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The Diamond Hunter

Fiona McIntosh (Goodreads Author)

4.10 · Rating details · 1,417 ratings · 123 reviews

‘It won’t matter how many diamonds you find if you lose the love of your child.’

When six-year-old Clementine Knight loses her mother to malaria during the 1870s diamond rush in southern Africa, she is left to be raised by her destitute, alcoholic father, James. Much of Clementine’s care falls to their trusty Zulu companion, Joseph One-Shoe, and the unlikely pair form an un ...more

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ebook, 432 pages

Published July 9th 2020 by Ebury Digital (first published November 1st 2019)

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Jun 26, 2020 Brenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-authors, 2019-release, historical-fiction, own-read

Clementine Knight loved her father, James, and Joseph One-Shoe, Zulu companion and partner in the diamond diggings of Africa. Clem’s mother had passed when she was six years old of malaria, and her father was distraught at her loss. He turned to the bottle to drown his sorrows, so Clem’s care fell to Joseph more and more often. But Clem dearly loved the two most important men in her life, and although she ran wild through their shanty town of New Rush and had no liking for school, she was a brig ...more

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Dec 10, 2019 Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: review-book, 2019-books, aww2019, first-reads

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

4.5 stars

I have to concur with the cover quote, provided by fellow book reviewer Book’d Out, which states, ‘Fiona McIntosh is an extraordinary storyteller.’ McIntosh returns with her annual historical release, The Diamond Hunter. This new tale from one of our most gifted Australian novelists takes the reader from the harsh grounds of the diamond hunting trade in Southern Africa, through to the bustling streets of England’s capital, and to a wealthy estate in *https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

4.5 stars

I have to concur with the cover quote, provided by fellow book reviewer Book’d Out, which states, ‘Fiona McIntosh is an extraordinary storyteller.’ McIntosh returns with her annual historical release, The Diamond Hunter. This new tale from one of our most gifted Australian novelists takes the reader from the harsh grounds of the diamond hunting trade in Southern Africa, through to the bustling streets of England’s capital, and to a wealthy estate in Northumberland. Along the way, we bear witness to a consuming tale of love, family ties, commitments, honour, betrayal, trust, secrets and lies. The Diamond Hunter hooked me in from the first sentence, until the final word of Fiona McIntosh’s latest historical tale.

When The Diamond Hunter opens we are acquainted with a young girl by the name of Clementine Knight. It is a sad introduction to this child’s life, as Clementine’s mother passes away from malaria, while her family are based in Southern Africa, as part of the diamond rush. It is a family tragedy that leaves little Clementine in the care of her father, who is ravaged by grief and fueled by alcohol. Clementine turns to a gentle male figure in her life, a Zulu man affectionately named Joseph One-Shoe, who is her family’s companion. Together, this unlikely pair form a friendship that withstands time, distance and class relations. The discovery of a spectacular diamond marks the beginning of yet another tragedy for Clementine to weather. The unearthing of this gem and the events that transpire following the discovery of this rare diamond sends Clementine back to her family’s ancestral home, back in England. As for that very special diamond… it vanishes, without a trace. We follow Clementine’s life as she grows into a young woman of great respect and décor. However, Clementine cannot put the past behind her, despite her privileged status. She is plagued by memories of her upbringing in Africa, along with her loyal companion Joseph. It sends Clementine on a vital quest to finally put the past to rest, with startling and upsetting revelations. Questions of justice, entitlement and integrity prevail in this unforgettable historical undertaking.

The period in the lead up to Christmas is always a highly anticipated time of the year for me as a reader and I’m sure I’m not alone. We have so many wonderful releases to look forward to indulging in over the holiday period. Fiona McIntosh is an author who is always on the very top of my list when it comes to Christmas releases, though I did sneak The Diamond Hunter in prior to the Christmas holiday period. I am so glad I did as I enjoyed it immensely.

The Diamond Hunter sees Fiona McIntosh travel a little further back in the history books compared to her more recent releases. We are immersed in the world inhabited by Clementine Knight, accompanying her father, who is a diamond hunter by trade and her mother in Kimberley, Southern Africa. We soon develop a strong picture of this location and time period. Kimberley is the site for the diamond excavation trade, where prospectors came to uncover Africa’s riches, in the form of diamonds. Clementine’s father strikes it lucky in this department, but it is tainted by the loss of his wife to malaria. This is a pivotal life event that impacts the family greatly. It leads to further tragedy and eventually, Clementine must leave Africa for her family’s home back in Northern England. I did feel that the African based sequences were the far more superior aspects of The Diamond Hunter. McIntosh excels in her depiction of the sights, sounds, actions and way of life of the ambitious diamond hunters of Southern Africa. Part one of The Diamond Hunter was seeped in a heavy, but deeply satisfying history, that I absolutely consumed.

Part two of The Diamond Hunter changes tack and we are transported to the streets of London, followed by the entitled way of life inhabited by Clementine and her family in Northumberland. Clementine is now a grown woman. She has her own opinions, expectations and aspirations. On the whole, I found Clementine a very appealing, accepting and a non judgmental character. Clementine stands by her beliefs with a sense of conviction that I admired. Loosely tied into this segment of the book is the gentle romance that sparks between Clementine and a prospective suitor by the name of Will Axford. Their accompanying love story is plagued by some woes, concerns and acts of righteousness. However, I found the romance understated and it never seemed to detract from the central mystery of Clementine’s unresolved past. The questionable actions of Clementine’s uncle, who is charged with her care, ignites a journey into the past. Clementine’s expedition unearths some surprising and shocking revelations. Clementine’s uncle Reggie was a man that I really had trouble with, I seemed to sit on the fence in regards to his character. It is hard to go into this any further, without revealing pertinent details about the book, but this character issued me with quite a moral dilemma!

I think readers will really embrace the touching friendships that spurns between Clementine and Joseph One-Shoe in Africa. This is a defining part of the novel that gives the book a great deal of heart. It demonstrates that we can never truly leave our past behind, and there are special people that enter our lives that we can never cast aside. The pairing of Clementine and Joseph was quite unusual at first glance, but when I read further into the author’s helpful notes at the close of the book, I was appreciative of the personal motivations on behalf of Fiona McIntosh’s portrayal of this unlikely bond. Through the character of Joseph One-Shoe and his background, we bear witness to a world marked by injustice and prejudice. A glimpse into the world of compounds in the region in which the African based scenes in the book were based simply broke my heart. However, I am glad that I am now aware of the existence of these enclosures. My sincere thanks go out to Fiona McIntosh for all her detailed research in this aspect of the book and the novel’s historical footing in general.

A tumultuous journey awaits the reader by the close of The Diamond Hunter, where disclosures about the past are finally aired, revealing a nest of lies, secrets, deception and treachery. Clementine is finally able to lay the ghosts of the past to rest, with sense of restitution and acceptance. The question of Clementine’s future happiness hangs in the balance as The Diamond Hunter reaches its inevitable, but unforgettable conclusion. The Diamond Hunter is another triumph from one of our country’s most treasured storytellers and it is one book you really need to luxuriate in over the upcoming Christmas holidays.

*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.

The Diamond Hunter is book #150 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge ...more

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Jun 28, 2020 Andrea rated it really liked it

Shelves: australian-author, group-read, around-the-world-2020, fiction-foreign-locale, audio

Another engrossing tale from an exceptional storyteller. The details and attitudes of the era are conveyed so authentically, the reader will be transported to the South African diamond-rush days of the 1870s, as well as the drawing rooms and gentlemen's clubs of Victorian England.

Clementine Knight is only 7 years old, and being raised at the diamond pit by her grieving, alcoholic father and his dependable Zulu business partner, when her uncle Reggie Grant comes to visit. He's travelled to New Ru Another engrossing tale from an exceptional storyteller. The details and attitudes of the era are conveyed so authentically, the reader will be transported to the South African diamond-rush days of the 1870s, as well as the drawing rooms and gentlemen's clubs of Victorian England.

Clementine Knight is only 7 years old, and being raised at the diamond pit by her grieving, alcoholic father and his dependable Zulu business partner, when her uncle Reggie Grant comes to visit. He's travelled to New Rush to bring Clementine home to England to fulfil the wishes of her dying grandmother. It's a fateful visit, but a successful one from Reggie's point of view.

Fast forward a couple of decades and Clem Grant is about to turn 30, whereupon she will come into her inheritance, making her an independently wealthy young woman. At the same time, Reggie's business interests are at risk and the bank is threatening to foreclose. Reggie and Clem have developed a comfortable father/daughter relationship over the years, so she has no inkling of the lengths he is prepared to go to to save himself and protect the name of the Grant family. It is only when he introduces her to young insurance broker Will Axford that Clem begins to question her uncle's motives and wonder what happened to the diamonds her father discovered all those years ago.

It's a good straightforward story, with a number of strong, well-rounded characters. Clem is a young woman ahead of her time, and Reggie is a villain with some redeeming qualities. There were a couple of times things got a bit sentimental, but in fact it suited the storyline so I won't hold that against the author. What I liked about this book the most was being able to benefit from McIntosh's clearly meticulous research into the locations and the period. I really enjoyed her descriptions of the landscapes, the clothes, the food and the interiors. The Author's Note at the end also lent some poignancy to one of the key relationships in the story. Very nicely done.

...more

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Apr 09, 2020 Gloria Arthur rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: the-bookshelf

The Diamond Hunter is the latest book from extraordinary storyteller Fiona McIntosh. It is a grand historical romantic drama that is packed full of adventure, is told in two timelines and set in both Africa and England.

The story begins in the diamond rush and vast empty wilderness of South Africa during the 1870’s.
James Knight hopes to make his fortune and travels to South Africa with his young family to start a new life at the Kimberley diamond mine where they would initially live rough in a ...more

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Jun 27, 2020 Jeanette Lewis rated it really liked it

Shelves: aussie-authors

This read incorporates a great wealth of information regarding the lucrative diamond mines of South Africa. Whilst many will recognise the De Beers name who it's believed still controls many aspects regarding the price of diamonds, the background history like many throughout the new world is one of people desperate to make that one big find and to what lengths they take to achieve it.

When Louisa Grant makes the decision to marry and follow James Knight she leaves behind a life of love, wealth an This read incorporates a great wealth of information regarding the lucrative diamond mines of South Africa. Whilst many will recognise the De Beers name who it's believed still controls many aspects regarding the price of diamonds, the background history like many throughout the new world is one of people desperate to make that one big find and to what lengths they take to achieve it.

When Louisa Grant makes the decision to marry and follow James Knight she leaves behind a life of love, wealth and security to an uncertain future. His promise to take her to Australia changes and instead she finds herself living with her small daughter Clementine in a tent city in the diamond fields of Kimberley South Africa.

Louisa's death leaves Clementine in the hands of her father who now carries the guilt of her mother's death; his drinking addiction increases. Their Zulu partner, named by Clemetine as Joseph One-Shoe because he wears only one shoe while the other foot remains bare, finds himself almost the sole carer of Clementine for whom he has become very attached to and vice versa.

Woodingdene Estate, England is the home of Clementine's remaining family, Reggie who is the half brother of Louise born to Henry Grant's mistress and Lilian Grant is his widow. The two despise each other. However when a letter from South Africa arrives informing them of the death of Louisa, Lilian who is ill, with reluctance makes peace with Reggie and implores him to travel South Africa and bring Clementine back to the family home before she dies.

It's with some trepidation that Reggie travels to Kimberley, the ox cart travel and rough desert life is in stark contrast to that of Woodingdene. Even so, there is at least a gentlemen's club where he can indulge himself. He has no regard for James Knight for the way he has treated Louisa and is wary that the situation could become very difficult. Still, he made a promise to Lilian and with travel tickets for James and Clementine he starts his search for them.

James Knight and the Zulu on the other hand have had a great find. This changes many things for this trio but James is out of his depth, still carrying the guilt of Louisa, his own failing health and concern for Clementine his drinking worsens and after such a session he runs into Reggie Grant with dire consequences for himself.

The story moves to the adult Clementine now happily living at Woodingdene although unknown to her Reggie has the estate in deep financial trouble as well as large personal gambling debts and while he covers this up well to his niece he finds himself forced into an action to try and refinance the estate and as a subsequence the secret of events are revealed when in South Africa. Clementine with all that she now has is pressed with the need to find Joseph One-Shoe and if possible discover the truth of events that had unfolded at Kimberley. ...more

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Dec 29, 2019 Helen rated it it was amazing

This is the first book from MS McIntosh that I have read and it won’t be the last, she transported me back to the diamond rush days in Africa it is 1870’s when we get to meet six year old Clementine Knight and share her moving journey to adulthood.

James and Louisa Knight with their daughter Clementine are leaving the wealth and England that Louisa is used to make a new life in Australia, James is a poor Scotsman, an engineer but he loves his wife and daughter, but when the ship reaches Africa Ja This is the first book from MS McIntosh that I have read and it won’t be the last, she transported me back to the diamond rush days in Africa it is 1870’s when we get to meet six year old Clementine Knight and share her moving journey to adulthood.

James and Louisa Knight with their daughter Clementine are leaving the wealth and England that Louisa is used to make a new life in Australia, James is a poor Scotsman, an engineer but he loves his wife and daughter, but when the ship reaches Africa James decides that staying here and searching for diamonds will change their lives, life doesn’t turn out the way he thought when his beloved Louisa loses her life to Malaria and he is left to bring his daughter up in a shanty town, but they have befriended a Zulu warrior who Clem names Joseph One- Shoe, Joseph and Clem share a special bond, they teach each other so much and life goes on.

Joseph and James finally find the big rock they have been searching for and it is time for a return to England but when James brother in law Reggie arrives to take Clementine back to the Grant family and her heritage and the life he feels she should have, things change when James loses his life and Reggie takes young Clem away from Joseph the man who has been a father to her and the diamonds disappear.

Clementine grows up in wealth looked after by her uncle, they have a good life and although Clem never forgets Joseph a lot of her memories of her life have been buried, that is until Will comes into her life and memories are starting to return and she wants to solve the mystery of the diamonds and find Joseph One-Shoe.

This is a compelling story one that had me turning the pages, beautifully written the settings and the scenery feel so real, the characters come to life and the story is moving and poignant, the love and bond that a young Clem and Joseph share is beautiful, I loved this one and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great read, this is a story to fall into with lots of emotions, thank you MS McIntosh and Penguin Books Australia.
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Jan 03, 2020 Theresa Smith rated it it was amazing

Shelves: aww2020

The Diamond Hunter is a rich and full story in the tradition of a grand Victorian family saga. I really enjoyed this latest release by Fiona McIntosh. There is so much happening within the pages of this story, yet, it’s all perfectly paced with a stellar plot that had me entranced from start to finish.

‘She felt instantly illuminated and free. It was as if a door was yawning open and she was being ushered through it – back to childhood, the butterfly her guide. She could smell Africa; she could t The Diamond Hunter is a rich and full story in the tradition of a grand Victorian family saga. I really enjoyed this latest release by Fiona McIntosh. There is so much happening within the pages of this story, yet, it’s all perfectly paced with a stellar plot that had me entranced from start to finish.

‘She felt instantly illuminated and free. It was as if a door was yawning open and she was being ushered through it – back to childhood, the butterfly her guide. She could smell Africa; she could taste it on the wind and hear the haunting sounds of the wilderness in her soul. It was spring in Kimberley and butterflies were emerging to paint the air with their bright orange wings. As a child she had always thought that a famed artist must have come up with the elegant design painted on their wings, the orange striking against the black and white tips.’

There were characters within this story that I loved, some that I hated, and some that had so many shades of grey to them that I couldn’t settle on anything other than empathy. You know you’re reading a special book when both the characters and the plot stand out as exceptional. I loved the history that this story builds from: the diamonds, Africa, female emancipation, the emancipation of slaves; all set against a backdrop of the British Empire in the Victorian era.

‘Don’t feel bad, feel driven – take action. There’s always room for more compassion in the world.’

Inspired in part by the author’s own childhood, I felt that this story had a realistic edge to it that nudged it over the line from being a good book to a great one. Issues were portrayed with both historical accuracy and sensitivity, a delicate balance that only very skilled writers seem able to accomplish. It’s no wonder Fiona McIntosh is one of Australia’s favourite authors with a long waiting list for her masterclasses. She sure knows how to craft a brilliantly captivating story. Highly recommended.

Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of The Diamond Hunter for review. ...more

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Jun 09, 2020 Kylie H rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, drama

This is a historical fiction book that starts out in the diamond diggings of South Africa in the 1870's. Clementine Knight is a young child who loses her mother to illness then lives with her father James and a Zulu she refers to as Joseph One-Shoe. A series of unfortunate events soon sees her back in England being raised by her deceased mothers wealthy family.
The story then leaps ahead about 20 years when Clementine is an established woman about to come into her large family inheritance that ha ...more

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Nov 24, 2019 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-author, arc-are, provided-by-publisher

From a ramshackle, dusty miners camp in Southern Africa, to the green countryside of northern England, and the bustling city of London, Fiona McIntosh takes us on a journey of heartbreak, trust, betrayal, and love in her latest historical fiction novel, The Diamond Hunter.

Clementine is just six when her well-born mother succumbs to malaria on the plains of Southern Africa where her father, James, has brought them, determined to make his fortune during the 1870's gold rush in Africa. With his wif From a ramshackle, dusty miners camp in Southern Africa, to the green countryside of northern England, and the bustling city of London, Fiona McIntosh takes us on a journey of heartbreak, trust, betrayal, and love in her latest historical fiction novel, The Diamond Hunter.

Clementine is just six when her well-born mother succumbs to malaria on the plains of Southern Africa where her father, James, has brought them, determined to make his fortune during the 1870's gold rush in Africa. With his wife’s death, James obsession to prove his worth grows and he stakes a claim in a nearby diamond mine, but haunted by grief and guilt, both the working of the claim, and the care of Clementine, is largely left to his partner, Joseph One-Shoe, a Zulu warrior.
Just as Joseph uncovers a large diamond that will ensure a secure future for them all, tragedy strikes, and Clementine has no choice but to return to England in the care of her Uncle to claim her birthright as the only legitimate heir of the wealthy Grant family.

Clementine is a wonderful character, as a child she is sweetly precocious, adoring both her father, despite his obvious flaws, and Joseph One-Shoe, whose love for her is achingly tender. Though still only a child when she returns to a life of privilege in England, as she grows Clementine remains grounded, and I found her to be an appealing heroine.
Joseph One-Shoe is also a delight, a Zulu warrior with a largely unpronounceable name, it’s is Clementine that christens him due to his preference of wearing just one shoe in order to remain connected to the land. In her Author’s Notes, McIntosh reveals she based his character on a young African man who was hired to care for her and her family while they lived in a gold mining camp in Africa during the 1960’s.

Reggie Grant, Clementine’s Uncle, is perhaps the most complex character in the novel, neither a hero nor a villain, he is both laudable, and deeply flawed. His actions are the catalyst for the questions that arise surrounding the death of Clementine’s father, driving her to determine the truth.

There is a touch of romance introduced to the plot when Clementine meets Will Axford, an underwriter for Lloyd’s of London. While somewhat conservative in his thinking, Will is a good match for her, in that he is plain spoken and honourable, though perhaps to a fault. The unresolved nature of their relationship is unusual for McIntosh, and I wonder if perhaps the author has plans to return to this story.

As always, McIntosh's deftly weaves historical fact into her fiction. The story is meticulously researched, and her descriptions evocative, particularly in terms of her depiction of the frenzy surrounding the diamond rush, and the settlement that grew around ‘The Hole’, which later became the capital city of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, Kimberley. The author also includes some general insight into the diamond trade during the period, and alludes to Lloyd’s of London’s first steps in expanding beyond marine policies.

Beautifully written with authentic characterisation and detail, The Diamond Hunter is a captivating read from, as I’m quoted on the back cover, an extraordinary storyteller. ...more

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Dec 20, 2019 Anna Loder rated it it was amazing

What an epic! What a story! Absolutely loved it. Covers some enormous themes while you just feel you are being told a story. Class structure, race relations, wealth, self determination..absolute gold. I just loved it

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Oct 10, 2020 Craig / Phil rated it really liked it

A leader in the historical fiction genre, Fiona McIntosh has always been a must read.
The Diamond Hunter is no different, a sweeping saga that transports the reader to the 1800’s to a stately manor in London and the diamond fields in Africa.
A dazzling, exciting story of love, trust, betrayal, adventure and conclusively the truth.
Clementine Knight is six years old and lives with her broke grieving, alcoholic father, James.
Losing her mother to malaria she is left in the care of her father’s trusted ...more

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Nov 23, 2019 Carolyn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Diamond Hunter by Fiona McIntosh is not only Book of the Month but Book of the Year!

Set mostly in Africa and some parts of England we find Clementine who loses her mother to malaria during the 1870's diamond rush in Africa.

Clementine develops a close bond and friendship with a Zulu warrior, named Joseph One-Shoe.

A huge diamond is discovered and uncovered in a hidden place which leads to many different stories.

See if you can seek and find the diamond trail and the mystery surrounding the diam ...more

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Nov 30, 2019 Janine rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-author, historical-fiction

Another great book by Fiona McIntosh. Clementine was a wonderful character and her early life in South Africa was fascinating.

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Nov 25, 2019 Julie B rated it it was amazing

Probably one of the best books I've read in recent memory! ...more

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May 13, 2020 Kookaburra rated it it was ok

A disappointing read!

Whilst writing my review last night, I spoke to a friend who had also recently read it, stating that “…it just did not gel for me at all”. I wholeheartedly agreed and so an in-depth discussion ensued. Neither of us swayed the other as we both had exactly the same feelings. We often do.

It was not McIntosh’s best book and we’ve read quite a few. There are other books we preferred. It had the essence of a great plot at the beginning but dwindled away. We absolutely disliked th ...more

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Dec 10, 2019 Anne Barwell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: wish-list-print-copy, library

Another fabulous historical read from this author.

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Dec 23, 2019 Helen rated it it was amazing

Loved this 🥰 a very good read!

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Jun 28, 2020 Wordieone rated it it was ok

I loathed this book that I only read as it was chosen by someone in my book club. I was going to give it 1 star but felt that as historical, cliched, romances go, this is probably as good as any so added a star against my personal preference.

A few pages in a male character described a female characters hair as ‘fairy’s tresses’ as ‘it was so long and soft that a fairy could snuggle up and go to sleep in one it’s darkly golden curls’. That is when I knew the book was a load of shit and not for m ...more

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Apr 13, 2020 The Mare rated it liked it

This book was bought for me as a gift, and whilst not being the usual type of book I'd chose for myself, I did enjoy reading this. The book is set during the late 1800's and mainly looks at the issues around gender and race, between men and women and how black people were considered by white people at this time. The book is set in three parts. The first part, we are introduced to Clementine, our main character of the book, as a young child living in South Africa during the late 1800's, where man This book was bought for me as a gift, and whilst not being the usual type of book I'd chose for myself, I did enjoy reading this. The book is set during the late 1800's and mainly looks at the issues around gender and race, between men and women and how black people were considered by white people at this time. The book is set in three parts. The first part, we are introduced to Clementine, our main character of the book, as a young child living in South Africa during the late 1800's, where many at this time went to find their fortune digging for diamonds. Her father has taken her and her mother their to make their fortune. During this time, we learn of the bond Clementine has with a native African Zulu, known locally as 'Joseph one-shoe'. Having lost her mother to malaria, and her father spending his time either digging at 'The Big Hole' or at the local bars drinking, Clementine forms a close bond with Joseph one-shoe; she teaches Joseph the spoken and written language of English, he teaches her ways of the Zulu and they share a love of the stars and astronomy, so that when she is forced to return to live in England with her Uncle Reggie, the two swear that they will always hold each other dear in their hearts. The second part of the book then moves forward twenty years to England where Clementine has grown up, under the guardianship of her Uncle Reggie. It is here we learn more of her grandfather and how he was considered a man before his time with his ideas and business ventures. It seems Clementine also has this trait, having had her eyes opened at a very young age to a very different culture in South Africa, not just becoming friends with Africans at a time when blacks were considered unequal to white people, but also at a time when society was dominated by men and women married for financial security. Clementine, still not having found and not wishing to find a suitor at the age of almost 30, has strong beliefs about helping those less fortunate than herself, namely young African orphans and wanting to give them opportunities in life. This is much to the disbelief and against social acceptance of this time, but it is a quality which makes Clementine most attractive to a potential suitor Will. Her Uncle Reggie has a financial interest with working with Will. However, Will does not share this same sentiment and does not fully trust Reggie. Will's distrust for Reggie leads him to reveal many unknown truths to Clementine about her Uncle, which leaves Clementine feeling that again she has been let down by many people in her life, not being able to fully trust them, and finds herself alone. However, in the third part of the book we see her return to a place of her childhood upbringing, Kimberley in SA, which has now been further developed than when she was there as a child. Whilst she reminisces of her childhood with certain memories flooding back to her, she is reunited with her childhood friend Joseph one-shoe. It is with meeting him that he enables her to see that whilst she feels she has been deceived by some people in her life, it is to no long term benefit to her to isolate herself from them for the remainder of her life and he encourages her to find forgiveness for them so that she may live in harmony with herself. At the end of the book we see Clementine discover a realisation about life and herself and perhaps find an inner calm, as we hear Joseph's words of wisdom with her, which leaves us too with a feeling of calm and peace at the end of this tale. However, I found the character of Clementine at times quite irritating in her portrayal, which is where the story for me was let down somewhat. Whilst the character of Clementine is making a social statement about the views of women in society at this time, I did not always find her character likeable; the strength she portrays during some parts of the book, I felt at points almost verged on her being arrogant, often belittling others. Whilst she often shares her belief that money is of little importance to her, and how she wishes to give to those less fortunate than herself, it must be remembered that she is only able to do this during this time in society due to the wealth and status that she has, and so makes her character come across as somewhat egotistic. However, this is well written book and if you are someone who enjoys historical fiction then this may be a book you might very much enjoy. Sadly, for me I found it an enjoyable but just an average read with a main character I did not find I empathised with at all times. ...more

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Jul 08, 2020 Heather rated it really liked it

This was a great read! I enjoyed the story, especially the first part which was set in South Africa. The relationship between six-year-old Clementine and the Zulu warrior, Joseph One-Shoe was incredibly touching and gave the novel heart. Their friendship was pivotal to the story and was strong enough to withstand time, distance and social class. I adored Joseph and admired his quiet strength, patience and wisdom despite the racism and prejudice he continually had to face.

Set during the late 1800 ...more

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Nov 23, 2019 Danna Kleisner rated it it was amazing

What a well researched and wonderful story by Fiona McIntosh. I am a new reader to this Author but I love everything I have read so far. The Diamond Hunter is a three part story. Part one is where we are introduced to the main character in the book Clementine. Part two is the adult life of Clementine and the third part is present. We meet some shady characters and some very knowledgeable, caring characters who influence Clementines life. There were a few jaw dropping moments and very emotional m ...more

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Dec 03, 2019 Dianne Maguire rated it it was amazing

In her latest novel, 'The Diamond Hunter,' Fiona McIntosh transports us to the 1870's and the brutality of the African desert's diamond mines. Viewed through the eyes of six year old Clementine Knight however, we also see the beauty and the wonder of this unforgiving land, perceptions nurtured by Zulu Joseph One-Shoe, her friend and saviour within the psychological and physical absence of her parents.

As an adult enjoying a privileged life under the tutorship of her maternal uncle in Northern Eng ...more

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Apr 23, 2020 Shelley Baird rated it really liked it

Once again Fiona McIntosh has shown why she is one of Australia's best and favourite storytellers. The Diamond Hunter is a wonderful story of all types of love - familial, romantic, and the love that develops when your chosen family is not blood born. Each character expresses this love through their own strong and distinctive voice. The ability to create such vivid characters is a skill Fiona McIntosh wields with ultimate precision in everything she writes.

Reading this story takes you on a journ ...more

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Nov 18, 2020 Poppy Jasper rated it did not like it · review of another edition

The Diamond Hunter was annoying as hell. I couldn't bear the main character, Clementine. The author goes to great lengths to convince us that Clem is cleverer and more progressive than her contemporaries ("not like other girls"), but she is little more than a pretentious hypocrite with a very un-woke white saviour mentality. The Kimberley diamond mine setting had the potential to be interesting but just as we begin to feel immersed in it, we're whisked away to stuffy old England and bombarded, t ...more

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Jun 08, 2020 Eion Williamson rated it it was amazing

This was part of a reading challenge that I actually read on time! I could recognise with the characters in this book, even though this was set in a different time period. Personally felt there were aspects of main character not disclosed, as had some troubles reconciling her actions. Had a premonition if 2 possible endings, and one of them was in the book (the other ending was based on Bryce Courtenay's Jessica). Loved the settings and descriptions. Next book (using the theme) should be Opal Hu ...more

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Nov 11, 2019 Beverley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I would give this book 10 out 10 if possible,l live Fiona’s writing ,l am an avid fan as l have all off her books ,l just love how Fiona weaves her storylines and includes subtle hints of other books in the story ,l was sorry it ended . I love books to read that have fact in them and Fiona does that ,don’t miss out on her latest book the diamond hunter .

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Dec 27, 2019 Cale rated it it was amazing

This is my first book I’ve read from Fiona’s collections and I love it! It was such a beautiful book with so many lovely meanings and messages. Absolutely loved Clem and her personality. Such a beautiful soul and such a strong woman! An awesome role model for all women. Girl power! Also now I really want to go to Africa. Can’t wait to read more of Fiona’s books :)

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May 23, 2020 Donna McEachran rated it it was amazing

I started this book a few months ago and couldn't get into it. I decided to give it another go and couldn't put it down. Absolutely love Fiona McIntosh books; she takes you to exotic places with beautifully written stories. ...more

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Jun 09, 2020 Cynthia rated it liked it · review of another edition

Fiona writes great historical fiction, creating the time and place in detail. Clementine is a strong female character whoose upbringing on the diamond fields of South Africa in the 1870s makes her an unconventional women as she grows up in England. The story is straightforward and I think that is why I did not totally enjoy it - I missed some twists and turns and surprises - you knew what the ending would be.

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Aug 21, 2020 Lara (luellabella✂️) rated it really liked it

4 slow, lovely stars. Those who enjoy Jane Austen novels will love this one. Listened on Audiobook.

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Aussie Readers: June 2020-Final Thoughts-spoilers allowed- The Diamond Hunter	14	21	Aug 05, 2020 10:33AM
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About Fiona McIntosh

Fiona McIntosh

1,150 followers

Fiona writes best selling historical adventure-romance alongside the heroic-romantic, often brutal, fantasy she built her career upon. She lives in Australia but frequently roams the world meticulously researching the locations and gathering material for her historical novels that have international settings. Her books are published worldwide and in various languages.
Her most recent historical fi ...more