Diamonds in the Dust - brief book review

Diamonds in the Dust by Shirley Mowat Tucker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My five-star rating is based on the quality of the story although I would give a different mark for a quality of writing -- maybe 3.5. However this author will learn and grow and improve and is well worth watching.

The story line is dramatic, frightening, and ultimately bears a Christian message of forgiveness and resolution. The characterizations are deep and thoughtful. The author has clear insight into what makes people violent, fearful, angry, and hopeless, and how their internal choices can redeem them.

You will learn a lot about the sorry state of affairs in South Africa if you read this book -- stories of ordinary people dealing with the devastation of murder, AIDS, child rape, starvation, poverty, being orphaned and abandoned ... and how people can reach out to help each other heal.

In spite of the dark themes this is not a dark book. It is realistic and hopeful. I couldn't put it down.