Diamonds in the Shadow
by Caroline B. Cooney
Published by Waterbrook Press
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Reviewed by Dara O’ Sullivan
Diamonds in the Shadow begins in a church committee meeting that Jared Finch–much to his surprise–is requested to attend. The church has sponsored a refugee African family of four, and their planned accommodation has fallen through. The Finch family has volunteered to house them for several weeks, much to Jared’s disgust. As far as he is concerned, he hasn’t signed up to anything, and it is his bedroom, as well as that of his sister Mopsy’s, that is being volunteered.
The family eventually arrives. A disgruntled Jared does his best to overcome his unwillingness. His mother and sister are filled with boundless and cringe-inducing enthusiasm. His father, already bogged down in the implications of a church financial scandal involving a close friend, is completely detached. And this is one bizarre refugee family.
Independently of each other, both Jared and Mopsy begin to realize that something very strange is going on under the surface. The behaviour of the Amabo family members towards each other does not make sense, and clearly, the entire family is absolutely terrified of something, or someone. This knowledge draws Jared and Mopsy together, and begins to make them both curious and protective towards the children, Mattu and Alake. Surprise after surprise awaits them as the dark secrets of this unusual family begin to be uncovered.
This is a wonderful read, full of sparkling humor, top class teenage ‘attitude,’ and gripping suspense. It is a book that can be enjoyed by both teenage and adult readers alike.
Armchair Interviews says: This book will make you laugh, and you won’t want to put it down.