Joseph Cob arrives in New Zealand, with his elderly mother and new wife in 1864, to establish a new life there, having needed to leave his homeland for reasons which are only gradually unfolded.  This is an adventurous account of pioneering times in the new country, where the climate is harsh and people are desperate to find success.  The colour of the title represents the dreams of broken men, the illusive gold, which can make for sudden riches beyond belief.  This is a tale of obsession, fortune seeking, love and survival. Effective story telling, structure and characterisation would all lend themselves to further study.  This novel is highly evocative of time and place.