Blood Diamonds

Tracing the Deadly Path of the World's Most Precious Stones

By: Greg Campbell

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

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 the world over.

Blood Diamonds is the gripping story of how 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 and the repercussions felt far beyond the poor and war-ridden country of Sierra Leone.

©2002 Greg Campbell (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"A vivid, hair-raising tale of brutal proportions that outdistances any fictional tale of derring-do." (Washington Times)
"This is an important, gut-wrenching story, one still unfolding in the wake of the war and September 2001." (San Francisco Chronicle)
"Mr. Campbell tells this complex tale from a personal, feet-on-the-ground perspective....He reminds us that there is no longer any such thing as an isolated conflict that governments and corporations can ignore with impunity." (New York Times)

a diamond is forever

loved it very informative. The reading was easy to follow. I could not wait to read more i feel more educated after reading this book.

Poignant problem, professional reading

Narrator has great tone, in tune with seriousness of problem. The story is a problem we must all face.

Diamonds are not for love

Any American lady who reads this book will no longer think that diamonds stand for love. They stand for hate and greed and mutilation.

Interesting perspective

The voice fits the narrative but there are the occasional mispronunciation of names like Tanzania. Content wise this is no longer the most current material but still provides insight into a point in recent history often overlooked.

Stunning brutality..

As a Swede born in the 90’s I’ve only heard of the conflict but never really taken a deep dive to learn more about it. Absolutely stunning how brutal humans can be for economic gains.

A good listen for people to learn the story behind some of the luxury jewels that people buy but rarely think of its bloody past.