Two women. Two very different, heroic lives. Two Australias.

In the prison in Sarah Sweet's backyard, drunks get locked up for the night and sing beautiful songs through the bars. Behind the prison, there's a paddock full of horses waiting to be broken by her dad, the best horse breaker in Boolaroo. Mal Sweet can break anything, except Sarah. She's a champion, stronger than anyone. She won't be broken. Even if it means destroying those closest to her.

Nominated for the Scottish Writer of the Year Award and the Orange Prize, The Breaking is a unique, lyrical testament to the power of the human spirit.