Ian’s review of Barren Lands: An Epic Search for Diamonds in the North America Arctic > Likes and Comments

Sounds a lot like the hunt for antiquities in South America that I read about in The Lost City of the Monkey God. Lots of cads, liars, hoaxers, criminals, and legit scholars who get themselves into fire fights with other scholars, before we even get to corrupt gov officials.

Sounds like diamonds attract the same type. Which may not be surprising. Big wealth -- bigger asshats involved.

Congrats on another LBC finish!

Berengaria wrote: "Sounds a lot like the hunt for antiquities in South America that I read about in The Lost City of the Monkey God. Lots of cads, liars, hoaxers, criminals, and legit scholars who get..."

Thanks Berengaria, and yes the comparison sounds fair. In this case Fipke's business partners all ended up suing him. I imagine the lawyers did quite well out of it.

Shame this one didn't tick with you Ian, interesting topic though mate - nice write up!!! :))

The same topics interest me. Pity it didn’t go down too well.

Mark wrote: "Shame this one didn't tick with you Ian, interesting topic though mate - nice write up!!! :))"

Thanks Mark. Yeah, I agree the topic is interesting.

Sportyrod wrote: "The same topics interest me. Pity it didn’t go down too well."

Do I recall that you have an interest in geology? Or am I imagining that?

If the former, you might get more out of this book.

All power to you, Ian with another one conquered. Pity it wasn't as good as you hoped.

Paul wrote: "All power to you, Ian with another one conquered. Pity it wasn't as good as you hoped."

Thanks Paul.

Over the years my pre-selection process has become quite effective, but they don't all work out as we hoped.

Interesting review. Too bad the book wasn't constructed better.

"and last, I still have a bit of a romantic image of prospecting, tied to the idea of a grizzled old frontiersman with a mule and a gold pan."

Me too.

I enjoyed reading your review, Ian.
Thanks.

Linda wrote: "Interesting review. Too bad the book wasn't constructed better."

Thanks very much Linda!

Maria wrote: ""and last, I still have a bit of a romantic image of prospecting, tied to the idea of a grizzled old frontiersman with a mule and a gold pan."

Me too.

I enjoyed reading your review, Ian.
Thanks."

Thank you so much Maria!

Great review- Fascinating adventure.

Stacey B wrote: "Great review- Fascinating adventure."

Thanks very much Stacy!

Canada continues to fascinate! Your reviews too.

Thanks Jeanne!