Diamond Boy Paperback – April 5, 2016

This is a companion novel to "Now Is The Time For Running". Although it was written last, it is not a sequel, but the stories overlap. I believe one should read them both to get the full experience.Both are very well written, fast paced, exciting, terrifying, and educational. However, I would recommend them for children, but certainly for adolescents and adults.

perfect

Fast read. I hadn't realized when I got this book that I had read this author previously (Now Is the Time For Running). I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The author has a beautiful, unique African voice (fascinating seeing a white South African writing with a black southern African voice). The writing is thus quite lyrical. This book highlights the terrors of Zimbabwe under Mugabe rule, with a focus on the diamonds fields, told through the voice of the main character, Patson. Patson travels to the fields with his father and sister, finding an environment quite unlike he had expected (opportunity, yes, but not unfettered and opportunity at likely high costs) . First, he works under the eyes of local tyrants/businessmen. Next, he works under military rule. And lastly, he runs for South Africa, seeking safety and better opportunities. This book is a good introduction to those with little experience with South Africa, in a novel form, and it's also a nice "back door" for those who have experience with southern Africa and would like something to remind them of their memories to/in it.

At the insistence of his wife, Patson’s father has packed up the family and moved them to Marange, where the diamond fields promise riches for everyone willing to dig for them. Patson is eager to devote himself to mining, positive that his girazi awaits, and that someday soon his family can leave Marange and start a new life. But when President Mugabe’s soldiers arrive to take control of the mines, Patson’s family is ripped apart and life changes forever. Now, as Patson struggles to heal from the violence and cruelty of Mugabe’s soldiers, he is desperate to escape Marange and go find his sister, who seems to have been kidnapped.Michael Williams’s "Diamond Boy" is one of the most intense novels I’ve read in a long, long time, and I mean that in the best way possible. This story offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the recent history of Zimbabwe, and if it seems a bit slow at first, get ready to get sucked in for quite a ride. Your heart will break as Patson’s life shatters, and you will be on the edge of your seat as he follows his sister into South Africa, desperate to rescue her from an uncertain future. This is an amazing book!Originally written for San Francisco Book Review.

This is a story that is full of suspense and action. It follows the life of a youth who is caught up in the injustices which befall many Africans who try to improve their lives. In doing so they can easily be caught up in dangerous situations that are difficult to extricate themselves from. This story is brutal at times and compassionate and loving at others. Luckily for the young Patson he finds courage and assistance to help him to a better life.

I loved this book more than i would have expected. The story of Patson was gripping and emotional and was an easy read that i couldn't put down. I liked how there were relevant links to real life in zimbabwe which all seemed accurate and realistic. Great book and would highly recommend, it doesn't have enough attention!