Hannah Bird has just arrived in Thailand. Disoriented and out of her depth, she meets Deven, a fierce and gutsy Australian expat who sweeps her into thrilling adventures rescuing elephants.

As they head deeper and deeper into the fraught world of elephant tourism, their lives become tangled in ways Hannah never imagined. But how far will they go to save a life?

Hannah is about to make a critical decision from which there will be no turning back, with shattering consequences.

The Breaking is an extraordinary debut. Sharply observed and richly vivid, it is an intensely moving story about the magnetic bond between two young women and the enduring cost of animal exploitation. It is at once devastating and exhilarating, and ultimately transformative.

'Evocative and urgent, The Breaking shows Gold's talent and heart.' — Kate Mildenhall, author of The Mother Fault

'Bold, passionate and fierce. A plea against powerlessness and indifference. I loved every minute.' — Karen Viggers, author of The Orchardist's Daughter

'Heart-stopping, unforgettable. The Breaking will blow your mind.' — Angela Savage, author of Mother of Pearl

'Sensual and hyper-dangerous, Gold's take on human love and animal cruelty is a real tour de force.' — John Clanchy, author of In Whom We Trust

'Writer and editor Irma Gold’s debut novel has a propulsive energy and a visceral sense of place that’s informed by Gold’s own experience of working with rescued elephants in Thailand...The Breaking doesn’t shy away from the complexity of its themes, acknowledging the imperfection of love and the complicated ramifications of following your convictions all the way to the end. It’s an unusual book, tackling both the messiness of human desire and the flawed nature of our relationships with animals, and may appeal to readers who enjoy the work of writers like Laura Jean McKay, Jessie Tu and Laura McPhee-Browne.' — Carody Culver, Books+Publishing