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The Diamond Hunters
The Van Der Byl Diamond Company, willed by its founder to his son Benedict, turns out to be a bequest of hatred. Destroy Johnny - the old man's bitterest rival - is the message. And so, consumed with envy for his own foster-brother, Benedict sets out in ruthless pursuit of this goal.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1971
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About the author
Wilbur Smith
320 books4,401 followersWilbur Smith was a prolific and bestselling South African novelist renowned for his sweeping adventure stories set against the backdrop of Africa’s dramatic landscapes and turbulent history. Born in 1933 in what was then Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), he grew up in South Africa, where his love for storytelling was nurtured by the rich environment and tales of African history. His early years were shaped by his experiences in the wilderness, which later became a defining element in his fiction.
After studying at Rhodes University, Smith initially worked as an accountant, but his true passion lay in writing. His breakthrough came in 1964 with When the Lion Feeds, a historical adventure novel that introduced the Courtney family saga. The book’s success led to a long-running series chronicling the exploits of multiple generations of the Courtney family, spanning centuries of African and world history. Alongside this, Smith wrote the Ballantyne series, focused on colonial Africa, and the Ancient Egypt series, which delved into historical fiction with a mythical touch.
Over his six-decade career, Smith authored more than 50 novels, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His works were characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, and gripping action-packed narratives. Whether set in the colonial era, the world of pharaohs, or modern-day Africa, his books often explored themes of survival, war, power, and human ambition. He collaborated with co-authors in his later years to expand his literary universe, ensuring his stories continued to reach new audiences.
Beyond writing, Smith was an avid traveler and adventurer, drawing inspiration from his own experiences hunting, sailing, and exploring remote corners of Africa. While he was passionate about wildlife and conservation, some of his views—particularly regarding big game hunting—sparked debate. Nonetheless, his deep affection for Africa was evident in his writing, which celebrated both its beauty and its historical complexities.
Smith’s influence on adventure fiction remains significant, with his books continuing to captivate readers around the world. His legacy endures through his richly woven tales of exploration, conquest, and the enduring spirit of Africa.
After studying at Rhodes University, Smith initially worked as an accountant, but his true passion lay in writing. His breakthrough came in 1964 with When the Lion Feeds, a historical adventure novel that introduced the Courtney family saga. The book’s success led to a long-running series chronicling the exploits of multiple generations of the Courtney family, spanning centuries of African and world history. Alongside this, Smith wrote the Ballantyne series, focused on colonial Africa, and the Ancient Egypt series, which delved into historical fiction with a mythical touch.
Over his six-decade career, Smith authored more than 50 novels, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His works were characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, and gripping action-packed narratives. Whether set in the colonial era, the world of pharaohs, or modern-day Africa, his books often explored themes of survival, war, power, and human ambition. He collaborated with co-authors in his later years to expand his literary universe, ensuring his stories continued to reach new audiences.
Beyond writing, Smith was an avid traveler and adventurer, drawing inspiration from his own experiences hunting, sailing, and exploring remote corners of Africa. While he was passionate about wildlife and conservation, some of his views—particularly regarding big game hunting—sparked debate. Nonetheless, his deep affection for Africa was evident in his writing, which celebrated both its beauty and its historical complexities.
Smith’s influence on adventure fiction remains significant, with his books continuing to captivate readers around the world. His legacy endures through his richly woven tales of exploration, conquest, and the enduring spirit of Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
December 5, 2024
First date. The guy sits in front of you, drinking his beer, and starts telling you the most boring, presumptuous and absurd story with the purpose - as you later understand - of mansplaining something he read on Wikipedia before meeting you. It doesn't matter if you already know what he's talking about or if the whole thing is getting worse by the minute, he’ll just keep going after you had enough and told him to shut up.
This was my first attempt to read Wilbur Smith.
As a woman - and a people pleaser -, I feel the need to say that halfway in this I realized that maybe I don't read enough books written by men. And even if I do, sometimes, they're not this type of man: the big man who’ll save the situation, conquer the woman and put the bad guy in jail. This shit is just so sexist I can't even know where to start.
The theoretical parts are not bad, if you're interested in diamonds; this is the reason why I'm here in the first place, and those parts were good and well-explained, but there's nothing I couldn't look up on Google.
↠ 1.5 star
This was my first attempt to read Wilbur Smith.
As a woman - and a people pleaser -, I feel the need to say that halfway in this I realized that maybe I don't read enough books written by men. And even if I do, sometimes, they're not this type of man: the big man who’ll save the situation, conquer the woman and put the bad guy in jail. This shit is just so sexist I can't even know where to start.
The theoretical parts are not bad, if you're interested in diamonds; this is the reason why I'm here in the first place, and those parts were good and well-explained, but there's nothing I couldn't look up on Google.
↠ 1.5 star
April 30, 2012
WOW starts off with an asswipe of a guy, Jacobus Van Der Byl setting his two kids and stepkid against each other for control of the family diamond mine in South Africa. And morphs into back-stabbing, treachery with a side of betrayal and unfaithfulness. A rather suspenseful free-for-all ensues that is exciting enough to keep one rapidly turning pages to see who is going to prevail and who is going to go down in flames. Excellent!
March 22, 2020
This book has more twists than a coaxial cable !!
January 4, 2022
A cute little adventure from Wilbur Smith, with the classic clichés of the genre. Diamonds, deadly enemies from childhood, love affairs, hardened-by-life guys with missing fingers and a lot of South Africa (country of origin of the author).
An enjoyable book to read while in quarantine or at the beach, but do not expect to be ecstatic. The plot is almost simplistic, the characters are two-dimensional and the ending is easily predictable.
Of course, the above are... reasons why one reads the recently deceased Wilbur.
An enjoyable book to read while in quarantine or at the beach, but do not expect to be ecstatic. The plot is almost simplistic, the characters are two-dimensional and the ending is easily predictable.
Of course, the above are... reasons why one reads the recently deceased Wilbur.
May 13, 2020
The first book of Wilbur Smith Omnibus that I picked up last year after reading first of his "River God" series which I totally loved. Although I am yet to read the remaining five of the series and looking forward to the same very eagerly in near future. I am now totally sure his period dramas are way better than contemporary fiction that he has written, guess I can say that after reading this one which didn't excite me much. First heart-break for me was its size, only 250+ pages :( as that is something which excited me very much thinking how much one can wrap in that short size and I wasn't wrong enough. On top of that the title is pretty intriguing as my imagination started working while I was making my first mug of tea for the day before starting the office work (I usually read first 50 pages on day 1 of any book that I pick before starting my regular day). I assumed it to be based out of Africa (not wrong there) with a good guy finding some awesome diamonds and bad guys chasing him not only for those precious stones but for the love of his life too :). But on horses with some wild dogs and our good guy leaving no stone upturned in beating them, killing them with his sword or some sort of period weapon before living the rest of his life full of love, laughter and lot of diamonds to spare :). Although a few facts and figures thrown about diamonds, the entire extraction process and where to find them was pretty interesting but even that wasn't enough for me to love this book.
And the actually story turns out not totally different from my imagination but more modern touches (which were a turn off from Wilbur Smith's standards). An orphan trying to prove his love and devotion towards the one who takes care of his childhood needs after he loses his parents. Falling in love with the man's daughter and making her brother jealous right from the start when it comes to taking over the family business of Diamond extraction from family mines, acquiring new business. It all turns out fiercely competitive once our good guy designs and amazing titanic kind of ship which will find diamonds from the depth of the sea and which promises to make them rich at the drop of a hat. As expected, it doesn't turn out to be a cakewalk for the man who is about to not only lose his own wife but his love interest too in the quest of proving his loyalty to the big man after an earlier misunderstanding which screws his life almost for good. The story although revolves around the three lead characters, brother, sister and her lover but never becomes a great story from any standard but just about remains a good. Wilbur Smith's detailing of the Diamond extractor too was just about average and not at all thrilling and I found that heart which is always there in all his stories totally missing from this one. Totally forced love triangle of sorts which wasn't needed but was a pretty lame attempt at proving some twist that too at a time when its already too late. Or may be I had too high an expectations based on his earlier books that this one didn't work for me the way I expected.
Have you read "The Diamond Hunters"? or any other contemporary fiction from Wilbur Smith which worked for you. I love his period dramas already so I guess I will stick to them only and hope that the second of the Omnibus works for me big time (A Falcon Flies). Do let me know which one is your favorite Wilbur Smith book.
And the actually story turns out not totally different from my imagination but more modern touches (which were a turn off from Wilbur Smith's standards). An orphan trying to prove his love and devotion towards the one who takes care of his childhood needs after he loses his parents. Falling in love with the man's daughter and making her brother jealous right from the start when it comes to taking over the family business of Diamond extraction from family mines, acquiring new business. It all turns out fiercely competitive once our good guy designs and amazing titanic kind of ship which will find diamonds from the depth of the sea and which promises to make them rich at the drop of a hat. As expected, it doesn't turn out to be a cakewalk for the man who is about to not only lose his own wife but his love interest too in the quest of proving his loyalty to the big man after an earlier misunderstanding which screws his life almost for good. The story although revolves around the three lead characters, brother, sister and her lover but never becomes a great story from any standard but just about remains a good. Wilbur Smith's detailing of the Diamond extractor too was just about average and not at all thrilling and I found that heart which is always there in all his stories totally missing from this one. Totally forced love triangle of sorts which wasn't needed but was a pretty lame attempt at proving some twist that too at a time when its already too late. Or may be I had too high an expectations based on his earlier books that this one didn't work for me the way I expected.
Have you read "The Diamond Hunters"? or any other contemporary fiction from Wilbur Smith which worked for you. I love his period dramas already so I guess I will stick to them only and hope that the second of the Omnibus works for me big time (A Falcon Flies). Do let me know which one is your favorite Wilbur Smith book.
April 10, 2019
Con excepción de la saga africana y, por supuesto, los libros de la saga Courtney, no siento que las historias independientes de Wilbur estén escritas con desdén ni tampoco con apuro, pero tienen una economía de detalles que las convertiría en novelas grandiosas si tuviese el tiempo de desarrollar más sus personajes y escenarios.
En esta ocasión, la recolección de diamantes se entrechoca con una rencilla familiar que creó una grieta entre medio hermanos (temática a la cual Wilbur vuelve en varias ocasiones en su bibliografía) motivo por la cual juran destruirse mutuamente. Entrando en terreno de estereotipos, el protagonista bueno es demasiado bueno, el malo es un nene caprichoso que nunca obtuvo lo que quiso, y las damiselas en peligro de turno son muy chicas Bond (una amorosa y conflictiva hermana metida en medio de la afrenta fraternal, una zorra hambrienta de dinero y poder) y una figura paterna extremadamente odiosa... y muy bien escrita en las pocas pero impecables escenas en las que aparece.
Hay un estudio por detrás de la fiebre de los diamantes, con suficientes datos para mostrar que se hizo la tarea pero nunca para abrumar al lector, personajes secundarios de dudosa moralidad, y un tramo final electrizante, imposible de soltar, pero que deja lugar a un epílogo que el autor podría haberse ahorrado o expandido, porque el final deja con gusto a que podría haberse extendido un poco más.
Aún así, admiro la atracción que me da la prosa de Smith, que una vez más me cautiva como lo hizo hace más de quince años.
En esta ocasión, la recolección de diamantes se entrechoca con una rencilla familiar que creó una grieta entre medio hermanos (temática a la cual Wilbur vuelve en varias ocasiones en su bibliografía) motivo por la cual juran destruirse mutuamente. Entrando en terreno de estereotipos, el protagonista bueno es demasiado bueno, el malo es un nene caprichoso que nunca obtuvo lo que quiso, y las damiselas en peligro de turno son muy chicas Bond (una amorosa y conflictiva hermana metida en medio de la afrenta fraternal, una zorra hambrienta de dinero y poder) y una figura paterna extremadamente odiosa... y muy bien escrita en las pocas pero impecables escenas en las que aparece.
Hay un estudio por detrás de la fiebre de los diamantes, con suficientes datos para mostrar que se hizo la tarea pero nunca para abrumar al lector, personajes secundarios de dudosa moralidad, y un tramo final electrizante, imposible de soltar, pero que deja lugar a un epílogo que el autor podría haberse ahorrado o expandido, porque el final deja con gusto a que podría haberse extendido un poco más.
Aún así, admiro la atracción que me da la prosa de Smith, que una vez más me cautiva como lo hizo hace más de quince años.
August 24, 2020
As always, Wilbur Smith writes an exciting and suspenseful story, this one about ultra rich diamond company owners who also can be at times so close to bankruptcy that it is only a door knock away.
Benedict and Tracey are brother and sister, with Johnny being a foster sibling who is kicked out of the house as a teenager, but continues to work himself to a frazzle day and night for the Founder of the Van Der Byl Diamond Company, Jacob Van Der Byl. Jacob hates Johhny, and Johhny knows it but hopes by working hard and earning money for the Van Der Byls that he can win back Jacob's affection. It's sad to watch.
Benedict, Jacob Van Der Byl's son also hates Johnny. Johnny is smart and seemed to me to be smart enough to hire private investigators and lawyers to find out exactly how much the Van Der Byl's hated him and how they were trying to royally screw him every chance they had. It's right there in black and white. I really hate to read about how someone so hard working and smart can be so stupid.
Nevertheless, the author as usual manages to write a satisfactory ending for an intriguing book.
Benedict and Tracey are brother and sister, with Johnny being a foster sibling who is kicked out of the house as a teenager, but continues to work himself to a frazzle day and night for the Founder of the Van Der Byl Diamond Company, Jacob Van Der Byl. Jacob hates Johhny, and Johhny knows it but hopes by working hard and earning money for the Van Der Byls that he can win back Jacob's affection. It's sad to watch.
Benedict, Jacob Van Der Byl's son also hates Johnny. Johnny is smart and seemed to me to be smart enough to hire private investigators and lawyers to find out exactly how much the Van Der Byl's hated him and how they were trying to royally screw him every chance they had. It's right there in black and white. I really hate to read about how someone so hard working and smart can be so stupid.
Nevertheless, the author as usual manages to write a satisfactory ending for an intriguing book.
August 30, 2021
Questo libro narra come l'invidia per i successi altrui possa portare all'irreparabile sconfitta. La storia di due amici che sono diventati nemici. La ricerca del successo e dell'amore del Vecchio padre, che all fine ha portato all'odio e al desiderio di rivalsa. Alla fine il ricordo dei sentimenti fraterni, suscitati dalla compassione, riunisce i due: lo sconfitto e il vittorioso.
August 7, 2019
I enjoyed this very much. Lots of action. A good insight into the diamond business in South Africa. And a great adventure story. Wilbur Smith does it again Highly recommended.
September 9, 2015
A high 3 stars. This is so far from my usual genres and I've never read a Wilbur Smith before but this won't be my last.
I learnt loads throughout this book and gained a great appreciation for the Saffa diamond trade.
This book definitely ages well and when you pass the halfway mark, all hell breaks loose and the action begins. Storms and bloodshed ensue!
March 2, 2016
A bit simple and formulaic adventure/thriller with an uncomplicated hero character fighting bad guys with no redeeming character traits. Straightforward story and a quick read.
December 8, 2011
Very easy Wilbur Smith - I think a one off story. A good blokes book.
October 29, 2020
Meesleepende thriller.
Het verhaal gaat over twee broers en een zus, waarvan 1 jongen geadopteerd is (Johnny). De andere twee (Benedict en Tracey) zijn echte broer en zus. Ze zijn allemaal kind van Jacob, Jacob is eigenaar van het diamantenbedrijf Van Der Bijl.
Johnny, het hoofdpersonage, zijn avontuur start als hij op jonge leeftijd door zijn kwaadaardige vader naar een kostschool wordt gestuurd. Daar speelt hij in het rugbyteam en hij werkt er in zijn vrije tijd in een diamantenbedrijf om kennis op de doen om later bij zijn vader te werken. In de loop van de tijd wordt hij een als maar betere rugbyspeler. Op een gegeven moment moet hij een belangrijke keuze maken: bij het rugbyteam blijven, of voor zijn stiefvader gaan werken. Hij koos voor de laatste optie.
Als hij klaar is met zijn studies als archeoloog gaat hij werken in het bedrijf van zijn stiefvader, maar het wordt steeds meer duidelijk dat die hem haat. Hij is erg gepassioneerd door het diamant-zoeken.
Het algemene thema is de strijd tussen enerzijds Johnny en anderzijds zijn stiefbroer Benedict en zijn stiefvader Jacob. Johnny wilt zich bewijzen tegenover zijn vader om hogerop te komen in het bedrijf, maar die doet er alles aan om Johnny’s leven zo lastig mogelijk te maken.
Het verhaal speelt zich af in Afrika, waar het bedrijf gevestigd is, en in Londen, waar Johnny voor een bepaalde tijd woont.
Ik vind het boek zeker een aanrader, het is een leuk verhaal en je wilt blijven doorlezen. Een nadeel vind ik dat je in het begin overdonderd wordt met personages, waarvan je niet meteen weet wie wie is. Daardoor had ik een groot deel van het verhaal moeite met te weten wat de relaties zijn tussen de personages. Na een tijdje lezen begon ik het door te hebben en dan had ik wel veel plezier met lezen.
Tijdens het lezen beleef je mee de spanning die de personages beleven, bijvoorbeeld bij een belangrijke diamantenopgraving, of een heftige zandstorm.
Het boek is een paar tiental jaar geleden geschreven (1970), maar daar merk je niet zo veel van. Behalve dat sommige woorden in deze tijd niet echt meer gebruikt worden, bijvoorbeeld ‘ditmaal’ of ‘ofschoon’, is het niet zo moeilijk om te lezen.
Ik geef het boek 4 sterren, het is een echte aanrader!
Smith, Wilbur. Diamantjagers. Amsterdam: De Boekerij, 1992.
Vertaald door Hannie Spaamer.
Het verhaal gaat over twee broers en een zus, waarvan 1 jongen geadopteerd is (Johnny). De andere twee (Benedict en Tracey) zijn echte broer en zus. Ze zijn allemaal kind van Jacob, Jacob is eigenaar van het diamantenbedrijf Van Der Bijl.
Johnny, het hoofdpersonage, zijn avontuur start als hij op jonge leeftijd door zijn kwaadaardige vader naar een kostschool wordt gestuurd. Daar speelt hij in het rugbyteam en hij werkt er in zijn vrije tijd in een diamantenbedrijf om kennis op de doen om later bij zijn vader te werken. In de loop van de tijd wordt hij een als maar betere rugbyspeler. Op een gegeven moment moet hij een belangrijke keuze maken: bij het rugbyteam blijven, of voor zijn stiefvader gaan werken. Hij koos voor de laatste optie.
Als hij klaar is met zijn studies als archeoloog gaat hij werken in het bedrijf van zijn stiefvader, maar het wordt steeds meer duidelijk dat die hem haat. Hij is erg gepassioneerd door het diamant-zoeken.
Het algemene thema is de strijd tussen enerzijds Johnny en anderzijds zijn stiefbroer Benedict en zijn stiefvader Jacob. Johnny wilt zich bewijzen tegenover zijn vader om hogerop te komen in het bedrijf, maar die doet er alles aan om Johnny’s leven zo lastig mogelijk te maken.
Het verhaal speelt zich af in Afrika, waar het bedrijf gevestigd is, en in Londen, waar Johnny voor een bepaalde tijd woont.
Ik vind het boek zeker een aanrader, het is een leuk verhaal en je wilt blijven doorlezen. Een nadeel vind ik dat je in het begin overdonderd wordt met personages, waarvan je niet meteen weet wie wie is. Daardoor had ik een groot deel van het verhaal moeite met te weten wat de relaties zijn tussen de personages. Na een tijdje lezen begon ik het door te hebben en dan had ik wel veel plezier met lezen.
Tijdens het lezen beleef je mee de spanning die de personages beleven, bijvoorbeeld bij een belangrijke diamantenopgraving, of een heftige zandstorm.
Het boek is een paar tiental jaar geleden geschreven (1970), maar daar merk je niet zo veel van. Behalve dat sommige woorden in deze tijd niet echt meer gebruikt worden, bijvoorbeeld ‘ditmaal’ of ‘ofschoon’, is het niet zo moeilijk om te lezen.
Ik geef het boek 4 sterren, het is een echte aanrader!
Smith, Wilbur. Diamantjagers. Amsterdam: De Boekerij, 1992.
Vertaald door Hannie Spaamer.
January 25, 2020
3.6/5
A good example of how a misunderstanding and an explosive emotional reaction to such misunderstandings can blow up into major catastrophes, The Diamond Hunters takes that concept to some extremes, even if it isn't nearly as balls-to-the-wall insane as the previous Smith book I read, Dark of the Sun.
The story is about three siblings, only two of which are blood-related (Benedict and Tracey), with the other being adopted (Johnny). One night, Tracey's fear of thunderstorms and Johnny's innocent attempt at consoling her turns into a huge debacle when Tracey and Benedict's father walks in on them. I guess he assumed these twelve-year-olds were up to the absolute worst thing he could imagination, because he beats Johnny half to death and banishes him from the household while still allowing him to work for his diamond mining company. That's all fine and good, with Johnny growing up trying to appease the Old Man, until the Old Man dies and wills his corporation to his children AND Johnny, with one catch--he's purposely doomed Johnny's portion of the company to fail, and has given Benedict everything he needs to destroy him.
Spite and bitterness is a funny thing. The plot that follows the Old Man's death is sporadically interesting, picking up momentum in the last 80 or 90 pages. It's clear that Smith did his research on the topic of diamond mining and the business protocols around it at the time, which I appreciate.
It's a quick read; I mostly read this during breaktimes at work, so it doesn't overstay its welcome. If anything, this is a breezy, pulpy, trashy little thriller with some fun moments, but none of the characters are particularly likable or memorable, and there are a good number of typos throughout. The romance is also kinda weird, even if they aren't blood-related...
A good example of how a misunderstanding and an explosive emotional reaction to such misunderstandings can blow up into major catastrophes, The Diamond Hunters takes that concept to some extremes, even if it isn't nearly as balls-to-the-wall insane as the previous Smith book I read, Dark of the Sun.
The story is about three siblings, only two of which are blood-related (Benedict and Tracey), with the other being adopted (Johnny). One night, Tracey's fear of thunderstorms and Johnny's innocent attempt at consoling her turns into a huge debacle when Tracey and Benedict's father walks in on them. I guess he assumed these twelve-year-olds were up to the absolute worst thing he could imagination, because he beats Johnny half to death and banishes him from the household while still allowing him to work for his diamond mining company. That's all fine and good, with Johnny growing up trying to appease the Old Man, until the Old Man dies and wills his corporation to his children AND Johnny, with one catch--he's purposely doomed Johnny's portion of the company to fail, and has given Benedict everything he needs to destroy him.
Spite and bitterness is a funny thing. The plot that follows the Old Man's death is sporadically interesting, picking up momentum in the last 80 or 90 pages. It's clear that Smith did his research on the topic of diamond mining and the business protocols around it at the time, which I appreciate.
It's a quick read; I mostly read this during breaktimes at work, so it doesn't overstay its welcome. If anything, this is a breezy, pulpy, trashy little thriller with some fun moments, but none of the characters are particularly likable or memorable, and there are a good number of typos throughout. The romance is also kinda weird, even if they aren't blood-related...
November 19, 2023
4 Stars
The Diamond Hunters by Wilbur Smith.
Wilbur Smith books were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up. As I grew older and went looking for more ‘interesting’ things to read, Mr. Smith was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I gravitated to. I read everything he had written up to that point, and then through the years I kept up with each new release. It had been many years since I last read one of his books, but in the past few months have found myself exploring them once more.
Wilbur Smith is one of my mother’s favourite authors, so reading this was a bit of a bittersweet experience for me as my mother passed away over a year ago, and I have been making my way through her extensive book collection, deciding which to keep and which to rehome. I also decided that reading each one could play a part in my reading challenge, as well as a way to pay tribute to my mother who was such a voracious reader..... This meant that I have reread a lot of books that I also have in my own collection- but, nonetheless, have enjoyed yet again. These books has stirred up a lot of memories, but I am forever grateful that mum passed on her love of reading to me.
Mr. Smith has a great knack for writing a great suspenseful and exciting read, and even though my tastes have evolved as I have gotten older, I still really enjoyed revisiting this book/series.
So if you are an action/adventure buff and want a book that will hold your attention and that you can immerse yourself in- then this may be the book for you!
The Diamond Hunters by Wilbur Smith.
Wilbur Smith books were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up. As I grew older and went looking for more ‘interesting’ things to read, Mr. Smith was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I gravitated to. I read everything he had written up to that point, and then through the years I kept up with each new release. It had been many years since I last read one of his books, but in the past few months have found myself exploring them once more.
Wilbur Smith is one of my mother’s favourite authors, so reading this was a bit of a bittersweet experience for me as my mother passed away over a year ago, and I have been making my way through her extensive book collection, deciding which to keep and which to rehome. I also decided that reading each one could play a part in my reading challenge, as well as a way to pay tribute to my mother who was such a voracious reader..... This meant that I have reread a lot of books that I also have in my own collection- but, nonetheless, have enjoyed yet again. These books has stirred up a lot of memories, but I am forever grateful that mum passed on her love of reading to me.
Mr. Smith has a great knack for writing a great suspenseful and exciting read, and even though my tastes have evolved as I have gotten older, I still really enjoyed revisiting this book/series.
So if you are an action/adventure buff and want a book that will hold your attention and that you can immerse yourself in- then this may be the book for you!
February 22, 2018
This is an intense and gripping read that follows the Van Der Byl children, including the foster child Johnny Lance, as they deal with their father's death and the legacy of the diamond company he has left them. Unfortunately, the rivalry between Johnny and Benedict that began when they were children has joined them in adulthood and has even been encouraged by their father as he sets all three up with the ultimate temptation, to destroy each other. And so begins a story of conspiracy, jealousy and revenge that leds down a murderous and bloody path. The characters aren't the most comlpex and I did find Johnny a little naive at times particularly given that he grew up with Benedict and should know what he is capable of but I suppose he prefered to think the best of people. That aside, this was a great read and I'm looking forward to getting stuck into more of Smith's non-Courtney work.
February 26, 2024
⭐⭐
The Diamond Hunters by Wilbur Smith wasn't for me. I guess Wilbur Smith just ain't for me. I couldn't get into the story, I couldn't connect with the characters. There is more action at the end of the book but by that point, I already gave up. I don't know a lot about diamonds but I understood that the book presents good and accurate information.
I would say this book is an action novel about hate, love, and sex in the diamond mines of Africa.
Johnny spends a lifetime desperately seeking the approval of his wicked foster father Jacob Van Der Byl. He falls in love with Tracey, his step-sister, and must fight his existence with Benedict, his step-brother. There are some really graphic parts... just sad ones. This story is so unfair and makes your blood boil from time to time. And I am not sure how I feel about the ending...
The Diamond Hunters by Wilbur Smith wasn't for me. I guess Wilbur Smith just ain't for me. I couldn't get into the story, I couldn't connect with the characters. There is more action at the end of the book but by that point, I already gave up. I don't know a lot about diamonds but I understood that the book presents good and accurate information.
I would say this book is an action novel about hate, love, and sex in the diamond mines of Africa.
Johnny spends a lifetime desperately seeking the approval of his wicked foster father Jacob Van Der Byl. He falls in love with Tracey, his step-sister, and must fight his existence with Benedict, his step-brother. There are some really graphic parts... just sad ones. This story is so unfair and makes your blood boil from time to time. And I am not sure how I feel about the ending...
October 29, 2023
This really wasn’t great. It’s a short little story, that does end up quite action packed at the end, but spends far too long to get to the action without managing to build any empathy with the characters.
Wilbur Smith has certainly done his research about diamonds and dredging them, but is so keen to regurgitate every fact he’s learned that sections end up more like a technical manual than a novel. It is actually interesting, but completely out of place in what should have been a fast paced adventure.
The characters are all very wooden, the romances are all a bit too incestuous, and the plot is far too over the top to believe. It’s not completely awful, it ends up quite a simple tale of the good brother defeating evil and winning the day, but it isn’t a great read either.
Wilbur Smith has certainly done his research about diamonds and dredging them, but is so keen to regurgitate every fact he’s learned that sections end up more like a technical manual than a novel. It is actually interesting, but completely out of place in what should have been a fast paced adventure.
The characters are all very wooden, the romances are all a bit too incestuous, and the plot is far too over the top to believe. It’s not completely awful, it ends up quite a simple tale of the good brother defeating evil and winning the day, but it isn’t a great read either.
December 9, 2022
Uno dei miei scrittori preferiti Wilbur Smith, che però in questo libro non mi è piaciuto molto.
La trama e i personaggi stereotipati parecchio, il bello e affascinante buono e il brutto e cattivo, un classico che più classico non si può.
Parte abbastanza lento, poi un pochino si riprende ma parecchio ripetitivo.
La psicologia dei personaggi viene solo sfiorata, soffermandosi di più sull'aspetto esteriore, che in un libro non è cosi rilevante.
La tecnica di estrazione dei diamanti troppo particolareggiata e un po' noiosa.
Insomma, non è lo Smith del tanto amato Egitto.
Ascoltato in audiolibro, ma non lo consiglierei, questo libro sminuisce la grandezza dell'autore.
La trama e i personaggi stereotipati parecchio, il bello e affascinante buono e il brutto e cattivo, un classico che più classico non si può.
Parte abbastanza lento, poi un pochino si riprende ma parecchio ripetitivo.
La psicologia dei personaggi viene solo sfiorata, soffermandosi di più sull'aspetto esteriore, che in un libro non è cosi rilevante.
La tecnica di estrazione dei diamanti troppo particolareggiata e un po' noiosa.
Insomma, non è lo Smith del tanto amato Egitto.
Ascoltato in audiolibro, ma non lo consiglierei, questo libro sminuisce la grandezza dell'autore.
July 15, 2023
Inusuale per il classico Smith, diciamo che soffre di stereotipi piuttosto grossolani, come il giapponese che ne sa di computer dall'università di Tokio (sembra un espediente un poco approssimativo), il tedesco duro tutto d'un pezzo, l'italiano pizza spaghetti e mandolino peloso come una scimmia. Anche il rapporto tra i protagonisti/antagonisti sembra abbastanza forzato e lontano dalla tipica impronta narrativa dell'autore.
Non siamo al livello di approfondimento dei Courtney, però mi sembra molto più freddo l'approccio alla caratterizzazione, con il vecchio e i tre che dal nulla devono reggere una storia di antagonismo "in famiglia".
Non siamo al livello di approfondimento dei Courtney, però mi sembra molto più freddo l'approccio alla caratterizzazione, con il vecchio e i tre che dal nulla devono reggere una storia di antagonismo "in famiglia".
June 28, 2020
Όταν ο Μπένεντικτ Βαν Ντερ Μπιλ κληρονόμησε την εταιρία διαμαντιών του πατέρα του ήταν παραπάνω από πρόθυμος να εκπληρώσει τον μόνο όρο. Να εξοντώσει τον θετό αδερφό του Τζόνυ Λανς. Έτσι ξεσπάει η μονομαχία σε επαγγελματικό και προσωπικό επίπεδο. Και αν ο Τζόνυ θέλει να νικήσει θα έχει μόνο μια ευκαιρία σε ένα μέχρι τώρα αναξιοποίητο αδαμαντοφόρο πεδίο.
Μια περιπέτεια από τον Γουίλμπουρ Σμιθ που όπως πάντα έχει μπόλικη Αφρική μέσα. Δείχνει τα χρόνια της αλλά έχει γεράσει καλά και διαβάζεται ευχάριστα.
Μια περιπέτεια από τον Γουίλμπουρ Σμιθ που όπως πάντα έχει μπόλικη Αφρική μέσα. Δείχνει τα χρόνια της αλλά έχει γεράσει καλά και διαβάζεται ευχάριστα.
January 20, 2021
Disappointing. I really like some of Wilbur Smith's other stuff, e.g. the Courtney series, but this felt rushed. No time was taken to introduce and properly develop the characters. The premise could have worked - family rivalries around diamond mining in Africa, but the whole plot moved too fast for a real development. Part of Wilbur Smith's skills is describing the landscapes and scenery in Africa in his other books, but it only gets a page or two here.
This might be ok for a couple of days' reading on holiday, it's very easy to read, but not for much more.
This might be ok for a couple of days' reading on holiday, it's very easy to read, but not for much more.
December 31, 2025
Χαριτωμένη περιπετειούλα διά χειρός Wilbur Smith, με τα κλασικά κλισέ του είδους. Διαμάντια, θανάσιμοι εθχροί από... την παιδική ηλικία, ερωτοδουλειές, σκληροτράχηλοι τύπάδες με κομμένα δάχτυλα και αρκετή Νότια Αφρική (χώρα καταγωγής του συγγραφέα).
Ένα ευχάριστο βιβλιαράκι για να διαβάσει κανείς μέσα σε καρασντ΄λινα ή στην παραλία, αλλά μην περιμένετε να βι΄ώσετε καμία θέωση. Η πλοκή είναι απλοϊκή, οι χαρακτήρες έχουν μετά βίας 2 διαστάσεις και το τέλος είναι εξαιρετικά προβλέψιμο.
Φυσικά, όλα αυτά είναι... οι λόγοι για τους οποίους διαβάζει κανείς τον σ'χωρεμένο τον Wilbur.
Ένα ευχάριστο βιβλιαράκι για να διαβάσει κανείς μέσα σε καρασντ΄λινα ή στην παραλία, αλλά μην περιμένετε να βι΄ώσετε καμία θέωση. Η πλοκή είναι απλοϊκή, οι χαρακτήρες έχουν μετά βίας 2 διαστάσεις και το τέλος είναι εξαιρετικά προβλέψιμο.
Φυσικά, όλα αυτά είναι... οι λόγοι για τους οποίους διαβάζει κανείς τον σ'χωρεμένο τον Wilbur.
November 29, 2020
Trama scorrevole e scrittura di buon livello. Secondo libro di Wilbur Smith, molto gradevole. Sicuramente leggerò altre opere di questo scrittore; molto ben delineati e coerenti i personaggi senza effetto caricatura o esagerazioni. Consiglio la lettura, ma alcuni passaggi sono un po' forti (scene violente/scabrose).
February 18, 2021
Fast pace and exciting storyline. I liked the Tracey - Johnny love story, but I would like there to be an "after credit" scene about their life after the events.
I also found the villains to be too... villainous. I'd like to see a more humane side of Benedict's personality, as it would make the story more realistic.
In total, it was a good read.
I also found the villains to be too... villainous. I'd like to see a more humane side of Benedict's personality, as it would make the story more realistic.
In total, it was a good read.
May 26, 2021
I enjoy books by Wilbur Smith and found this one to be a decent read as well. But not one of his best. Perhaps because it was one of his earlier books. It reminded me of one of his later books, “Hungry As The Sea”, which is a far better book that I fully recommend. It had far more depth and staying power than the Diamond Hunters. That said this is still a worthwhile read.
January 2, 2022
Παρόλο που πάντα μου άρεσαν τα βιβλία του Γουιλμπουρ Σμιθ, αυτό εδώ είναι το χειρότερό του. Κανένα δούλεμα στους χαρακτήρες και στις πράξεις τους. Καμία ιδιαίτερη αναφορά στην Αφρική που συνήθως περιγράφει. Το πρώτο μισό του βιβλίου μοιάζει με κακοπαιγμένο επεισόδιο του Ντάλας και το άλλο μισό με μια απίστευτη περιπέτεια χωρίς κανέναν ρεαλισμό.
April 6, 2022
I received a trove of Wilbur Smith books from a friend recently and this is the first of that group I read. It is the 4th of his standalone books published in 1971 and he has written many books stand alone and series since 1964. As always great stories of adventure in pursuit of riches. Enjoyed this quick read.
November 29, 2023
Another great read.
Wilbur Smith has done it again with another fantastic book, The Diamond Hunter. I have often wondered if he would ever run out of brilliant stories, and the answer is now evident, NO. Like his many other wonderful stories, plots and adventure just keeps flowing on.
Wilbur Smith has done it again with another fantastic book, The Diamond Hunter. I have often wondered if he would ever run out of brilliant stories, and the answer is now evident, NO. Like his many other wonderful stories, plots and adventure just keeps flowing on.
August 19, 2019
Another rip roaring read by Wilbur Smith. Basically the same stock characters, where the down trodden good guy gets girl the money and the bad guy is vanquished into the unknown. I guess that is why I read them. Good summer reads and the reader doesn’t have to think much. A good read.
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