Review of Diamonds & Mildew

[Diana Lowery]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Diamonds & Mildew" by Marli Sieburger.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Diamonds and Mildew by Marli Sieburger is a historical fiction novel that explores the intimate details of the Merlenes family through several generations. Sieburger's story begins in France in the 1800s. The setting travels to Brazil, New York, and Africa as it explains how the Merlenes dynasty became famous for all aspects of the diamond world from mining to creating beautiful jewelry. The book is divided into four parts, which are roughly equal in length and number of chapters.

Book one is titled "One Dream, Many Tomorrows." Most of the tomorrows involve characters who suffer a trauma. Just when I thought that there could not be anything worse, there was always more drama. Book two is titled "The Earth is Shining." This section starts with three pages of anticipation about which character will be the focus. I like how each character's story starts in the present, but the flashbacks provide the information for understanding the current situation. The book's title is explained in this part. Book three is called "Satin, Passion, and Tears." This was my least favorite section because of the confusing cast of characters with similar names. Also, the tone of mysticism is heavy in this part. Book four is called "Shadows of a Legacy." Catarina, the manipulating matriarch of the Merlenes dynasty, uses every means possible to ensure her legacy. She does cast a large shadow.

An appropriate metaphor is used by the author that compares the family's journey to that of being on a carousel. "It doesn't stop; it just keeps making another turn." The metaphor also helps to explain two of the themes of this book: history repeats itself and people do not learn from their mistakes. Illicit affairs, arranged murders, and secretly conceived children are just a few of the tragedies that are repeated in each successive generation. Catarina, a main protagonist, is caught in a web of poor choices that causes a ripple effect.

The 565 pages of this book constitute a strong commitment. I found it entertaining, but it was not compelling. Profanity and sexual passages limit my recommendation to mature readers. References to different religious beliefs might also limit the reading audience. There were some errors, but they did not hinder my understanding. My rating is 3 out of 4 because of the errors and the tedious third section.

I enjoyed the author's descriptive writing style, and I learned to appreciate my simple life. This novel could have been published as a series of four books. However, after I had finished reading Diamonds and Mildew, I was convinced that the author, unlike the characters in her book, made a good decision, and she published it as one volume. Readers who enjoy a long, twisted tale about the pursuit of wealth by secretive characters whose lives intertwine and astound will find this a fascinating read.

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Diamonds & Mildew
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[Amy Luman]

It’s really good thing that there are books for everyone. Good review!

[The frant1c reader]

I like the use of metaphors. It would be interesting to explore someones life through a book. Their thoughts, experiences , perspectives providing a window to the audience about the author's life. Thank you for such a good review!

[Reader Chavez]

Seems like an interesting read. I love when there are flashbacks in a book because suddenly the actions of the characters start to make more sense when you understand their past. I'll give this book a shot. Thanks for a great review!

[Raluca_Mihaila]

I loved reading your thorough review! I am still debating whether to add it on my list or not, but it seems quite intriguing. Thank you for your work!

[Diana Lowery]

It’s really good thing that there are books for everyone. Good review!

Thank you for reading and commenting.

[Diana Lowery]

I like the use of metaphors. It would be interesting to explore someones life through a book. Their thoughts, experiences , perspectives providing a window to the audience about the author's life. Thank you for such a good review!

Thank you for reading and commenting.

[Diana Lowery]

Seems like an interesting read. I love when there are flashbacks in a book because suddenly the actions of the characters start to make more sense when you understand their past. I'll give this book a shot. Thanks for a great review!

Thank you for the comment. I hope you enjoy the book.

[Diana Lowery]

I loved reading your thorough review! I am still debating whether to add it on my list or not, but it seems quite intriguing. Thank you for your work!

Thank you for reading and commeting.

[markodim721]

I think the book has film potential or was written under the influence of film art. Thanks for the unbiased review.

[Diana Lowery]

I think the book has film potential or was written under the influence of film art. Thanks for the unbiased review.

Good Observation. I think you might be right.

[Wesusa]

Because of the mature themes, I may have to pass. However, I commend you for a great review.

[Diana Lowery]

Because of the mature themes, I may have to pass. However, I commend you for a great review.

Thanks for reading and commenting. I understand the mature themes situation.

[k_madhu_jha]

Seems like a good book to me. Thank you for the review.

[peter-turo]

This book has many elements which I'm not into. I don't like epic and decriptive novel. I'll pass on this one. Thanks.