The Claim, was published by UK publishers RedDoor in July 2019.
Set in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, The Claim is a tale about love and trust, about what matters in life and what doesn't, and about the elusive nature of truth.
The novel was long-listed for the Michael Gifkins Prize in 2018.
Disillusioned with life, Evan Cadwallader escapes each summer to his cottage in a remote valley in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, where he spends his days prospecting on his claim for gold. There, one stormy night, he discovers a young woman, Addie, lost and near to death in the bush. He carries her to his cottage and nurses her back to health.
Over the following weeks, as Addie regains her strength and tells him her story, Evan finds himself increasingly drawn towards this troubled and enigmatic woman, and through her discovers a new sense of self-belief. For a few glorious weeks they thrive. But as they work together on his claim, and the gold begins to flow, dark clouds gather, and soon Evan is caught within a drama that seems to betray every ounce of faith he had invested in her, and all his hopes for his own life.
Set during one claustrophobic summer, against a remote and beautiful backdrop, this is a novel about loss and companionship and trust that reaches beyond the story of Evan and Addie, and touches on the very nature of love.
Over the following weeks, as Addie regains her strength and tells him her story, Evan finds himself increasingly drawn towards this troubled and enigmatic woman, and through her discovers a new sense of self-belief. For a few glorious weeks they thrive. But as they work together on his claim, and the gold begins to flow, dark clouds gather, and soon Evan is caught within a drama that seems to betray every ounce of faith he had invested in her, and all his hopes for his own life.
Set during one claustrophobic summer, against a remote and beautiful backdrop, this is a novel about loss and companionship and trust that reaches beyond the story of Evan and Addie, and touches on the very nature of love.
From Reviewers and Readers
'. . . the reader is drawn in and held until the turning of the last page . . . an enviable talent . . . I read it in one sitting . . . and even after I’d closed the pages the story held me. It is a superbly written story, one of the best I’ve encountered. It may well become a classic.'
Lesley Vlietstra, Otago
'David Briggs is a master tailor of a writer who takes the strands of love, life, disappointment, fear and hope and – using invisible thread – sews together a beautifully written and gripping novel. A rare talent indeed'
Mark Thompson, author of Dust.
'Extraordinary . . . one of those books we miss out on . . . so beautiful . . . a very quiet book – a gentle, beautiful read . . . I urge you to read it; I think you will love it.'
Laura Lockington, author of Christmas in the Park
To hear Laura's podcast review click here
A stimulating and absorbing read. . . Thoughtful intelligent and gripping this excellent book shows an involving descriptive talent that evokes the implacable wilderness and exciting landscapes of NZ. Briggs' philosophical bent is much appreciated, and avoids crassness or psychobabble . To me the reading of personal motivation is convincing and the psychology seems spot on and perceptive. A very enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Richard Hartnup, Wales
'. . . the reader is drawn in and held until the turning of the last page . . . an enviable talent . . . I read it in one sitting . . . and even after I’d closed the pages the story held me. It is a superbly written story, one of the best I’ve encountered. It may well become a classic.'
Lesley Vlietstra, Otago
'David Briggs is a master tailor of a writer who takes the strands of love, life, disappointment, fear and hope and – using invisible thread – sews together a beautifully written and gripping novel. A rare talent indeed'
Mark Thompson, author of Dust.
'Extraordinary . . . one of those books we miss out on . . . so beautiful . . . a very quiet book – a gentle, beautiful read . . . I urge you to read it; I think you will love it.'
Laura Lockington, author of Christmas in the Park
To hear Laura's podcast review click here
A stimulating and absorbing read. . . Thoughtful intelligent and gripping this excellent book shows an involving descriptive talent that evokes the implacable wilderness and exciting landscapes of NZ. Briggs' philosophical bent is much appreciated, and avoids crassness or psychobabble . To me the reading of personal motivation is convincing and the psychology seems spot on and perceptive. A very enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Richard Hartnup, Wales
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Available in paperback and as an ebook from:
Amazon worldwide from Fishpond in New Zealand and Australia (signed copies) and from Nationwide Books in New Zealand |
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