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bookstorian's review
4.0
In the last 12 months I have now read three books which have explored the history of historical pieces or centred around the journey of precious stones. 'The Diamond Hunter' aptly named, also fits within this new wave of stories that centre around precious jewels and the people behind them.
Spanning across Africa and across to England 'The Diamond Hunter' by Fiona McIntosh imagines the world of diamond mining and the inevitable feelings that a born out of a hunger and longing for a better life. With a focus on race, loss and family in the late 1800s 'The Diamond Hunter' is a reflection during the time when others would uproot entire families in the search of gold and diamonds, sometimes at great cost. One of those effected by the actions of her ambitious father (the diamond hunter) is Clementine and her Uncle Reggie.
A sucker for a strong female protagonist, a historical setting and sparkly jewels this book had the trifecta for me. I enjoyed the self sufficient manner in which Clem conducts herself throughout the story as well as the contrasting settings of Africa during the diamond mining and England. There was certainly a few twists and a heart-throbbing love interest too to keep me turning the pages.
I was little concerned at first when the story felt like it was very focused on the father and just as I found myself wanting to move on from the story of a child, thankfully, she transitioned into adulthood. I have only read a few of McIntosh's books before but felt delighted when there was also a clever little mention of the Byzantine pearls as explored in The Pearl Thief, her previous book.
If you loved 'The Lost Jewels' or 'The Pearl Thief' I highly recommend choosing 'The Diamond Hunter' next!
Spanning across Africa and across to England 'The Diamond Hunter' by Fiona McIntosh imagines the world of diamond mining and the inevitable feelings that a born out of a hunger and longing for a better life. With a focus on race, loss and family in the late 1800s 'The Diamond Hunter' is a reflection during the time when others would uproot entire families in the search of gold and diamonds, sometimes at great cost. One of those effected by the actions of her ambitious father (the diamond hunter) is Clementine and her Uncle Reggie.
A sucker for a strong female protagonist, a historical setting and sparkly jewels this book had the trifecta for me. I enjoyed the self sufficient manner in which Clem conducts herself throughout the story as well as the contrasting settings of Africa during the diamond mining and England. There was certainly a few twists and a heart-throbbing love interest too to keep me turning the pages.
I was little concerned at first when the story felt like it was very focused on the father and just as I found myself wanting to move on from the story of a child, thankfully, she transitioned into adulthood. I have only read a few of McIntosh's books before but felt delighted when there was also a clever little mention of the Byzantine pearls as explored in The Pearl Thief, her previous book.
If you loved 'The Lost Jewels' or 'The Pearl Thief' I highly recommend choosing 'The Diamond Hunter' next!
shelbycat's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
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