Jack of Diamonds

By: Bryce Courtenay

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Born and raised in a poor, working-class family in Toronto, Jack Spayd is the son of an unhappy marriage. After being taken under the wing of "Miss Frostbite", the owner of a local jazz club, Jack becomes a gifted musician, playing piano and harmonica. Fame and the allure of gambling takes him to Vegas, and prospects of fortune take him to the Belgian Congo, where he's heard it's possible to earn big money working in the most dangerous parts of the local copper mines.

Jack of Diamonds is the story of a young, talented man, fighting to achieve his ambitions, and having to use his considerable talents to find his way in a perilous world.

©2012 Bryce Courtenay. Copyright Christine Courtenay 2013. (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing

My First Courtenay

This was my first Bryce Courtenay, won't be my last. It's a long one - 26 hours so be prepared to make an investment of time. Great story that reminded me of some Sidney Sheldon epics from the 70-80s.

Jack's youth and his Vegas experiences are detailed and comprise 85% of the book. His African experience is hurried and compacted. The reader learns in the epilogue why that had to be the case. Courtenay's health.

Jack's Vegas days reminded me of the movie - Casino. Crazy Sammie was Joe Pesci's character in Casino.... quite insane and scary.

Great narration great story

What did you love best about Jack of Diamonds?

This was was my first audiobook with Bryce Courtenay. When it first started I asked myself why did I buy a book that starts out in the 1930's????? My doubts were quickly dispelled and it sure did help pass the time away on a long Uhaul trip across the country.... in fact sometimes I couldn't put it down

great book like all Bryces books Humphrey the best

What did you love best about Jack of Diamonds?

great story

What did you like best about this story?

the places jack goes the things that happen sorry to get to the end. started it again

Which character – as performed by Humphrey Bower – was your favorite?

any thing Humphrey reads is great

Who was the most memorable character of Jack of Diamonds and why?

Jacks mum was great . she had pretty hard time

Any additional comments?

[RIP] Bryce loved every book . Audible we now need a good story teller like Bryce keep a look out please

another win for Bryce

What did you love best about Jack of Diamonds?

compelling characters

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jack of Diamonds?

the epilog finished the story off well

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

well done - soothing voice

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Jack's acceptance of life's bumps in the road and his steadfast outlook that they can be navigated with truth and grace

Any additional comments?

Love Bryce Courtny Books- only discovered them as his life was ending, wish it wasn't so as whe I get to the end I will be inconsolable.

Bryce's last book

It took me a while to read Bryce's last book because of the reviews. Yes it ended quickly but still well worth the read. Thank you Bryce for all the wonderful hours of pleasure you have given me.