BLOOD DIAMONDS Tracing the Deadly Path of the World’s Most Precious Stones

Even Tom Weiner's warm, rich voice can't soften this exposé of the diamond trade, which flourishes in unstable countries like Sierra Leone, results in death or dismemberment for many innocents, and benefits revolutionaries and terrorists like Al Qaeda. Though he steps into the vocal cadence of African leaders, Weiner wisely doesn't overdramatize. His pace, clarity, and compelling tone work to keep listener attention throughout a detailed explanation of how the diamond market works. If he occasionally telegraphs skepticism at what the De Beers people say, it is apparently well deserved. This audio, on which the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio was based, might cause you to take a new look at “a girl’s best friend.” J.B.G. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]