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The Colour

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The Colour

By: Rose Tremain
Narrated by: Eleanor Bron
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About this listen

 Shortlisted for the Orange prize for Fiction, 2004.

Joseph and Harriet Blackstone emigrate from Norfolk to New Zealand in search of new beginnings and prosperity. But the harsh land near Christchurch where they settle threatens to destroy them almost before they begin. When Joseph finds gold in the creek he is seized by a rapturous obsession with the voluptuous riches awaiting him deep in the earth. Abandoning his farm and family, he sets off alone for the new gold-fields over the Southern Alps, a moral wilderness where many others, under the seductive dreams of "the colour", are violently rushing to their destinies. By turns both moving and terrifying, it is a story of the quest for the impossible, an attempt to mine the complexities of love and in the process discover the sacrifices to be made in the pursuit of happiness.

©2003 Rose Tremain (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

"The sense of period is forcefully conveyed....Her new level of ambition makes it perhaps the author's most important book yet." (Amazon.co.uk)
All stars
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Would you consider the audio edition of The Colour to be better than the print version?

I thought the writing was excellent - very descriptive - very realistic resulting in a bit depressing. life as it was then.

Have you listened to any of Eleanor Bron’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Brilliant reader

Any additional comments?

Didn't like the man Joseph but this reflected the excellent writing that he felt real and I wanted DEAD.

gripping

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A wonderful novel - full of historical detail, interesting characters, sensual and beautifully written. I didn’t want it to end! Eleanor Bron performs it perfectly; her voice is a pleasure to listen to. My only criticism is the suddenness of some of the ‘cutting’ of the chapter headings (no space between the chapters at times) and the speed of Audible’s interruption at the end of the book which doesn’t do justice to Miss Bron’s elegant reading but I highly recommend this production.

A Beautiful Story

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I loved this detailed, incredibly realistic, very ‘human’ account of British settlers’ lives in 19th. Century South Island, NZ - as ‘Gold Rush’ fever took hold, radically changing the fortunes of the main characters forever!

I was fascinated by the account of the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the one Maouri character and her tribe - living close by…but separated by the huge gulf of complete disregard and lack of curiosity on the part of the British newcomers towards those employed ( if at all) as domestic servants…!

The descriptions of the incredible hardships, severe physical challenges and sheer courage required to carve out a family life and home in a (then) pristine, forested, wilderness area of NZ, a world away from their former British homes and from their families, were awe-inspiring and so realistic!

As other listeners have noted, however - the ‘Audible’ editing proved annoyingly distracting!
Sudden switches from one chapter to the next, with no time for my brain to adjust ( disorientating…); I had believed the final chapter shorn of its ending ( so abrupt…), until I replayed it, several times to check ( found it was, simply, shockingly poor editing)!

Having been completely absorbed in that last chapter of this mesmerising story, my mind felt wrenched, rudely, away - forced, rapidly, to listen to ‘Audible’s’ suggestions for ‘other books you might enjoy…!’ What…???

So, as soon as possible, this ‘Audible’ edition of this amazing book should be re-edited - to pay homage, properly, both to Rose Tremain’s stunning story and to the absolute perfection of Eleanor Bron’s superb narration!

Brilliantly conceived, written and read ‘NZ Gold Rush’ novel!

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I had read this when it was first published and wanted to revisit it having just read the Luminaries and had my interest in the gold rush renewed. Rose Tremain does not disappoint with the fascinating story of British settlers arriving in New Zealand to start a new life and then getting drawn into the gold rush, with all its hardships. Beautifully read by Eleanor Bron whose voice I could listen to for hours.

NZ gold rush

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A wonderful book, beautifully written and read. I have read all of Rose Tremaine's books this one is my favourite. Parts of the South Island are still remote and wild she described the places extremely well.

First class narration

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A little slow in parts but not enough to put me off. I gradually enjoyed it and the illustrated moral philosophy within in. Slow paced and relaxing book which is nicely narrated.

Nice story

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The images were full and colourful of a different time and space particularly to the end of the story. Good pace and engagement. I enjoyed descriptions of the land and forest scenes. Very enjoyable.

Wonderful dreamy quality.

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The story was totally compelling and the narration equally never dull.
Brilliant, Can’t recommend more. 🤩

Fabulous story

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I enjoyed the story but I would recommend buying the book, as it's clear that the narration has been stripped from an original CD recording and edited together poorly, which is quite jarring when you're trying to get lost in the descriptions. Buy the book instead!

Good story but ruined by the editing

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This is one of my favourite books, and I am so pleased to find it on Audible. The story is gripping and overall, mesmerising. What makes it so wonderful is the narration: I could listen to Eleanor Bron all day!
I was unaware of any gold rush in New Zealand, and the story of new settlers there is a fascinating one.
I think this is my favourite purchase from Audible to date.

Beautifully written and narration superb

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