DIAMOND JO

by Daphne Rooke ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 3, 1965

A lively enough historical set in the South Africa of the diamond and gold rush, this saga of rags-to-riches and wild, wild women offers an imaginative setting and plenty of noise. Mannie Bernstein, young peddler among the mining camps, first met lovely Jo as she toured with Uzzell, gambler and entrepreneur of sorts, who transported his acts and girls form camp to camp. Mannie and Jo, whose paths are to cross many times, find an affinity in their restless souls. Mannie marries his adopted sister Leah, but as his fortunes rise and fall, the law of survival in the boiling confusion of the rush drives men, and women, to excess. While reckless roustabout Jo gambles, dances, and even marries, Mannie becomes involved in buying diamonds with the help of faithful native Stokkies; enters into the political struggles of the English and Boers; throws in with prospectors and settlers, living by thievery, lies, fights and flights. Finally a lucky strike brings wealth and a life in England with Leah, who hated Africa. Returning to Africa, he is confronted with the investigation of an old murder, in which Jo is accused. Guilty secrets weigh heavily in the air, and knowing of Jo's love, with Leah's full knowledge of that love, Mannie cannot rise to help her, and Jo ends her own life. Superb scenery and plenty of strong stuff on the rocks.

Pub Date: Nov. 3, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow- Reynal

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1965

Categories: FICTION