A diamond in the dust by Frauke Bolten-Boshammer, with Sue Smethurst
Simon and Schuster, 2018. ISBN 9781925685084.
(Age: 15+) This is a wonderful story of a strong woman who was
prepared to follow her husband from country Germany to Kununurra, in
the north-west of Western Australia, in April 1981. He wanted to
make a new life there and she agreed to leave her extended family
and her beloved homeland to follow his dream. Her agreement to go
with her husband was a very difficult one, but she supports him and
moves to one of the most arid parts of Australia. This book is
suitable for all ages, from adolescent readers through to adults,
and is a heart-warming read.
The struggle to survive in the outback of the north-western corner
of Western Australia is all-encompassing. The couple establish a
farm and all seems to be going well, until one day when,
unexpectedly, it all becomes too much for Friedrich. They have, by
then, had 4 children and Frauke is determined to make a success of
the life that they had planned. Due to her fascination with the
diamond industry, she decides to open a shop selling diamond
jewellery, stocking some of the most beautiful diamonds mined in the
area.
After her husband's death, Frauke struggles to face life by herself
and the children, but she is determined to carry on their work.
Unexpectedly, she faces a tragedy that would break many people,
twice, and she has to decide, once more, how she can face life and
her business. Her devotion to the children and her work in the shop,
designing and selling unique and beautiful diamond jewellery,
enables her to survive, and she becomes well-known both in Australia
and in the wider world. We are entranced by the loving kindness of
her second husband, and she is so happy in her choice, and delighted
with the respect and loyalty of their children.
This is a really strong story that is captivating, uplifting and
rich in detail, both about the family, the people who surround them,
and the area in which they live. Telling the true story of a woman
who finds strength when many others would have collapsed, especially
having faced not only one tragedy, but more unthinkable events. As
we see how her spirit imbues this narrative, we notice that she
draws on her determination to face life even when tragedy strikes
more than once, and we understand her desire to love and support her
children, to be a good, loving partner to her second husband, and to
make her business successful, all of which she achieves. Despite the
terrible times in her life, her seemingly boundless love and
resilience, the love and strength of her family, and her ambition to
make a good life for her family, enable her to create a resoundingly
successful business and to have a second chance at a life lived with
love and friendship.
This book is suitable for older adolescents and adults.
Elizabeth Bondar