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The Breaking
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.
Praise for The Breaking:
‘A heart-stopping, unforgettable read. The Breaking will blow your mind.’
ANGELA SAVAGE, author of Mother of Pearl
‘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
‘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
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.
Praise for The Breaking:
‘A heart-stopping, unforgettable read. The Breaking will blow your mind.’
ANGELA SAVAGE, author of Mother of Pearl
‘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
‘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
- GenresFiction
272 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Irma Gold
16 books29 followersIrma Gold is an Australian author, editor and reader. Her debut novel, The Breaking, won the NSW Writers Centre Varuna Fellowship and was awarded development grants by artsACT and CAPO. It won a Canberra Critics Circle Award and was shortlisted (then Highly Commended) in the ACT Notable Awards.
Irma’s critically acclaimed debut collection of short fiction, Two Steps Forward (Affirm Press), was shortlisted for or won a number of awards. Irma’s short fiction has been widely published in journals, including Meanjin, Westerly, Island, Review of Australian Fiction and Going Down Swinging, and in anthologies like Australian Love Stories edited by Cate Kennedy, and the tenth anniversary edition of Award Winning Australian Writing 2017.
Irma is also the author of five picture books for children, most recently Where the Heart Is, featured on Sarah Ferguson’s Storytime channel, and Seree’s Story.
For 24 years Irma has worked as an editor, and for a decade she was Convener of Editing at the University of Canberra. She is the commissioning editor of a number of anthologies, including The Sound of Silence, winner of the ACT Writing and Publishing Awards for Nonfiction, and The Invisible Thread, an official publication of the National Year of Reading 2012 and the Centenary of Canberra 2013 which anthologises a century of literature by writers who have called Canberra home, including Alex Miller, Marion Halligan, Roger McDonald, Kate Grenville, Omar Musa, Judith Wright and Les Murray.
Irma spent her childhood living in a beautiful old Tudor house in south-east England just down the road from Roald Dahl, and now lives by the beach in Naarm/Melbourne with two boys and a little black cat.
She is just a bit keen on travel, elephants, beaches, good coffee, jumping castles and sunshiny days. She is not at all keen on extreme heights, spiders and zoos. She is Co-host with Karen Viggers of the writing podcast, Secrets from the Green Room. Her name is pronounced Ear-ma.
Irma’s critically acclaimed debut collection of short fiction, Two Steps Forward (Affirm Press), was shortlisted for or won a number of awards. Irma’s short fiction has been widely published in journals, including Meanjin, Westerly, Island, Review of Australian Fiction and Going Down Swinging, and in anthologies like Australian Love Stories edited by Cate Kennedy, and the tenth anniversary edition of Award Winning Australian Writing 2017.
Irma is also the author of five picture books for children, most recently Where the Heart Is, featured on Sarah Ferguson’s Storytime channel, and Seree’s Story.
For 24 years Irma has worked as an editor, and for a decade she was Convener of Editing at the University of Canberra. She is the commissioning editor of a number of anthologies, including The Sound of Silence, winner of the ACT Writing and Publishing Awards for Nonfiction, and The Invisible Thread, an official publication of the National Year of Reading 2012 and the Centenary of Canberra 2013 which anthologises a century of literature by writers who have called Canberra home, including Alex Miller, Marion Halligan, Roger McDonald, Kate Grenville, Omar Musa, Judith Wright and Les Murray.
Irma spent her childhood living in a beautiful old Tudor house in south-east England just down the road from Roald Dahl, and now lives by the beach in Naarm/Melbourne with two boys and a little black cat.
She is just a bit keen on travel, elephants, beaches, good coffee, jumping castles and sunshiny days. She is not at all keen on extreme heights, spiders and zoos. She is Co-host with Karen Viggers of the writing podcast, Secrets from the Green Room. Her name is pronounced Ear-ma.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 8, 2021
Irma Gold’s debut novel, The Breaking, is an impactful work of eco-literature with a sub-plot of angst-filled queer romance. It has broad appeal and has an urgency to its narrative style that matches the gravity of the eco themes it deals with.
There are multiple scenes of cruelty towards elephants within this book and they were not easy reading – nor were they meant to be. They were also not gratuitous, simply factual, but emotionally gripping nonetheless. If this novel assists in raising further awareness of the plight of Asian elephants at the mercy of the tourism industry, then I’d consider it a job well done.
Irma captures the right beat with her two female characters, twenty somethings, young and fiercely passionate about animal rights and the state of the planet, poised for action right now, consequences be damned. I love how Irma traversed this; the consequences of taking extreme action were laid out in a clear ripple like effect and Hannah’s realisation of this in the moments of ensuing chaos was a powerful narrative force.
Australian literature has an exciting new voice on the scene and I look forward to reading more from Irma Gold. A special mention for that cover too. Absolutely stunning design and perfectly matched to the book it’s wrapped around.
Thanks is extended to MidnightSun Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Breaking for review.
There are multiple scenes of cruelty towards elephants within this book and they were not easy reading – nor were they meant to be. They were also not gratuitous, simply factual, but emotionally gripping nonetheless. If this novel assists in raising further awareness of the plight of Asian elephants at the mercy of the tourism industry, then I’d consider it a job well done.
Irma captures the right beat with her two female characters, twenty somethings, young and fiercely passionate about animal rights and the state of the planet, poised for action right now, consequences be damned. I love how Irma traversed this; the consequences of taking extreme action were laid out in a clear ripple like effect and Hannah’s realisation of this in the moments of ensuing chaos was a powerful narrative force.
Australian literature has an exciting new voice on the scene and I look forward to reading more from Irma Gold. A special mention for that cover too. Absolutely stunning design and perfectly matched to the book it’s wrapped around.
Thanks is extended to MidnightSun Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Breaking for review.
April 22, 2021
What a rollercoaster of a book. At times I had to put this book aside as the cruelty and mistreatment of the elephants was shocking. It has opened my eyes to animal exploitation and the impact it has on society. The shocking reality of how and what people have to do to survive.
I loved the juxtaposition of the breaking of the elephants' spirit and the breaking of Hannah's ideals and perceived values etc. Her relationship with Deven was at times both poingnant and frustrating. I had a love/hate feeling toward Deven as she was both selfish and loving. However her actions were mimicking of the elephants and the way the mahoods treated them. Both tender and cruel.
So pleased to have read this.
I loved the juxtaposition of the breaking of the elephants' spirit and the breaking of Hannah's ideals and perceived values etc. Her relationship with Deven was at times both poingnant and frustrating. I had a love/hate feeling toward Deven as she was both selfish and loving. However her actions were mimicking of the elephants and the way the mahoods treated them. Both tender and cruel.
So pleased to have read this.
March 28, 2021
Irma Gold weaves a moral quandary with queer romance in her intimate and textured debut. It’s a confronting read for anyone particularly sensitive to animal abuse and exploitation, but it’s thrilling and tense and urgent in other ways as well. The Breaking will remind you that good intentions aren’t always enough, and that real problems never have easy solutions.
My full review can be found on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review can be found on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
April 30, 2021
Irma Gold’s novel The Breaking (Midnight Sun 2021) is a confronting, heartbreaking, visceral, bold and unforgettable story of the link between animal tourism and horrific cruelty, told through the perspectives of two young women with passion, heart and vision. It was only about halfway through that I understood the layered meaning of the title, and it perfectly depicts the story within.
Hannah Bird is an Australian newly arrived in Thailand, keen to immerse herself in the culture and escape from difficulties at home. She is disoriented by the uncomfortable reality of life in a less-developed country, where families struggle to survive, and will do almost anything for the tourism dollar. She meets Deven, a feisty and determined expat who has settled into Thai life and decided on the road less travelled. Deven abhors the tricks and trinkets of tourism and rather than be part of the problem, she yearns to be involved in the solution. The two friends are caught up in an elephant rescue organisation, which seems to be achieving great progress and change, and which satisfies the girls’ moral and ethical questions. Or does it? As Hannah and Deven become more deeply exposed to the true state of animal exploitation, the high demand of foreigners for ‘traditional’ experiences and how far locals will go to provide those experiences, for a cost, the young women become increasingly disillusioned and uncomfortable with how things are done. And yet … they are not part of the system or the culture, and they don’t understand or have to deal with the financial worries of the locals. Their privilege becomes more and more obvious. And no matter how hard they try to ‘help’, their privilege remains a stumbling block to true understanding and their ability to fully participate and to comprehend the totality of the obstacles the locals face.
Gold’s lived experience is very obvious as having informed the intimate details of this novel. The sounds, smells, sights and tastes of Thailand are depicted as only someone who has travelled there could describe them. This is true also of the ethical dilemma explored around the issue of poverty in less developed countries, and what local people might be prepared to do to survive, often at the behest of wealthier foreigners, and frequently for activities, products or services that are not available unless you travel overseas. This was an issue also delicately explored in Angela Savage’s book Mother of Pearl, which examined overseas surrogacy in a similarly sensitive way.
Gold uses local language and casual references to food and culture in a way that expects the reader to keep up, rather than spoon-feeding them with explanations or forced background. That said, there is a lot of detail included that the author has clearly experienced herself. There are also many visceral and uncomfortable details included, of animal trauma, brazen tourist exploitation of local people, poverty forcing families to make difficult choices and well-meaning outsiders trying their best to right what they see as wrongs, but which ultimately are beyond their understanding.
Alongside the narrative of the elephants is the story of self-identity, coming-of-age and female friendship between Hannah and Deven, also explored with compassion, humour and understanding. I found I engaged more with Hannah (as the narrator), and really felt for her feelings of being lost and intimidated while travelling, misunderstood and uncertain at home, and tentative and shy around Deven.
Some books you read because of the information they impart. The Breaking is one of those books – I felt deeply affected by the insight I gained into an industry I realised I knew little about. And that is what sets this apart from other novels about Australian travellers experiencing a foreign country: the deep and lasting impression of connection and feeling for animal welfare and what might be done to ensure boundaries are not crossed while still ensuring cultural integrity and basic human needs are met.
Hannah Bird is an Australian newly arrived in Thailand, keen to immerse herself in the culture and escape from difficulties at home. She is disoriented by the uncomfortable reality of life in a less-developed country, where families struggle to survive, and will do almost anything for the tourism dollar. She meets Deven, a feisty and determined expat who has settled into Thai life and decided on the road less travelled. Deven abhors the tricks and trinkets of tourism and rather than be part of the problem, she yearns to be involved in the solution. The two friends are caught up in an elephant rescue organisation, which seems to be achieving great progress and change, and which satisfies the girls’ moral and ethical questions. Or does it? As Hannah and Deven become more deeply exposed to the true state of animal exploitation, the high demand of foreigners for ‘traditional’ experiences and how far locals will go to provide those experiences, for a cost, the young women become increasingly disillusioned and uncomfortable with how things are done. And yet … they are not part of the system or the culture, and they don’t understand or have to deal with the financial worries of the locals. Their privilege becomes more and more obvious. And no matter how hard they try to ‘help’, their privilege remains a stumbling block to true understanding and their ability to fully participate and to comprehend the totality of the obstacles the locals face.
Gold’s lived experience is very obvious as having informed the intimate details of this novel. The sounds, smells, sights and tastes of Thailand are depicted as only someone who has travelled there could describe them. This is true also of the ethical dilemma explored around the issue of poverty in less developed countries, and what local people might be prepared to do to survive, often at the behest of wealthier foreigners, and frequently for activities, products or services that are not available unless you travel overseas. This was an issue also delicately explored in Angela Savage’s book Mother of Pearl, which examined overseas surrogacy in a similarly sensitive way.
Gold uses local language and casual references to food and culture in a way that expects the reader to keep up, rather than spoon-feeding them with explanations or forced background. That said, there is a lot of detail included that the author has clearly experienced herself. There are also many visceral and uncomfortable details included, of animal trauma, brazen tourist exploitation of local people, poverty forcing families to make difficult choices and well-meaning outsiders trying their best to right what they see as wrongs, but which ultimately are beyond their understanding.
Alongside the narrative of the elephants is the story of self-identity, coming-of-age and female friendship between Hannah and Deven, also explored with compassion, humour and understanding. I found I engaged more with Hannah (as the narrator), and really felt for her feelings of being lost and intimidated while travelling, misunderstood and uncertain at home, and tentative and shy around Deven.
Some books you read because of the information they impart. The Breaking is one of those books – I felt deeply affected by the insight I gained into an industry I realised I knew little about. And that is what sets this apart from other novels about Australian travellers experiencing a foreign country: the deep and lasting impression of connection and feeling for animal welfare and what might be done to ensure boundaries are not crossed while still ensuring cultural integrity and basic human needs are met.
May 22, 2021
‘I guess we’re all running, in a way…’
Hannah Bird lost her job as a receptionist and fled to Thailand. She figures that her money will last longer there. In the lobby of the hostel where she is staying, she meets Deven, another Australian, working as a teacher. Deven has a passion for saving elephants and convinces Hannah to join her on an official project to save enslaved elephants. Deven and Hannah work as part of a team feeding and cleaning up after the rescued elephants. It is hot, hard work in the tropical humidity. Privileged westerners, well-intentioned but with a limited understanding of the world they have chosen to visit, imposing their values on others. The official project does not go far enough for them and Deven and Hannah, full of youthful idealism, embark on their own unofficial rescue mission with disastrous consequences.
Two idealistic young women, trying to find their own place in a world full of inequality, establishing their own relationship. Two young women, trying to do what they think is ‘right’ without being fully aware of the possible consequences of their actions.
I am still thinking about some of the issues Ms Gold raises in this novel: the role of elephants in Thailand, their use (and exploitation), and the role of tourists who often want to see the elephants perform. Tourism is important to the local economy, as is the other work that elephants are involved in. Tourists may decry the exploitation of elephants, but they are often reinforcing it.
I finished this novel, wondering what the future might hold for Thai elephants and how customary practice and economic factors impact on their lives. I finished the novel wondering, as well, about the hypocrisy of westerners who take their own use of resources (including animals) for granted but would impose a different standard on others. Sigh. And I wondered where Hannah and Deven might be in ten years’ time, and what their views would be then.
A thought-provoking debut novel. Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Hannah Bird lost her job as a receptionist and fled to Thailand. She figures that her money will last longer there. In the lobby of the hostel where she is staying, she meets Deven, another Australian, working as a teacher. Deven has a passion for saving elephants and convinces Hannah to join her on an official project to save enslaved elephants. Deven and Hannah work as part of a team feeding and cleaning up after the rescued elephants. It is hot, hard work in the tropical humidity. Privileged westerners, well-intentioned but with a limited understanding of the world they have chosen to visit, imposing their values on others. The official project does not go far enough for them and Deven and Hannah, full of youthful idealism, embark on their own unofficial rescue mission with disastrous consequences.
Two idealistic young women, trying to find their own place in a world full of inequality, establishing their own relationship. Two young women, trying to do what they think is ‘right’ without being fully aware of the possible consequences of their actions.
I am still thinking about some of the issues Ms Gold raises in this novel: the role of elephants in Thailand, their use (and exploitation), and the role of tourists who often want to see the elephants perform. Tourism is important to the local economy, as is the other work that elephants are involved in. Tourists may decry the exploitation of elephants, but they are often reinforcing it.
I finished this novel, wondering what the future might hold for Thai elephants and how customary practice and economic factors impact on their lives. I finished the novel wondering, as well, about the hypocrisy of westerners who take their own use of resources (including animals) for granted but would impose a different standard on others. Sigh. And I wondered where Hannah and Deven might be in ten years’ time, and what their views would be then.
A thought-provoking debut novel. Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
May 20, 2021
Unimpressed. As someone who is in a same sex marraige and has been living and working with Elephants in Thailand for over 15 years this was a difficult book for me. I felt this book was disingenuous to say the least. I have no issue with the way the main relationship was depicted. However the white saviour complex of the protagonists combined with the portrayal of depicting hard working elephant people as cruel and vicious is terrible propaganda. People work with elephants because they love them but the author decided to paint them as money desperate who will torture elephants to earn a living. The situation could not be further from the truth. Her description of the pajaan is from one video that has been circulating for over 15 years and has no merit as representational of the way elephants are trained. It is easy to target a faceless, nameless group who are vulnerable to western criticism because they do not read and speak English; people who will never read the book and have no way of combating the horrid lies within. In other words an easy target to virtue signal how committed white people are to exposing something that rarely happens and there are laws against. If the author had done real research into elephant camps and spoken to the mahouts she would have a few characters who are real mahouts who dedicate their blood, sweat and tears to these endangered animals.
The biggest exploiter here is the author, who has only looked at one side of the story that the multi million dollar industry of animal rights continues to exploit for profit. I could not get past the way Elephant people were depicted to feel this story had any value or truth. Thailand has fought for centuries to never be colonized and now people go to one type of camp, listen to one type of story and believe they know everything because they feel sorry for elephants. No wonder Thais feel the west is trying to railroad them by painting them as heartless people who don't care or know how to care for elephants. Insidiously neocolonialist. Keep in mind Thailand has thousands of years of culture and history with elephants. They do not need well meaning but ignorant people telling them what to do and how to look after an animal they have dedicated their lives to. People have a lot of knowledge about elephants and their care but the western mentality of trying to rescue elephants has led to whole new industry where often the care is compromised because they need to cater to people who know nothing about elephants.There are many scientific researchers and veterinarians who are are showing how wrong the west is to condemn riding by proving scientifically there is no harm to elephants but people refuse to listen to the experts preferring instead "abuse porn" to inform them. Sorry but I cannot support this narrative and the racist stereo typing of marginalized people. The book becomes a meaningless vehicle for propaganda against all the people who have stood by their elephants even during these difficult times with no tourists and income, during Covid. The cost of narratives such as this one making terrible offensive and damaging false generalizations does huge damage to the future of elephants as we can see by all the reviewers who suddenly feel enlightened by the author's false narrative of widespread abuse.
The biggest exploiter here is the author, who has only looked at one side of the story that the multi million dollar industry of animal rights continues to exploit for profit. I could not get past the way Elephant people were depicted to feel this story had any value or truth. Thailand has fought for centuries to never be colonized and now people go to one type of camp, listen to one type of story and believe they know everything because they feel sorry for elephants. No wonder Thais feel the west is trying to railroad them by painting them as heartless people who don't care or know how to care for elephants. Insidiously neocolonialist. Keep in mind Thailand has thousands of years of culture and history with elephants. They do not need well meaning but ignorant people telling them what to do and how to look after an animal they have dedicated their lives to. People have a lot of knowledge about elephants and their care but the western mentality of trying to rescue elephants has led to whole new industry where often the care is compromised because they need to cater to people who know nothing about elephants.There are many scientific researchers and veterinarians who are are showing how wrong the west is to condemn riding by proving scientifically there is no harm to elephants but people refuse to listen to the experts preferring instead "abuse porn" to inform them. Sorry but I cannot support this narrative and the racist stereo typing of marginalized people. The book becomes a meaningless vehicle for propaganda against all the people who have stood by their elephants even during these difficult times with no tourists and income, during Covid. The cost of narratives such as this one making terrible offensive and damaging false generalizations does huge damage to the future of elephants as we can see by all the reviewers who suddenly feel enlightened by the author's false narrative of widespread abuse.
March 10, 2021
I really loved this book, the writing style is so natural, the characters are flawed yet relatable, and the central story is a real page turner. This book is really informative and it left me questioning the bigger issues like global inequality, cheap tourism and my position within that system. It does all this while engaging the reader, without any brow beating. I would highly recommend!
March 1, 2021
Wow! What an incredible book. I got my pre-order and swallowed it in two sittings. Couldn't put it down! A compelling and important book. I haven't read anything like it. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time.
March 9, 2021
This is a powerful novel threaded around the issue of elephant exploitation in Thailand but is also about relationships and searching for self.
March 21, 2021
Captivating read. From the first few pages I found myself immersed. The language and writing pace made me feel like I was on the journey with the characters. Highly recommend.
March 8, 2021
Wow! This is a book that makes you think and feel, and stays with you long after the heart-pumping ending. Gold's characters are believable, her Thailand setting is evocative (you can almost feel and smell it) and the important (and devastating) issue of animal cruelty, endemic in elephant tourism is shown through a compelling narrative of two young women navigating the world and their place in it, as well as their feelings for each other. My copy of 'The Breaking' came in the mail on Friday, and I thought I'd have a quick peek inside... and I was hooked! I finished it on Saturday afternoon - it was that compelling!
The complexities of the elephant industry are not glossed over - there are no neat, easy answers, but I defy anyone to read this book and not consider donating to the elephant welfare organisations Gold lists at the back of the book. To be honest, scenes with animal cruelty are not easy for me to read, and I was worried that I was going to be traumatised. Thankfully, Gold kept the ugliest details to the necessary few scenes needed to raise awareness of the plight of the elephants and make sense of the character's actions.
A compelling, immersive, thought provoking read.
The complexities of the elephant industry are not glossed over - there are no neat, easy answers, but I defy anyone to read this book and not consider donating to the elephant welfare organisations Gold lists at the back of the book. To be honest, scenes with animal cruelty are not easy for me to read, and I was worried that I was going to be traumatised. Thankfully, Gold kept the ugliest details to the necessary few scenes needed to raise awareness of the plight of the elephants and make sense of the character's actions.
A compelling, immersive, thought provoking read.
April 22, 2021
A really vivid and personal look at Thailand through the eyes of a just arrived aussie traveler Hannah. I loved that we discovered the sights and sounds of Thailand at the same time as Hannah, including a look into the world of elephant tourism, which I knew very little about before reading this. I thought Gold did a great job of exploring this issue without sounding preachy, and I appreciated that while there were difficult to read scenes (CW: animals violence) it never felt gratuitous.
I loved seeing the relationship between the two women develop, and the way that seeing things from Hannah's POV let the reader experience some of that falling in love feeling.
Looking forward to seeing what Gold writes next!
* thanks to Midnight Sun Publishing for providing a free copy of The Breaking for review.
I loved seeing the relationship between the two women develop, and the way that seeing things from Hannah's POV let the reader experience some of that falling in love feeling.
Looking forward to seeing what Gold writes next!
* thanks to Midnight Sun Publishing for providing a free copy of The Breaking for review.
March 7, 2021
There is something lovely in reading (and if you’re an author, writing) about a young woman who is starting to venture out into the world. This book – Irma Gold’s debut novel – is about the adventures of a young Australian, Hannah, as she travels through Thailand and learns about the cruelty to and exploitation of elephants in the tourist trade and elsewhere. On her journey, she gains wisdom and compassion, and also discovers unexpected love. The prose has some lovely turns of phrase, and the novel should be required reading not only for anyone planning to jump on an elephant on a trip to Thailand but also for animal lovers everywhere.
March 9, 2021
Such a fantastic book, truly capturing the earnestness and intensity of women travelling in their 20's, fervently passionate about animal rights. The author does an amazing job at capturing the feeling of Thailand, and brings to light important issues about elephant tourism and the complex issues that drive the industry. The story itself is compelling, the characters well developed, and the book is extremely readable - I devoured it over the course of a couple of days. Definitely worth your time!
April 22, 2021
This book highlights the plight of elephant exploitation in Thailand and was difficult at times to read with its descriptions. In parallel with this was the story of a girl somewhat lost and looking for meaning and fulfilment in her life. It was frustrating at times as Hannah let herself be led by her new friend Deven and Deven’s opinions. There are some deeper themes and comparisons to consider from this book, for example control over others and the difference between humans and animals in terms of free will with respect to that control.
May 14, 2021
An easy read but cynically, I feel the author had a checklist of progressive talking points to make it seem inclusive. The western characters are little more than mouthpieces for the author's views and spout racist stereotypes of elephant care in Thailand. The book further marginalizes an already vulnerable group. The author's research is extremely flawed, one-sided and laughably inaccurate. Very disappointed!
March 20, 2021
Read this book!!!!!
Such a captivating story and beautifully written! Irma Gold transports you into Thailand and paints a vivid picture of the place and the culture... I feel hot and sticky sitting in my lounge room imagining the heat, the noise, the food... takes me right back to Thailand!
The language Gold uses is refreshing in its use of simple Australian vernacular while not overdoing the Aussie stereotype. Her words create a landscape that is at times joyful, tense, sad and introspective. The main characters of Hannah and Deven are complex and human and somehow I miss them now that I’m finished the book.
A must read.
Such a captivating story and beautifully written! Irma Gold transports you into Thailand and paints a vivid picture of the place and the culture... I feel hot and sticky sitting in my lounge room imagining the heat, the noise, the food... takes me right back to Thailand!
The language Gold uses is refreshing in its use of simple Australian vernacular while not overdoing the Aussie stereotype. Her words create a landscape that is at times joyful, tense, sad and introspective. The main characters of Hannah and Deven are complex and human and somehow I miss them now that I’m finished the book.
A must read.
May 22, 2021
The breaking is about two young Australian women, Hannah Bird, who has just arrived in Thailand as a tourist, unsettled and insecure because she’s lost her job, and Deven, who has been living there for some time and is involved in elephant rescue projects. They meet in a hostel lobby, as tourists do, and the experienced Deven invites Hannah to go to the night markets with her. From there, a friendship – and eventually something more – develops as the somewhat naive Hannah is drawn into the more experienced and confident Deven’s passions and views of the world. It’s not long before we discover the layers in the title as Hannah is introduced to the cruel practice of phajaan. For my complete review, please see my blog: https://whisperinggums.com/2021/05/22...
May 3, 2021
Thank you to Louise Allan (author) for my copy by Irma Gold.
Wow, what a rollercoaster of emotions reading this book! I loved the Aussie humour
and there are some really funny parts. What a wake up call though on the reality for elephants in the Thailand tourist trade. I understand how the people of Thailand need to survive and make a living, but the utter cruelty the elephants are subjected to is appalling. Torture, beatings, starvation, dehydration and neglect, all so some fat tourists can have an elephant ride. I was floored by the cruelty and the author describes this so well that I had to take breaks occasionally as it really upset me. There are a lot of lovely Thai people trying to rescue these poor elephants so the book also shows the caring side too. I love the adventures of Deven and Hannah trying to explore the real Thailand, not the tourist Thailand. I think anyone wanting to travel to Thailand should be encouraged to read this book.
Wow, what a rollercoaster of emotions reading this book! I loved the Aussie humour
and there are some really funny parts. What a wake up call though on the reality for elephants in the Thailand tourist trade. I understand how the people of Thailand need to survive and make a living, but the utter cruelty the elephants are subjected to is appalling. Torture, beatings, starvation, dehydration and neglect, all so some fat tourists can have an elephant ride. I was floored by the cruelty and the author describes this so well that I had to take breaks occasionally as it really upset me. There are a lot of lovely Thai people trying to rescue these poor elephants so the book also shows the caring side too. I love the adventures of Deven and Hannah trying to explore the real Thailand, not the tourist Thailand. I think anyone wanting to travel to Thailand should be encouraged to read this book.
June 3, 2021
I loved this book. Not for the important message it conveys about animal cruelty, seemlesly woven into what is primarily a story of frienship, love and self-discovery in the face of consuming moral obsession. But for the authentic, rawly facinating charatcters who draw you in from the first page. On top of this, Irma's Imersive storytelling has you literally feeling Thailand. Highly reccomend.
April 11, 2021
I have never been to Thailand but have ridden elephants in India. Never again. This wonderful book not only explores our exploitation of elephants but also the reasons why.
The reasons why elephants are necessary for economic reasons for Thai people and the reasons that tourists' experiences using elephants are the reasons for inhumane exploitation of elephants is just horrible.
This thought-provoking book not only explores our relationship with nature but our own relationships with others.
I love it and highly recommend 😊
The reasons why elephants are necessary for economic reasons for Thai people and the reasons that tourists' experiences using elephants are the reasons for inhumane exploitation of elephants is just horrible.
This thought-provoking book not only explores our relationship with nature but our own relationships with others.
I love it and highly recommend 😊
April 10, 2021
Brilliant writing, thought-provoking topic, full of sensory detail and a total page-turner. Absolutely loved this.
May 27, 2021
Engaging read. Central theme is the plight of elephants in Thailand from the perspective of two young Australian women finding their place in the world.
August 16, 2025
An interesting story that was well written, but I felt that the most interesting aspects (family, sexuality, animal rights) were often lost among detailed "preaching" descriptions of animal cruelty. So, for me, the unsubtle message about elephant cruelty in Thailand overwhelmed an otherwise good novel.
July 21, 2021
The Breaking piqued my interest not because I am sentimental about elephants but because it explores the ugly side of mass tourism and the role of outsiders in 'righting wrongs'. Hannah is the stereotypical naïve young tourist, escaping the minor troubles of a comfortable life by visiting an 'exotic' culture on a shoestring. As fellow Australian Deven in exasperation soon makes clear, Hannah has not bothered to find out anything about the country she is visiting. Deven, who has issues of her own, clearly enjoys being the possessor of knowledge about Thailand, and takes the clueless Hannah under her wing, introducing her to the culture of street life and teaching her scraps of Thai. (Later on, Deven volunteers as a teacher in a village school so teaching must be in her blood.)
But Deven also introduces Hannah to the Worthy Cause, i.e. the rescue of elephants which these days are used less as workhorses and more to entertain the 'bucket list' type of tourist with circus performances, tricks and rides. Deven is passionate about the rescue of these animals which suffer greatly throughout their very long lives, and as the novel reveals in graphic detail, the elephant's submission to their mahout is achieved through the process of phajaan i.e. breaking its spirit with extreme cruelty when it is very young. (Though you can infer some of what goes on from the Equipment section, none of this is alluded to in the bland article about mahouts at Wikipedia which has been edited significantly to remove references to phajaan, see Verification in the Talk section).
With sexual attraction emerging between Hannah and Deven, the pair join an elephant rescue operation, putting in long hours of back-breaking, dirty labour. They clean the elephants, and they clean up after them; they feed them and they spend hours preparing their food. They tend their wounds and they rejoice when elephants take their first tentative unchained steps. They get to know and love individual elephants and they find that the work they are doing is very satisfying. But that is not enough for Deven. She knows, (as everyone else involved in these projects in Asia and Africa does), that the problem of elephant exploitation and cruelty is systemic and that they are making a difference only to a small number of individual animals.
(Though the novel is not explicit about this, the depiction of the 'yobbo' Aussie tourist shows that activism also needs to tackle the pressure exerted by this type of tourist. That needs to be done not in Thailand but in the source countries of the tourists who arrive expecting tricks and rides. Making ethical tourism the only kind of acceptable tourism is a project for wealthy western countries.)
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2021/07/21/t...
But Deven also introduces Hannah to the Worthy Cause, i.e. the rescue of elephants which these days are used less as workhorses and more to entertain the 'bucket list' type of tourist with circus performances, tricks and rides. Deven is passionate about the rescue of these animals which suffer greatly throughout their very long lives, and as the novel reveals in graphic detail, the elephant's submission to their mahout is achieved through the process of phajaan i.e. breaking its spirit with extreme cruelty when it is very young. (Though you can infer some of what goes on from the Equipment section, none of this is alluded to in the bland article about mahouts at Wikipedia which has been edited significantly to remove references to phajaan, see Verification in the Talk section).
With sexual attraction emerging between Hannah and Deven, the pair join an elephant rescue operation, putting in long hours of back-breaking, dirty labour. They clean the elephants, and they clean up after them; they feed them and they spend hours preparing their food. They tend their wounds and they rejoice when elephants take their first tentative unchained steps. They get to know and love individual elephants and they find that the work they are doing is very satisfying. But that is not enough for Deven. She knows, (as everyone else involved in these projects in Asia and Africa does), that the problem of elephant exploitation and cruelty is systemic and that they are making a difference only to a small number of individual animals.
(Though the novel is not explicit about this, the depiction of the 'yobbo' Aussie tourist shows that activism also needs to tackle the pressure exerted by this type of tourist. That needs to be done not in Thailand but in the source countries of the tourists who arrive expecting tricks and rides. Making ethical tourism the only kind of acceptable tourism is a project for wealthy western countries.)
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2021/07/21/t...
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May 11, 2021This review was first published on the Underground Writers website: http://underground-writers.org/review...
Irma Gold’s debut novel is a confronting and emotionally gripping work of literature. The Breaking follows Hannah Bird, a young woman who becomes interested in elephant sanctuaries after her trip to Thailand gets hijacked by the audacious Australian expat, Deven. As the two women delve deeper into the world of elephant tourism, they come face-to-face with the complexities of human desires and the exploitation of animals in the tourism industry.
Based on the blurb, I expected there to be a large focus on the interwoven cultural, political, and environmental complexities of animal exploitation within Thailand’s tourism industry. While The Breaking highlights several significant problems and difficulties activists face in initiating change (such as educating families in more ethical practices to treat elephants), I found these conversations to be more of a sub-plot to the romance plotline. Hannah is very much intrigued by Deven’s fiery personality and strong sense for justice, which often led the story to revolve around these developing feelings as opposed to engaging more with the elephants and the people of the sanctuary. While I did not expect the strong romance storyline, Irma Gold expertly portrays the uncertainty of young love and the innate desire of wanting to belong.
The Breaking is a love story. While Hannah is willing to follow Deven across Thailand, Gold’s love and passion for elephants led her to dedicate her time volunteering at sanctuaries. This experience is prevalent throughout the story, and has informed her writing in meaningful and insightful ways. Each scene at the sanctuaries feels intimate and personal, not only forging a relationship between the rescued elephants and the characters, but with the readers as well. These interactions give the story a lot of charm; Gold’s care in educating readers and capturing the rehabilitation efforts of these sanctuaries is inspiring. But when it comes to the cruelty elephants endure for the sake of tourism, her writing becomes unsettlingly vivid in its simplicity. The story encourages action and thought, urging readers to refuse indifference and face these atrocities for what they are.
The Breaking can be difficult to read at times; much like the fiery character Deven, the story is loud, in-your-face, and demands action in the face of injustice. But while the book’s explicit nature can create an unsettling reading experience, the author’s passion and insight for elephants is sure to encourage readers to take a more ethical approach to tourism. For readers who consider themselves a romantic, a travel-bug, or even an activist for animal rights, this book is one to add to your TBR list!
Irma Gold’s debut novel is a confronting and emotionally gripping work of literature. The Breaking follows Hannah Bird, a young woman who becomes interested in elephant sanctuaries after her trip to Thailand gets hijacked by the audacious Australian expat, Deven. As the two women delve deeper into the world of elephant tourism, they come face-to-face with the complexities of human desires and the exploitation of animals in the tourism industry.
Based on the blurb, I expected there to be a large focus on the interwoven cultural, political, and environmental complexities of animal exploitation within Thailand’s tourism industry. While The Breaking highlights several significant problems and difficulties activists face in initiating change (such as educating families in more ethical practices to treat elephants), I found these conversations to be more of a sub-plot to the romance plotline. Hannah is very much intrigued by Deven’s fiery personality and strong sense for justice, which often led the story to revolve around these developing feelings as opposed to engaging more with the elephants and the people of the sanctuary. While I did not expect the strong romance storyline, Irma Gold expertly portrays the uncertainty of young love and the innate desire of wanting to belong.
The Breaking is a love story. While Hannah is willing to follow Deven across Thailand, Gold’s love and passion for elephants led her to dedicate her time volunteering at sanctuaries. This experience is prevalent throughout the story, and has informed her writing in meaningful and insightful ways. Each scene at the sanctuaries feels intimate and personal, not only forging a relationship between the rescued elephants and the characters, but with the readers as well. These interactions give the story a lot of charm; Gold’s care in educating readers and capturing the rehabilitation efforts of these sanctuaries is inspiring. But when it comes to the cruelty elephants endure for the sake of tourism, her writing becomes unsettlingly vivid in its simplicity. The story encourages action and thought, urging readers to refuse indifference and face these atrocities for what they are.
The Breaking can be difficult to read at times; much like the fiery character Deven, the story is loud, in-your-face, and demands action in the face of injustice. But while the book’s explicit nature can create an unsettling reading experience, the author’s passion and insight for elephants is sure to encourage readers to take a more ethical approach to tourism. For readers who consider themselves a romantic, a travel-bug, or even an activist for animal rights, this book is one to add to your TBR list!
June 22, 2021
Although the author states this book is a blend of fact and fiction, it came across as more autobiography than novel. As if the author had merely turned her journal into a novel.
While the author is obviously passionate about the book's subject matter, the first half of the story felt like she was beating the reader around the head with one of the infamous billhooks about it. Big turn off.
The Deven character is insufferable and I didn't much care for the wide-eyed naive first-time-abroad narrator either.
The author thanks a team of people for their attention to words, but all I can say is that they couldn't have been paying much attention at all because every time the word 'sliver' was meant, the author wrote 'slithers'. Really, really annoying.
While the author is obviously passionate about the book's subject matter, the first half of the story felt like she was beating the reader around the head with one of the infamous billhooks about it. Big turn off.
The Deven character is insufferable and I didn't much care for the wide-eyed naive first-time-abroad narrator either.
The author thanks a team of people for their attention to words, but all I can say is that they couldn't have been paying much attention at all because every time the word 'sliver' was meant, the author wrote 'slithers'. Really, really annoying.
August 29, 2021
I found this book very disturbing. I felt it was written from a very white privileged perspective, you know, tourist go to Asian country for a life altering experience, they then proceed to drink, behave badly, make uninformed decisions, think they know better, cause chaos and escape back to their privileged country whilst leaving a wake in their paths. This book is a good example of ignorance and the damage it can do to. DON'T WAIST YOUR TIME WITH THIS ONE.
August 23, 2022
I'm sorry to have to dnf this fabulous book: the characters speak with such vibrancy, honestly, the dialogue in this novel is sparklingly good. The characters are written so sharply and the plot was engrossing. This really is a fantastic debut, but I got to the point where the animal abuse was just too much for me; it was deadening any excitement I had to read the novel, and I began to dread going back to the book each time.
August 13, 2021
Two Aussie girls volunteer in an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. This book was so descriptive, sad, raw and real I could not stop reading it. Some pages scared me as I knew what was coming and I just couldn't read it. Such a strong, powerful book. It actually changed my life. Best book I have read this year. Well done Irma Gold.
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