The Wilbur Smith Discussion Forums

Ok, so now I've finished my exams I can start having some fun (in between going to work :x ). As well as drinking copious amounts of alcohol I`ll be spending a bit more time on here and writing a few more reviews. The first of which will be "The Diamond Hunters".

Whilst I was writing the review of Triumph, I kept on having to go back to check details etc...So, I thought that instead of writing one article, I'de write it in parts so that I can accurately capture my thoughts at that point in time. This might be a really stupid idea, but here goes:

My first thoughts
Nice quick paced start, the plot seems to have promise. Characters seem quite unique, interesting and complex. I already dislike Benedict. I've already got a few ideas how the books going to pan out, I hope I'm not correct.

Very nice idea! Will look forward to your diary review. I have some old reviews of Wilbur books that i've written on Amazon, so i will post them on this board, but with future books i might do what you are doing now. Sounds good.

Ok, so my idea of posting a diary review didnt quite work as I've finished it without making any more posts.

Thankfully, my predictions didnt occur, but that's the only good thing about this book. The plot and characters lack depth and the book ends rather strangely. It had promise, but it just fizzled away. I actually read this book in less than 3 hours, unfortunately it also feels like thats how long WS took to write it. I'm glad I didn't waste any more time.

Definately my least favourite WS book by a long way.

I would have to agree, off all the WS books i've read, i found 'The Diamond Hunters' to be the worst, quite easily. By his high standards its a let down.

You shock me.

From what you have told me nothing but the sun shines out of WS backside.

How can it be, that now you are letting the world know, that all that is Wilbur is not Golden .

I gave it a 3 based on the books of WS

That's a surprise that u "dislike" the Diamond Hunters, too. For me it is the worst book he ever wrote. The characters are rather low and primitive, the plot is stupid and the end is more than strange. It's like station lecture (John, u know what I mean). :dead hobo:

Oh jesus, from where do alle these smilies come?! It's so colored.

Oh no, there is not allway everything golden at Wilbur ... [aberaber]

I agree with you WSI 'The Diamond Hunters' could be passed off as a 'station book' :bio: Its just not his normal standard. Even so i have it a 5 since i have compared it not just to his other books but every book i've read, from anyone. If i was only comparing it to his books alone, then the mark would be lower.

I'm glad to that we are - though WS fans - still able to criticise [skepti]

Its good that we can criticise, but its not often i do such a thing in Wilbur's case i must admit. Most of us here would be the same i expect.

JohnRook wrote:Its good that we can criticise, but its not often i do such a thing in Wilbur's case i must admit. Most of us here would be the same i expect.

right. In my case, I got more critical when other people read his novels and matched some points they didn't like. Nontheless I won't say a lot bad things on Wilbur.

I think "Diamond Hunters" is the prelude of great things to come.

This novel was written over 30 years ago. It is not as polished as his newer books but it contains all the elements that make Smith one of the masters of action and adventure. Exotic locale, unforgettable characters and a prose that takes you `there'.

Needless to say I liked it.

According to the official WS site, tomorrows "Mail on Sunday" has a free DVD of the Diamond Hunters with it:

http://www.wilbursmithbooks.com/home/index.html

Matbow wrote:According to the official WS site, tomorrows "Mail on Sunday" has a free DVD of the Diamond Hunters with it:

http://www.wilbursmithbooks.com/home/index.html

I just had a feel of the paper but didn't buy it (tight me), saw tubular bells inside but i'm guessing we have to send off for the 'diamond hunters'. If anyone finds it is inside the paper let me know.

Well Ive given this a nine after the second reading . I wasnt well enamoured after the first read but this time I read it slowly .

Did anyone else think the old man may have known that Johnny would win? he seemed to hate the fact that was better than his own son at everything but he practically disowned both of his children when they didnt come up to his expectations and he seemed to be testing Johnny from a young age maybe his Legacy was a test to see who should Inherit his empire?

One of the earliest novels. I think this one and "Gold Mine" are great reads to get acquainted with Wilbur