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Jack of Diamonds

3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 · rating details · 288 ratings · 71 reviews

During the Great Depression there was little hope for a boy born into the slums of Cabbagetown, Toronto. But Jack Spayd is offered a ticket out in the form of a Hohner harmonica, won by his brutal drunken father in a late-night card game. Jack makes music as a way of escaping his surroundings, and his talent leads him to a jazz club and, eventually, to the jazz piano.

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Hardcover, 705 pages

Published November 12th 2012 by Penguin Australia (first published November 2012)

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Mar 04, 2013 Tania rated it 1 of 5 stars

Don't you hate it when you're so looking forward to a book, and then (maybe because of the high expectations) it's so disappointing you can't even finish it. After reading 400 pages I gave up on Jack. He is just oh so perfect - best at school, music prodigy, so attractive, poker expert etc. I started hoping that something bad would happen to him, so I could feel something for him, and it would become more than just a story. And I really wanted to like this as it was Bryce Courtenay's last book,...more Don't you hate it when you're so looking forward to a book, and then (maybe because of the high expectations) it's so disappointing you can't even finish it. After reading 400 pages I gave up on Jack. He is just oh so perfect - best at school, music prodigy, so attractive, poker expert etc. I started hoping that something bad would happen to him, so I could feel something for him, and it would become more than just a story. And I really wanted to like this as it was Bryce Courtenay's last book, and I thoroughly enjoyed some of his previous work, like Whitethorn and potato factory, but that was years ago. So if you are a current fan I'm sure you'll enjoy this, my husband loved it.

The story: Born and raised in a poor, working-class family in Toronto, Jack Spayd is the son of an unhappy marriage. But when he is given a harmonica as a young boy, he discovers a talent for music that will change his life forever. 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. After the death of his mother, he travels to Las Vegas and finds work in the clubs there, but is increasingly drawn to gambling. He earns a reputation as a good player, which brings him to the attention of the mafia. Jack wants to join the professional circuit, and to do that he needs serious money behind him. It's this need that sees him travel 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. He gradually falls in love with Africa - and then with a beautiful Ethiopian woman. They move to London, where they bring up a daughter who becomes a supermodel. In a dramatic twist, the story returns to Africa - and to a fortune in diamonds. 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.

See it still sounds brilliant.(less)

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Jan 10, 2013 Exoticbrett rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: general-fiction

I have a love/hate relationship with Bryce Courtenay's novels. I don't believe he's a great writer. But occasionally amongst the overwriting and repetitiveness, there's a quote-worthy gem to be found. The Power of One had plenty. This one, not so much. Way too long, but nothing some razor-sharp editing couldn't fix, and has a slight soap opera/tv movie feel about it, but it does pick up in the last 200 pages or so (particularly the African scenes).

There's no denying he can tell a story, and if y...more I have a love/hate relationship with Bryce Courtenay's novels. I don't believe he's a great writer. But occasionally amongst the overwriting and repetitiveness, there's a quote-worthy gem to be found. The Power of One had plenty. This one, not so much. Way too long, but nothing some razor-sharp editing couldn't fix, and has a slight soap opera/tv movie feel about it, but it does pick up in the last 200 pages or so (particularly the African scenes).

There's no denying he can tell a story, and if you forgive his long-windedness, his stories are great distractions from life, and that's all that you can ask of a storyteller, or anyone practising a craft. I love how there's always been an anti-racism message throughout his books, and it's something I truly admired about him. And many of his overwritten tomes have been great companions to me during many a hard time.

I can say the same thing about many authors and their stories being companions, but I discovered Bryce during my formative years and I hold a deep connection to the Power of One, as it was the first book I connected with my wife over. I like to think Peekay's story brought us closer together when we first met and helped us form a deeper connection. It was the first story I'd read in my life that truly inspired me beyond the pages. And Bryce is the only best-selling author I've met and shook hands with (I have a signed copy and the photo to prove it). It's a moment that I'll never forget, because I remember his warmth and the joy he radiated, and the way he held your hand and covered it with his own two hands (but not in a creepy way!) and held the pose while he smiled into your eyes and spoke of his own sons. Possibly a marketing scheme, but it sure worked on me. No matter how dreary and repetitive some of his novels may have been, the stories were always there. And now that he's gone I realise just how much he did mean to me.

Goodbye, Bryce, thanks for all the stories. You were a true gem. Christmas will never be the same. Hope you're in a better place. R.I.P.(less)

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Mar 31, 2013 Kathleen Hagen added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-audio

Jack of Diamonds, by Bryce Courtenay, Narrated by Humphrey Bowers, Produced by Bolinda Publishing, Downloaded from audible.com.

And here we come to Bryce Courtenay’s very last book. He passed away very soon after finishing it. In this book he places his hero, Jack, in Toronto Canada. He has a father who is a drunk and beats his mother and him. Finally, with the help of the police chief, they rid the family of the father, who moves on to live with someone else. Jack has wonderful musical talent ea...more

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Dec 16, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Bryce Courtney will always be one of my favorite authors, the way he is able to evoke such emotion out of simple things in his novels truly inspires my love for reading. I am definitely at a loss now he has passed away; and I feel a void where his characters always danced to life in my imagination.

This book was very different to the Bryce I have been reading; but none-the-less it is a beautiful journey of Jack growing up through adverse situations and overall overcoming the odds (haha no pun in...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Peter rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Bryce Courtenay is a superb story teller but Jack of Diamonds was far too long. The first 350 pages covered Jack Spayd's upbringing and this could've been condensed into a punchy 100 pages. The book actually gets interesting when Las Vegas and the Mafia are introduced and Courtenay cleverly blends the true life events regarding the building of the Flamingo, Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky into his story. I read about 25 pages a night up until about half way...I finished the last half in two nights...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Cathy Smith rated it 2 of 5 stars

It seems like The Power Of One story line revisited in a Canadian setting with music replacing boxing.

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May 31, 2013 Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013

Wow, Bryce Courtenay has sure gone out with a bang! I was captured right from the beginning and loved everything about this book. The story starts during the Depression in Canada and follows a young boy called Jack Spayd. He is given a harmonica by an abusive father for his 8th birthday. This harmonica soon shapes his life. The story follows Jack as he becomes a professional jazz pianist starting in Toronto, to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to Las Vegas where he meets the love of his life and gets ent...more

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May 26, 2013 Bev rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have read many of Bryce Courtenay's books, but not his most admired, The Power of One. I listened to this one, and have to say that yes, the story was quite slow. Listening to the acknowledgements, however, where the author praises good storytellers,(noting that this is how he would like to be remembered), I gladly admit that Bryce, you could spin a yarn! And listening, instead of reading, made that less laborious. Of course, Humphrey Bower who is now a favourite narrator ( I also listened to...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Bruce McNair rated it 5 of 5 stars

My first Bryce Courtenay book. And I must say I wasn't disappointed. The story follows Jack Spayd from childhood in the slums of Toronto during the Great Depression. Through the various life decisions he makes to become a great Jazz pianist and more than useful poker player. Unfortunately he falls foul of the Mafia in Las Vegas and high tails it to Africa, where unfortunately he falls foul of the miners he works with. But it all ends well in London. A very entertaining book in which the master s...more

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Feb 22, 2013 Katherine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Read" it by listing to audio CD's on the way to/from Florida. Loved it! My first intro to Bryce, and his last novel before he passed away late last year. He's an amazing storyteller. He's an Australian and the book takes place in Canada and the US, so I was doubly impressed with his knowledge of American and Canadian history, politics, and music. Of course, his insights into human character are universal. I really appreciated the audio gift from the friend to gave this to me, and introduction t...more

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May 27, 2013 Jackie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-fiction

I wanted to adore this book, and see one last masterpiece from one of Australia’s best-loved authors. I remember reading "The Power of One" as a teenager, and it had a profound effect on me, leaving an indelible imprint of a harsh African vista and a powerful punch to the solar plexus. Boxing, boys, apartheid and the most wonderful and horrible characters. Who will ever forget the black prisoners standing up to the brutal prison guards, and the carnage that followed? I next delved head-first int...more I wanted to adore this book, and see one last masterpiece from one of Australia’s best-loved authors. I remember reading "The Power of One" as a teenager, and it had a profound effect on me, leaving an indelible imprint of a harsh African vista and a powerful punch to the solar plexus. Boxing, boys, apartheid and the most wonderful and horrible characters. Who will ever forget the black prisoners standing up to the brutal prison guards, and the carnage that followed? I next delved head-first into "The Potato Factory", and was mesmerised once more by conniving characters and a protagonist who endured so much - and overcame it all - to our intense satisfaction.

I don’t know if I’m just a more discerning reader now, but I’m sorry to say that I didn’t enjoy Jack of Diamonds nearly as much as I would have liked to. I don’t think this was all Mr Courtney’s fault – he was on a deadline that no publisher could negotiate with, as he sadly passed away late last year. So I will say that the faults of this book are mainly in the editing – a good editor would have done the tale justice. Alas, it was full of repetition and paragraphs ordered about the wrong way, and spoilers for the very chapter he was about to reveal to us. Maybe it’s a sign of the times of reduced editing budgets of the publishing industry these days. But I’d like to think that, had Mr Courtney more time, he’d have ironed out the kinks.

The other major fault I found with this book is that things were too easy for the protagonist (Jack), and he was also a little arrogant. I just didn’t warm to him, he seemed to excel at everything he turned his hand to, and although he came from poor circumstances and his father was an abusive drunk, none of this seemed to penetrate Jack’s world in a profound way. There’s a curious thing in literature where as readers we want to see the stakes raised, and (whether we know it or not) see our hero flounder. But he breezed through life and as a result I didn’t care as much as I should have. It wasn’t until he was truly in hot water some way through the book that I finally cared about our hero, and was fearful for what would happen to him. But by then I’d already invested a good amount of time and the payback was not worth it. Unfortunately it was a struggle to finish the book, and it’s only because I’m so stubborn that I read to the very last page.

Sorry to say, I only gave the book 2 stars. A sad way for a wonderful writer and human being to end his career and his legacy to publishing in Australia. I’ll rather remember him for influencing my late teenage years and will love him always – thanks Bryce, for the memories - rest in peace.(less)

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Dec 18, 2012 Tony Nielsen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I had mixed feelings about Jack of Diamonds on two fronts. Firstly I knew it was Bryce Courtenay's 21st and final book, in fact he died before I got to start it. Secondly although I have read all of his novels and really liked many of them, of late I felt that they were getting a little on the "soppy" side, even condescending, dare I say it. By the time I was halfway through this one I was already marking it down as a 2 or 3 stars, but I then got drawn more into the story. Jack is a self depreca...more

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May 26, 2013 Matt rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook

Courtenay's final book is as much a treat for the reader as any of his previous literary works. Set in the bustling city of Toronto (Canada) in the middle of the Depression, Courtenay paints a picture of the Canadian inter-war years and the struggles of a poor boy trying to make sense of life and all its obstacles. What begins as a wonderful story of young Jack Spayd, who discovers the wonders of music, turns into a great tale of love, adventure, and the power of self-discovery. The reader is tr...more Courtenay's final book is as much a treat for the reader as any of his previous literary works. Set in the bustling city of Toronto (Canada) in the middle of the Depression, Courtenay paints a picture of the Canadian inter-war years and the struggles of a poor boy trying to make sense of life and all its obstacles. What begins as a wonderful story of young Jack Spayd, who discovers the wonders of music, turns into a great tale of love, adventure, and the power of self-discovery. The reader is treated to numerous life phases/stories, each that could stand on its own, following the life of Jack and all those who cross his path. In true Courtenay style, the book makes numerous major turns, unforeseen during the story's progression, and the reader is forced to hang on for face being left behind. A story that is sure to touch the heart and open the eyes of the reader, Courtenay may have saved some of his best writing for last.

While some draw strong parallels to The Power of One, I found this book to stand nicely on its own. Courtenay has written some spectacular series, though his stand alone novels are just as thorough and leave the reader with an uncanny connection to the characters woven into the story. No two books are alike and the stories seem to flow from his mind as freely as the open sea. These books stand the test of time and will entertain readers for years to come. Start with any book (well, unless you read the series) and dive in. Expect to be blown away and become a quick Courtenay addict.

If I had to offer a small criticism it would be that the last segment of the book seems to rush through to the end. This is so unlike Courtenay, who used hours and hours of audiobook narration to paint the wonderful pictures of life in Canada, and then seems to drop the story off the edge of a cliff and quickly wrap itself up in the last few hours. I might speculate that Courtenay was trying to tie up loose ends to finish the book before the cancer that overtook him made finishing this book all but impossible. This is, of course, only idle speculation, though is totally out of character for him.

No Courtenay book would be complete without commenting on the work done by Humphrey Bower. His melodious voice brings the reader/listener to the edge of their seat as they weave through the many adventures Courtenay lays out. Accents and nuances are no issue for Bower, who appears able to do anything put before him. Nothing is too daunting and his trademark narration gives a Courtenay book even more power. I will sadly miss Bower almost as much as Courtenay, as it was the former who presented the latter's work to me in all but a few occasions.

Rest in peace, Mr. Courtenay, and know that your name has become synonymous with excellent writing, powerful storytelling, and the ability to draw attention to social issues without making the reader feel browbeaten. I will miss you, and your writing, as will a vast number of people around the world!
(less)

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Jun 03, 2013 Garry rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am really sorry. I have heard (audio books) all of Bryce Courtney books. BUT this one simply left me empty. It was like I have heard it all before - drunk abusive father, poor mother, no money, struggling, boy has a gift, finds a mentor, has troubles - heard it all before? I actually ended up hating it and I have enjoyed some really great listenings from Bryce like the Persimmon Tree Potato Factory Jessica but Jack of Diamonds was very poor

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Jan 26, 2013 Emma rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An OK read, quite repetitive and at times, boring. Storyline was quite simple, but like some of his other novels, quite emotionally charged. Nice finish as I thought we wouldn't know what happened to him. Nowhere near as good as The power of one, or the potato factory books.
The description by good reads is incorrect. His mother didn't die before he went to Las Vegas.

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Mar 16, 2013 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love Bryce Courtenay as an author. This book was not one of my favorites, but then in the epilogue it sounded like he thought this was last book he would probably write. This made me like the story a little more for the sentimental aspect. It's still an interesting story and well written, just not my favorite of his.

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Jan 09, 2013 Leanne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Very much looking forward to this book, must say that I would not have kept reading after about 40 pages if it wasn't the last book. Very slow to get started, once I got about a third of the way in, it started to pick up. All in all, an enjoyable read but one of his best. Really like how although the book ended up in the air, by the time I had finished I was quite satisfied with the result (not to give too much away)

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Jan 07, 2013 Kim Clarke rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A really great send off for Bryce Courtenay with his last book. I enjoyed reading a Canadian version of history for a change and greatly enjoyed his rendering of Cabbagetown. I thank him for adding a short follow up to the book at the end as he knew he was sick and would never finish a proper trilogy.

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Feb 01, 2013 Jilly Lind rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

None of Courtenays' books will ever quite compare to reading The power of one but because of The Power of One I always keep coming back for more. I felt particularly sentimental about this book knowing this was his last. A good yarn with some lovable supporting characters. Bryce Courtenay you are an amazing writer and man you will be missed.

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May 16, 2013 Jane Durbridge rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Editor? Hello? Why did we need to know facts over and over again - if I read Rachmaninoff one more time I was going to stop (not really. I wanted to finish it for bookclub and it was an easy to read although unbelievable story).

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May 08, 2013 Kiwileese rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have to say this book was far to drawn out snd Jack was just a little bit too perfect but Bryce can be forgiven with it being his final book, i just know that he had that story to tell and he made it come. RIP Bryce, ive loved your books over the years and im glad i persisted with your last. You will be missed

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Jun 16, 2013 Andrew Bishop added it · review of another edition

And so with some sadness i finished reading Bryce Courtenay's last book, Jack of Diamonds. For nearly half my life I have read the numerous stories that Bryce Courtenay penned starting with the Power of One. A great author and a magical story teller who is sadly missed. However never to be forgotten with the creation of many worlds and characters and Jack of Diamonds is characteristic of these creations. Following Jack Spade's life from the poverty stricken areas of Toronto through to Las Vegas...more

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May 05, 2013 Angela rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

As this was Mr. Courtenay's last book and was for the most part sent in Toronto, Canada I was very eager to read this book. It started out a bit like ANGELA'S ASHES with the terrible povery, drunken abusive father, loving father.

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Feb 01, 2013 Janine Sanford rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really enjoyed this book. I haven't enjoyed a Bryce Courteany one this much for quite a few years. It's not up there with Power of One, but it was a really great read. Going to miss Bryce Courtenay.

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Apr 30, 2013 Anne Matthews rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One of the best books I have read in a long time! Obviously written just before the author passed & he wrote a touching prologue knowing that he would not live long enough to write the sequel.

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Jan 21, 2013 Don Glass rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was not the best book by Bryce, but still a great story. If your looking for a music playing gambling man who travels the world then this is your book. Check it out you won't be disappointed.

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May 04, 2013 Cherie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: alphabet-challenge

I am honered to have chosen to read Mr. Courtenay's last book as my first of his, and I am looking forward to reading his other 20.

It was a long story, but a good one. It was well written and the characters all seemed very real. I thought it dragged just a little in places, but I did not really mind.

I learned about jazz music and early Las Vegas in Nevada, USA. About piano bars and gambling, not to mention about Cabbagetown, near Toronto, in Quebec, Canada. I learned a little about Canada's in...more

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Jan 23, 2013 Suzanne Patterson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was everything I expected from Bryce Courtney a wonderful spellbinding story, once I started reading I couldn't put it down I was just drawn to it...

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Jan 02, 2013 Madi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: owned

I was on the edge of my seat reading this book and was devastated once I finished. The world is a little less bright with the wonderful author gone.

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Mar 06, 2013 Leeanne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great book, similar ending to one of his other books. Soo sad that he recently passed. I will never get to meet my favourite author.

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About Bryce Courtenay

I was born illegitimately in 1933 in South Africa and spent my early childhood years in a small town deep in the heart of the Lebombo mountains.

It was a somewhat isolated community and I grew up among farm folk and the African people. At the age of five I was sent to a boarding school which might be better described as a combination orphanage and reform school, where I learned to box - though less...more

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