Luck at the Diamond Fields by Dalrymple J. Belgrave
"Luck at the Diamond Fields" by Dalrymple J. Belgrave is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of South African diamond mining during a tumultuous period, the story follows the journeys of several characters, particularly Kate Gray, a young English woman venturing to the Diamond Fields to find work as a governess. The novel effectively captures the harsh realities of colonial life and the complexities of human
relationships in a setting fraught with tension, adventure, and moral dilemmas. The opening of the novel introduces us to a stagecoach filled with passengers heading to the Diamond Fields, highlighting their discomfort and the overt social dynamics at play. Kate Gray, a seemingly timid yet resilient character, navigates her unease amidst a group of familiar yet untrustworthy fellow travelers. Notably, her interactions with George Darrell, a man with a troubled past, shape the beginning of a connection that speaks to themes of love, disillusionment, and the struggle for integrity in a morally ambiguous environment. As tensions rise, particularly with the unsavory Joe Aarons, the stage is set for confrontations that challenge both characters and their circumstances, framing a narrative that promises both turmoil and growth. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
A tale of the Kimberly Coach -- Kitty of "The Frozen Bar" -- Diamond cut diamond -- The Farm Boschfontein -- Luck: an episode in a digger's life -- A dear lesson -- A Vaal River heiress -- A duel at "poker" -- "A whiskey drinker" -- Jumped: a tale of the Kimberley races -- A queer race -- A compact -- A fatal diamond.
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Reading Level
Reading ease score: 72.7 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
