The Colour

by Rose Tremain.


Three emigrants arrive in New Zealand from Norfolk, husband and wife and his mother. This is the story of how they tried to find a new beginning. Joseph, the husband, finds some gold in his creek, and becomes obsessed with finding more, neglecting his duties. His wife, Harriet, a much stronger and more interesting character, soon falls out of love with Joseph, and realises that she'll never be happy with him.

Their adventures are beautifully chronicled, this is a very readable book.