The Colour A Novel
The Colour, a novel by Rose Tremain, published by Macmillan in April 2004, spans 382 pages and is presented in English. This narrative follows Joseph and Harriet Blackstone, along with Joseph’s mother Lilian, as they immigrate from England to the South Island of New Zealand in the 1860s. After settling in Christchurch, Joseph embarks on building their Cob House near the Okuku River, but the challenges of their new life soon emerge, particularly during a harsh winter that threatens their farming venture.
As the story unfolds, Joseph’s discovery of gold alters their trajectory, leading him to abandon the farm for Hokitika, where gold strikes have drawn many. Harriet, facing her own struggles, eventually travels to Hokitika to share the news of Lilian’s death. The quest for gold, referred to as the ‘colour,’ unfolds amid difficult conditions, complicating the already strained relationship between Joseph and Harriet. The dynamics of their journey are further enriched by encounters with characters like Will Sefton and Pao Yi, highlighting the complexities of their lives and the impact of Joseph’s past on their present.
Official synopsis Publisher
Joseph and Harriet Blackstone, and Joseph’s mother Lilian, are immigrants from England on the SS Albert into the South Island of New Zealand in 1860s. After settling the two women into accommodation in Christchurch, Joseph travels to the foothills near the Okuku river to build their Cob House. Joseph returns to Christchurch once the house has been built and the three of them set off to start their new lives on their farm. The harsh first winter brings with it problems which threaten the viability of their farm, but Joseph’s chance finding of gold in the nearby creek changes the situation. Not telling Harriet about the find, Joseph abandons the farm and travels by boat to Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island where major gold strikes have occurred. After Lilian’s death, Harriet also travels to Hokitika and delivers that news to Joseph. The search for gold, the ‘colour’, goes on in difficult conditions. Joseph’s encounters with Will Sefton, a young man whom he met on the boat bringing them to the West Coast, and Pao Yi, a Chinese gardener befriended by Harriet, add flavour to the dynamics of the searching couple’s relationship which has become distant and strained. Joseph’s guilt surrounding events in England prior to their emigration impact on this separation.
FAQ
What is “The Colour A Novel” about?
Who is the author of “The Colour A Novel”?
When was “The Colour A Novel” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Colour A Novel”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
