The Tassie Book Club- May 2025

by Hobart Magazine

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’ve got the most gorgeous picture book, plus a long awaited new book by the fabulous Minnie Darke. These two are sure to become favourite books for many people, young and old.

Three Juliets by Minnie Darke (Penguin Random House Australia, April 2025)

Review by Megan Tighe

In Three Juliets, Claudie Miller is a household name, after years sharing sought-after clothing patterns and sewing advice in an Australian women’s magazine. In 1984, her latest design – for a highly desirable ‘sweet sixteen’ dress, the titular ‘Juliet’ – has caused a shortage of silk fabric across the country. At the same time, we meet three teenage girls: Roisin, Miranda and Bindi, who each come to own a Juliet. Without giving too much away…more than a dress connects these women. Three Juliets unravels who they each are to one another, and for whom the Juliet was originally intended. Each character is a fully fleshed-out person, helping present nuanced perspectives on girlhood, womanhood, and motherhood across the decades. The novel also grapples with a history of stigma against young and unmarried mothers, forced adoptions, and different experiences of growing up as an adopted child.

There is something just so delightful, so pleasing about picking up a thick, meaty new novel by a writer you know you will enjoy. It’s that anticipation of a guaranteed good time (and a decently long time too). The latest by Minnie Darke (a.k.a Hobart’s own Danielle Wood) does not disappoint. It is engaging and satisfying; it’s what we in the club call, simply, ‘a really good read’.

Digger Digs Down by Johanna Bell and Huni Melissa Bolliger (UQP, July 2024)

Review by Emily Schade

We’ve been celebrating this year’s Tasmanian Literary Awards and were delighted that this joyous book was the winner of the Minister for the Arts’ Prize for Books for Young Readers and Children.

Digger Digs Down is a tale (tail?) of an adventurous, digging dog, who digs deep deep down to find all sorts of wonders. Told in wonderfully simple and repetitive language, this story keeps good pace, holds my one-year-old’s attention, and is poetic to read aloud – delightful. As lovely as the language is, the real heroes of this story are the glorious illustrations. Warm autumnal hues, deep oceanic blue and greens, soft edges, warm lights, and a very happy dog; these illustrations are mesmerising and full of imagination and wonder.

As a staunch dog family, this beautiful book has been a huge hit in my household and will remain a favourite for years to come. Big congratulations to author Johanna Bell and illustrator Huni Melissa Bolliger!

Book Chatter Trying to find your place in Tassie’s bookish communities? There have never been so many, or such specific, options – you just have to look out for them (and give them a go)! This month we thought we’d introduce you to a few new bookish tribes and spaces:

Just want to read, or write? But maybe in company? Libraries Tasmania has opened new bookable Writer’s Rooms for quiet or communal writing, reading and bookish discussion. Don’t forget the Town Hall also opens the Henry Hunter room for locals to hang out and enjoy the selection of Tasmanian books. And, Hobart’s Silent Book Club meets the fourth Friday of each month.
Two new book clubs have started in Hobart. The Tasmanian Palestine Advocacy Network (TPAN) has started a new bimonthly ‘Kitaab’ (book) club, focusing on Palestinian literature. Queer Book Club Tasmania is building a community with book talk, crafternoons and other social events welcoming to all. Check out @queerbookclub_tas on Instagram to get chatting and find details of upcoming gatherings.
Five Leaves Left is hosting a monthly salon on the last Tuesday of the month to hear What Writers Read, featuring local authors talking about overlooked/ underrated books. It is ticketed, but includes a very nice drink and a sure-tobe- coveted spot in the tiny shop.

Keen to chat books with us? Find us on Instagram @thewomanbookerprizeclub or email thewbpc@gmail.com

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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!