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!

Historical fiction is the name of the game this month and we’ve got two wonderful books for you to escape into. Mary-Lou Stephens’ latest novel is sweet and tart for all the right reasons, while Amanda Geard’s mystery connects three generations all looking for answers.

The Jam Maker by Mary-Lon Stephens (HQ Fiction, January 2025)

Review by Emily Shade

This story begins on the banks of the squalid Hobart Rivulet in 1874. Twelve year-old Harriet Brown is learning to keep secrets while living as ‘Harry’ to secure a job at the local jam factory. Working as a lowly label paster to keep food on her family’s table, Harriet befriends Henry Jones, a boy of a similar age from a similarly impoverished background. The two become fast friends and after four years, Harriet gives up the pretense in the hope of a future with Henry. That future is not to be, but in becoming a woman, Harriet’s life is set on a different course – prosperity, struggle, deception – and jam-making.

Mary-Lou Stephens brings Hobart Town to life in this wonderfully researched piece of historical fiction. From the rise and fall of Hobart’s jam industry, to the impressive ambition and career of Henry Jones, to domestic drama and daily life, The Jam Maker covers an impressive breadth of story-telling. Reading about the history of Hobart’s jam industry through the eyes of Harriet was a delight. Stephens’ ability to combine history, strong female characters and the intricacies of a life well lived make for thoughtful, cosy reading. If you enjoyed Stephen’s’ The Last of the Apple Blossom or The Chocolate Factory, I think you’ll love this. Best served with jammy crumpets and tea.

The Moon Gate by Amanda Geard (Hachette Australia, April 2024)

Review by Kathryn Montgomery

This book is set over three time periods: firstly, 1939, focused on Grace Grey and her relocation to the west coast of Tasmania from London, where she captures the attention of her Irish neighbour, Daniel. 1975 follows newlyweds Ben and Willow, who have been anonymously bequeathed Towerhurst, a West Coast property, in mysterious circumstances. And, finally, 2004, from the perspective of Libby who is following the trail of her father Ben (who died before she was born) after she discovers a faded photograph and other long buried items.

The story jumps between the timelines, with the characters taking separate but connected journeys. In particular, I really enjoyed Grace’s introduction to Australian poetry through The Man From Snowy River by Banjo Patterson – it was beautifully woven into the story and was a nice thread between the characters across the different timelines. With fairly short chapters and incredibly well-paced writing, I found it difficult to put this book down. This is a satisfying and pleasant read, like watching a really great puzzle coming together with plenty of rich details and history to get lost in. And there are certainly plenty of breadcrumbs scattered along the way… Just when you think certain events are unfolding, Geard sneaks in some wonderful twists. I would recommend this for anyone wanting to dive into a layered story with a comforting end.

Book Chatter Two new events this month will further bolster Hobart’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature. First up we have the new Hobart Lit Fest, presented by Salamanca Arts Centre, 3-12 April. The program features a bevy of readings, panels, and book launches, as well as a book fair. In our opinion, the best sessions are up early in the program, so get your skates on and snap up some tickets (from $25 a day concession to $65 full price/full program), asap! See www.sac.org.au.

Later in April, the Global Book Crawl comes to Hobart’s bookshops for the first time. Watch this space: www.globalbookcrawl.org/participatingcities (we’re excited!).

Congratulations also to all the winners of the Tasmanian Literary Awards announced last month. See the full list a www.arts.tas.gov.au.

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