader's values and creates a lasting impression.

Civil war has been an integral part of everyday business in Sierra Leone for decades. In fact, as soon as geologists discovered the first precious stones in its jungle, conflict arose as to who possesses the rights over this costly natural resource. Over the years, guerilla associations - such as the RUF - have ensured that a climate of insecurity envelops all of the West African countries, a situation benefiting only a select few and causing the death of hundreds of thousands of victims. This book narrates the story of the Sierra Leonean diamonds and analyzes the implication of well-known organizations such as the UN, De Beers and Al Qaeda, amongst others.

In this book, the reader experiences the rough reality of Sierras Leone from the viewpoint of two American journalists. Narrated in the first person and filled with complete descriptions, Greg Campbell's style rapidly grabs the reader and is very interesting to follow.

Extremely thought-provoking, I have found this book to depict pure human greed (and its consequences) while remaining optimistic. Definitely a ``great'' piece of writing.