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

The Tassie Book Club – August 2026

by James Marten

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 review two wonderful books that dive beneath the surface of the water: an illustrated kelp forest and introduction to Palawan/Pakana perspectives for the little ones, and a dreamy Tasmanian historical fiction from debut author Arianne James for the adults!

in the kelp forest by Aunty Patsy Cameron and Reena Balding. Illustrated by Belinda Casey (Magabala Books, April 2026) Review by Melanie Ross

In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, we learn about the life cycle of myerlee, Tasmanian kelp, and the creatures that depend on her in our unique marine ecosystems. In wonderfully lyrical language, the relationships between kelp, worms and crustacea beneath the water are explained; when bad weather strikes, we also learn about the uses that Tasmanian First Nations people have for kelp.

Revered Elder and scholar Aunty Patsy Cameron has teamed up with Tasmanian-born Reena Balding to create a gentle and engaging story for children, with some extra facts at the end for those who want to know more about different types of kelp. A glossary for the Tyreelore and Oyster Bay-language words used throughout further deepen the offering.

Artist Belinda Casey, descended from Fanny Smith, has created intricate illustrations that showcase both the complexity and beauty of the underwater world. Satisfying for adults and kids alike, a great slow-paced read to add to your family shelf!

Daughters of the Tide by Arianne James (HarperCollins, June 2026) Review by Kathryn Montgomery

Arianne James has crafted an enchanting debut novel weaving together historical and Celtic fiction with a backdrop of Tasmanian gothic.

Isla Findlay lives with her parents on the edge of the ocean in Tasmania planning to study paleobiology and dreaming of finding herself, escaping her inability to fit in. Her plans are thrown into disarray when her estranged aunt Adelaide announces her return from Orkney, Scotland.

For generations there has been a gentle sadness hanging over the women of the Findlay family, with whispers of madness, shrouded tragedy, and deeply hidden secrets. The Findlays are outsiders, and a dark curse hangs over their affinity for the mysteries below the water…

Dreams and memories of the family’s past resurface their ties to selkies (mythical shapeshifters capable of transforming from seals into humans). There is a strong song that calls them to the ocean, that could unite them or tear them apart.

Arianne has written a world of mystical intrigue worth diving into, both enjoyable and reflective on a deep relationship with the natural environment that surrounds us.

Book Chatter Congratulations to Alistair Scott for winning the $25,000 Dick and Joan Green Family Award for Tasmanian History. Alistair Scott won the 2026 award for his book Urchin Convicts: The Point Puer Boys in Van Diemen’s Land, about the stories of 2,100 boys shipped from Britain to a remote colonial outpost near Port Arthur. Congratulations also to Forty South, which published all three shortlisted works.

We are very excited that local legend Tim Jarvis (Fullers Bookshop) has been chosen for the 2027 Stella Prize judging panel. Choose a great winner for us please Tim!

Make sure to get your ears around Remotely Lit, the new podcast about Tasmania’s literary community, created and presented by the incredibly talented Liz Evans. You can find it on Apple, Spotify, Audible or wherever you get your podcasts.

Did you make it to All the fires come alive at the Allport Library and Museum during Dark Mofo? No fear – if you didn’t, this splendid exploration of occult texts and arcane-inspired artworks continues at the Hobart Library until October 25. Liminus perfumers have even captured the scent of the archives!

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!