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Jack of Diamonds

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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Publisher's Summary

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; 2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2012 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

What listeners say about Jack of Diamonds

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Talk about going out with a bang.

This is Bryce’s last book and as usual he didn’t disappoint . What a showstopper. Well done mate. Rest In Peace

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Another great prop old fashioned story

Great to wile away the hours while working. You will be missed mr Courtney. Thankyou.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Bryce Courtney is irreplaceable

I have only started listening to Bryce’s books recently. Not sure why it took so long. I was listening to an Adelaide radio station and they were asking listeners to call in about what books made a difference to their life. A listener called in and mentioned “Matthew Flinders Cat” - I was intrigued and thought I’d look it up. After listening to Humphrey Bowers narration of that magnificent story I was hooked. Since then I have ordered and listened to all of Bryces books, rated them their 5 stars but I don’t usually have time to write reviews.
This time however, realising this would be his last book written before he passed I thought it only fitting to thank his family for sharing him with us and also, I should add that learning that Bryce became a literary success after writing his first book at the age of 55 also gives me hope too. I’m 54 and my recent marriage financially ruined me and I lost everything. I have also embarked on a new career and I’m doing well. Reading Bryces books have been therapy for me and I shall miss his beautifully written stories on life.
Rest in eternal peace you lovely Man.

Best,
Nicola J

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great Story

I did love the overall story but not one of his best. a little long winded

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  • Rod
  • 28-12-2017

Great Reading loved it..

great book once again and thank you Bryce for keeping me entertained for so long.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

To drawn out

This book was far too long and drawn out with not enough interest. I finished it purely for the fact i had nothing else to do! Narrator was quite good though.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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another amazing bryce courtenay story

amazing story with all the bryce courtenay hallmarks of triumph and tragedy!
Humphrey bower is impeccable as always!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Bryce is very much missed

Wish Bryce started writing at 25 rather than 55. This, his last book is a good story, but far from his best work. Wonderful character development as always, though the story kind of dragged on unnecessarily in several places. Beautiful narration by Humphrey Bower who is the best in the business.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent

I love listening to any book by Bryce Courtenay that come alive with the amazing talents of Humphrey Bower.
How he portrays the characters and brings Bryce Courtney books alive is truly amazing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Another epic tale

Have read most of Bryce Coryenay's books each one a masterpiece in its own right, Thank you for the entertainment, the education and the opportunity to connect with others who also adore your amazing stories. Jack of Diamonds is set at a great time of our musical history. Enjoyed being transported into the exciting life of a master jazz piano and harmonica playing poker man.

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