Author offers free download of his new novel - Richmond Road

As a special promotion for the launching of my latest novel Richmond Road, this will be free to download onto your electronic reader, tablet or Smartphone, as is Applicable, between 01 November 2013 and 05 November 2013.

This novel is set against a backdrop of Auckland in the early 1900s at a time when the city is transforming from a pioneer shantytown to city with public amenities such as an electric tram network and public buildings built in permanent materials. The main action occurs in Ponsonby, Freemans Bay, Downtown Auckland, Mt Eden Prison, Symonds St cemetery, and at sea on Mullet boats and sailing scows.

Synopsis:

George Bender’s grandson lies in a coma as a result of a failed suicide attempt. His grandson has long haunted George as he appears to be a reincarnation of his younger brother, Daniel. When it is suggested that George read to him as a means of bringing him out of his coma, he decides instead to relate his life story. This begins in Auckland in the early 1900s. The family is put into penury when George’s father is killed in an industrial accident. To make ends meet, George is lured into the world of professional gambling. Soon his gambling debts grow and he is forced to embezzle from his employer. This results in his being sent to prison.

While George is in prison, conscription is brought in and his brother, Daniel is sent off to the Western Front. Soon after George’s release from prison the Armistice is signed allowing George to avoid the war altogether. A year goes past before Daniel returns home. George goes to meet him, only the man he meets is far different from the brother he once knew. Daniel is one of the thousands of shell-shock victims. As George relates these events, he is forced to face the guilt he has carried all these years for not going to war instead of Daniel, and for his involvement with Daniel’s subsequent death.  

Footnote:

I hope you take advantage of this offer and download this book. On the basis that you enjoy this novel, I would appreciate you taking the time to give it a review on Amazon.com. For those of you who do not have access to an electronic reader, a paperback version of this novel is to be published, hopefully prior to Christmas.

Miles Hughes