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Description edit
It was called The Devils’s Own: a steep scar in the African earth, around which men toiled with picks, shovels, and dreams of the milky treasures that would become prized, polished diamonds. In this demonic race, native tribesmen became miners. Sometimes they became thieves. And then they... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Summary edit
Twelve years after the ending of 'A Falcon Flies', and Zouga Ballantyne has spent all the money made from his African expeditions and his book about the same. He turns to the diamond market to rekindle his dreams of wealth and prestige. Meanwhile, the growing market for diamonds has persuaded... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)
Characters/People edit
- Ralph Ballantyne: Zouga Ballatyne's eldest son.
- Zouga Ballantyne: Major Morris Zouga Ballantyne, returning from 'A Falcon Flies'. A determined man, who has already proved that family ties are not necessarily more important that achieving his ambitions.
- Captain Clinton Codrington: Noble gentleman from 'A Falcon Flies' who sailed the shores of Africa setting free any slaves he encountered, against the orders of his superiors. Deeply in love with Robyn Ballantyne, he waited years for her to accept his proposal of marriage.
- Mr Rhodes: Boss of the Diggers' Committee. Adored by Jordan, for rescuing him from a beating from two rough twins who were bullying him.
- Louise St John: Mungo St John's wife.
- Tom: Zouga's "ugly" yet technically superior horse.
- Mungo St John: Sinister but charming American Captain from 'A Falcon Flies', whom Robyn Ballantyne had an affair with. He is a slaver.
- Robyn Codrington nee Ballantyne: Zouga's sister from 'A Falcon Flies'.
- Jan Cheroot: Zouga's Hottentot retainer.
- Kamuza: A fellow Matabele member under Zouga's command.
- Lobengula: Mzilikazi's son, who becomes Matabele King as Mzilikazi ages. A different type of King - shrewd and clever as opposed to Mzilikazi's warrior's might.
- King Mzilikazi: King of the Matabele.
- Henshaw: Raplh's Matabele name, meaning Hawk, given him by Bazo after Ralph shows his skill in training Scipio, his hawk.
- Tanase: Mashona student of Pemba's.
- Gandang: Bazo's father.
- Cathy Codrington: Robyn Codrington nee Ballantyne's second oldest daughter.
- Wilson: Introduced very late in the book, a Scottish sergeant who makes a desperate last stand against Matabele warriors.
- Dr Jameson: Kimberley's doctor.
- Bazo: Leader of the Matabele group, whose services Zouga employs at the Devils Own claims. Son of Gandang.
- Hendrick Naaiman: A Griqua, or Bastaard - underhanded and devious Illegal Diamond Buyer (I.D.B)
- Vicky Codrington: Robyn Codrington nee Ballantyne's third oldest daughter (oldest of the twins).
- Neville Pickering: English gentleman who Zouga meets in "The London Hotel", a ramshackle canvas tent that doubles as a bar at Colesberg kopje.
- "Nomusa", Girl Child of Mercy: Robyn's given name in Africa.
- Will Daniel: Zouga's lieutenant later in the novel.
- Jock Danby: Head of claims 141 and 142 at Colesberg kopje, Danby is the one who named them the Devils Own after watching them yield nothing while surrounding claims discovered large diamonds. After his son dies, he sells up his claims to Zouga and moves on.
- Lord Kimberley: The Colonial Secretary in London.
- Barry Lennox: Rich but a somewhat avoided digger, Barry is a beer-drinker with loose morals.
- Isazi: Zulu driver that attaches himself to Ralph's company.
- Manonda: An impi Induna.
- Chaka: Original King of Zululand, who after suffering a bereavement deemed that no joy could be experienced in his kingdom for one year. Mzilikazi at the time challenged this, and broke away from his rule and gathered followers of his own, eventually usurping Chaka's rule.
- Rudd: Add a description of this character.
- Cathy Codrington (Katie): Robyn Codrington's second eldest daughter.
- Jim Thom
- Henry Stewart: One of the shaven-headed twins in Mrs Gander's classes that Ralph and Jordan attend. They come from a poor but "tough" family.
- Douglas Stewart: One of the shaven-headed twins in Mrs Gander's classes that Ralph and Jordan attend. They come from a poor but "tough" family.
Setting & Locations edit
- Jordan
- Salina
- Matabeleland
- Mashonaland
- Juba
- Aletta
- South Africa Company
- Pemba
- London
- Cape Town
- Khami
- Zambezia
- Matopos
- Zimbabwe
- Fort Victoria
- Shangani
- Griqua
- Zululand
- Vaal
- Umfaan
- New Rush
- Matanka
- Saala
- Colesberg
- England
- Good Hope
- Bakela
- Fort Salisbury
- Cetewayo
- Lodzi
- Mount Hampden
- Somabula
- Rhodesia
- Thabas Indunas
- France
- Gu Bulawayo
First Sentence edit
It had never been exposed to the light of day, not once in the 200 million years since it assumed its present form, and yet it seemed in itself to be a drop of distilled sunlight.
Series & Lists edit
This is book 2 of 5 in Ballantyne Novels. (standard series)
Preceded by A Falcon Flies, and followed by The Angels Weep.
Authors & Contributors edit
- Wilbur Smith (Author)
First Edition edit
Original Language: English
Publisher: Heinemann
Country: England
Publication Date: 1981
ISBN: Add the ISBN.
Page Count: 506
Publisher: Heinemann
Country: England
Publication Date: 1981
ISBN: Add the ISBN.
Page Count: 506
Classification edit
- Library of Congress: Add the Library of Congress Classification.
- Dewey: 813
Popular Tags
Links to Supplemental Material edit
- wilbursmithbooks.com: Wilbur Smith's official website.
Books with Additional Background Information edit
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