The Tassie Book Club - May 2026 - The Hobart / Launceston Magazine

The Tassie Book Club – May 2026

by Stephanie Williams

The Woman Booker Prize Club is a local Hobart book club. Here they share their thoughts on books by Tasmanian authors, set in Tasmania, or about Tassie topics. Over to the club!

This month we’re diving into the natural world and reflecting on our relationships with non-human animals and plants. Will we just catalogue their demise, or will we participate in the protection and the rewilding of our planet Earth?

Department of the Vanishing by Johanna Bell (Transit Lounge, March 2026)

Review by Megan Tighe

If I told you this was the most unconventional literary ‘novel’ you’d see this year, constructed as if an archive, pulling together free verse, non-fiction poetry and photography – I wouldn’t judge you for being daunted. I was, a little, too. But I didn’t just devour this book, I inhaled it. If anything, the collage of styles and mixed media is perfectly suited to our shortened attention spans in this contemporary world of ours.

The Department of the Vanishing is also set firmly in the contemporary and near future – in a fictional Australian government department that was established to catalogue extinct and disappearing species. We piece together the story from Ava’s point of view, with a combination of artifacts from her work as an archivist of bird species in the

Department – and from her personal life. There are compelling mysteries in the codex to puzzle over and unravel, from the nature of Ava’s relationship with Luke (is he genuine or is he using her?) to how and why her father went missing in the past.

Part mystery and part personal discovery, the novel is striking, compelling, a little bit erotic, and as a whole: an elegy for the species and the world we are losing. The premise of an environment without birdsong is a heartbreaking one and this book captured me with its sense of urgency. It also gave me a newfound appreciation for lyrebirds, and for verse novels.

A dazzling debut by the relatively new but very welcome Hobart resident, Johanna Bell; I thoroughly recommend this book to you.

Every Wild Soul by Katherine Johnson (HarperCollins, April 2026)

Review by Melanie Ross

18-year-old Min lives on Maria Island with her father, Piers, who is head ranger of the National Park. Deeply missing her mother, who left the family a decade ago, Min is guided by a misfit German as she discovers the natural wonders of the island. When a boy from Triabunna washes up from a boat accident and Min saves his life, it begins a dangerous series of events that stretch Min’s sheltered existence to its limits.

Meanwhile Lucie, a floundering journalist from Tassie but living in London, starts an unexpectedly popular series about places that are being ‘rewilded’. Her stories eventually lead her to Maria Island, to a project to establish a healthy sanctuary for Tasmanian devils, and to Min.

Beautiful and skillful observations of the natural assets of Tasmania set this novel apart from others; perhaps unsurprisingly, as the author Johnson is a respected science journalist herself. A wonderful meditation upon extinction, ecology, and the relationships humans form with non-human animals and plants, this story will no doubt resonate with many Tasmanians.

If you like this book, Katherine Johnson has written four other novels for you to enjoy. Screen Tasmania has also recently provided support to develop the author’s 2016 novel The Better Son into a 90-minute feature drama – we can’t wait to see it!

Book Chatter

Have you booked your tickets for the Island Readers & Writers Festival? Representing a new chapter in literary festivals for Hobart, this celebration of literature, story-telling and creating connection takes place over five days from 28 May to 1 June. Featuring a mix of in-conversations, panels, workshops, readings and performances, established authors and emerging voices – there is something for everyone on this program!

Every event is individually ticketed, so you can choose your own adventure, dipping into the program as much or as little as you like. Head to www.islandfest.com. au to check out what’s in store and book your tickets.

Keen to chat books with us?

Find us @thewomanbookerprizeclub on Instagram or email thewbpc@gmail.com

Love this

Extras

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces – May 2026

Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!