'Ghost towns, corporate cruelty, the centuries-old relationship between humans and a species almost magical in its abilities ... fabulous.' The New York Times'Eye-opening' Geographical 'A beautifully written book on diamond smuggling, the universe, life and much of what lies in between.' Toby Muse, author of Kilo: Life and Death Inside the Secret World of the Cocaine CartelsFor nearly 80 years, a huge portion of coastal South Africa was closed off to the public. With many of its pits now deemed "overmined" and abandoned, journalist and author Matthew Gavin Frank set out across the infamous Diamond Coast to investigate an illicit trade - the smuggling of diamonds by carrier pigeon - that supplies a global market.Uncovering a long overlooked truecrime story dating back to the founding of the De Beers corporation, and blending elements of reportage, memoir and legend, he weaves interviews with local diamond divers, who extract mineral wealth from the seabed by day and raise pigeons in secret by night, with harrowing anecdotes from former heads of security, environmental managers, and vigilante pigeon hunters.A rare and remarkable portrait of exploitation and greed, Flight of the Diamond Smugglers reveals how these feathered bandits became outlaws in every mining town.
CONTRIBUTORS: Matthew Gavin FrankEAN: 9781785787430COUNTRY: United KingdomPAGES: WEIGHT: 225 gHEIGHT: 216 cm
PUBLISHED BY: Icon BooksDATE PUBLISHED: CITY: GENRE: HISTORY / Africa / South / Republic of South Africa, TRUE CRIME / GeneralWIDTH: 135 cmSPINE:
Book Themes:
Republic of South Africa, True crime, Society and culture: general, Nature and the natural world: general interest
Ghost towns, corporate cruelty, the centuries-old relationship between humans and a species almost magical in its abilities ... fabulous., An eye-opening account and one that's likely to make you reassess the role of diamonds in society today., Unforgettable. ... An outstanding adventure in its lyrical, utterly compelling, and heartbreaking investigations of the world of diamond smuggling., A fascinating read...a perfect combination of memoir and investigative reporting...a page-turning tale of suspense.... Frank's reporting on mineworkers, their pigeons, the towns, communities, and the people that have struggled in the wake of mine closures makes for compelling reading., A beautifully written book on diamond smuggling, the universe, life and much of what lies in between.
Matthew Gavin Frank is the author of The Mad Feast, Preparing the Ghost, Pot Farm and Barolo. His work appears widely in journals and magazines, including The Kenyon Review, The Paris Review, Guernica, The New Republic, Iowa Review, Salon, Conjunctions and The Normal School. He teaches creative writing and lives in Marquette, Michigan.
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'Ghost towns, corporate cruelty, the centuries-old relationship between humans and a species almost magical in its abilities ... fabulous.' The New York Times'Eye-opening' Geographical 'A beautifully written book on diamond smuggling, the universe, life and much of what lies in between.' Toby Muse, author of Kilo: Life and Death Inside the Secret World of the Cocaine CartelsFor nearly 80 years, a huge portion of coastal South Africa was closed off to the public. With many of its pits now deemed "overmined" and abandoned, journalist and author Matthew Gavin Frank set out across the infamous Diamond Coast to investigate an illicit trade - the smuggling of diamonds by carrier pigeon - that supplies a global market.Uncovering a long overlooked truecrime story dating back to the founding of the De Beers corporation, and blending elements of reportage, memoir and legend, he weaves interviews with local diamond divers, who extract mineral wealth from the seabed by day and raise pigeons in secret by night, with harrowing anecdotes from former heads of security, environmental managers, and vigilante pigeon hunters.A rare and remarkable portrait of exploitation and greed, Flight of the Diamond Smugglers reveals how these feathered bandits became outlaws in every mining town.
CONTRIBUTORS: Matthew Gavin FrankEAN: 9781785787430COUNTRY: United KingdomPAGES: WEIGHT: 225 gHEIGHT: 216 cm
PUBLISHED BY: Icon BooksDATE PUBLISHED: CITY: GENRE: HISTORY / Africa / South / Republic of South Africa, TRUE CRIME / GeneralWIDTH: 135 cmSPINE:
Book Themes:
Republic of South Africa, True crime, Society and culture: general, Nature and the natural world: general interest
Matthew Gavin Frank is the author of The Mad Feast, Preparing the Ghost, Pot Farm and Barolo. His work appears widely in journals and magazines, including The Kenyon Review, The Paris Review, Guernica, The New Republic, Iowa Review, Salon, Conjunctions and The Normal School. He teaches creative writing and lives in Marquette, Michigan.
I was truly blessed to hear this book read aloud by the author herself. As a teacher, I have to give Refiloe five stars as she held those six year old's in the palm of her hand. If any of you know children, you know they have the concentration of a flea! The children, however, were spellbound, for just under a hour. When I reflected back on how successful the author's visit was I realized, it was the content of the book that captured their hearts. Every child could relate to one or other theme that was addressed in this beautifully illustrated book. If truth be told, it was also magnificently presented. Refiloe is a dynamic orator. Many more schools need to have her books on their library shelves and allow her to grace them with her presence.
Overall, "Atomic Habits" is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the science of habit formation and make lasting changes in their behaviour. Clear's insights and strategies are applicable to individuals in all walks of life, from students and professionals to athletes and entrepreneurs.
I have learned so much about myself with these cards and if you are feeling called to get them in South Africa (or wherever, really), Exclusive Books has you covered. Delivery 5/5, communication 4/5 (3-5 day response times) and package 4/5 (didn't arrive wrapped like I selected - product in new/excellent condition). Overall, an incredibly favourable experience and would recommend! x
The Girl who survived her mother -Moshitadi Lehlomela
Lehlomela offers a biographical rendition of her childhood experiences and how she got to discover and label her woundedness. She takes us through her journey where we start by sympathising, then empathising and finally those of us who have this would feel like we are reading our life story. I finished that book feeling unburdened. By writing her story, she named and voiced my wounds. I first felt triggered and then unpacked my healing. This book is for anyone who can't explain why they have a complicated relationship with their mother. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it's a worthy read. If you can't afford it and are in Johannesburg, it is available at Johannesburg Public Libraries for those with Library cards.