The Tassie Book Club- June 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!

Whoops, we’re a bit late for Mother’s Day but both novels reviewed here this month would be perfect gifts to show gratitude for the mother figures in your life (but not just for mothers, either!).

The Writing Class by Esther Campion (Hachette, November 2024)

Review by Melanie Ross

When Vivian is abandoned by her husband of thirty years during an interstate trip, she drags herself home to Devonport to lick her wounds. Freshly retired from her teaching career, she withdraws into herself and avoids meeting anyone she knows. When a dreaded chance encounter with an old colleague yields an invitation to teach a short adult literacy course at the local library, Vivian begrudgingly accepts.

This gentle novel full of human stories is based on author Esther Campion’s real life experiences, adventures which have led her to living on the north west coast of Tasmania too. In the book, we meet a lovely cast of characters: Oscar, a middle- aged man with literacy struggles and long covid; Sienna, a young mum trying desperately to outrun an abusive partner; and Marilyn, an older woman with her own marital problems who dreams of heading back to the mainland with her best friend.

This is a wonderfully comforting book, filled with real details of Devonport and surrounds, and a celebration of teaching, learning and community. Showing what can happen when you take a chance and help others – and let them help you in return – it’s a real antidote to many contemporary world events. It’s also a redemption story for Vivian and her family; learning that things can be different and still be good.

Half Truth by Nadia Mahjouri (Penguin Random House, Feb 2025)

Review by Kathryn Montgomery

Half Truth is the deeply moving debut novel from Hobart writer, Nadia Mahjouri. Based on her own life experience, she explores motherhood, cultural identity and finding a sense of belonging.

We start at the edge of Bruny Island, with Zahra, a new mother. While Zahra is seeking information about her Moroccan father, Khadija, her grandmother in Morocco is holding onto hope for her son that disappeared over 20 years ago. Their stories collide when Zahra travels to Morocco with her baby looking for answers. Across different timelines, both struggle with a sense of belonging in Marrakech and their transition to motherhood.

Mahjouri is a skilled writer. I felt like I was immersed in Morocco, exploring the bazaar and hamams alongside Zahra. It was also a wonderful experience for me, learning about Moroccan culture. She has blended a heartbreaking and beautiful story with rich history, resulting in an impressive read that will transport you.

I absolutely loved this book. It is as colourful as the title and I just wish it was longer. I was excited to read that Mahjouri is already working on her second novel: a talented author and we can’t wait to see what she writes about next!

Book Chatter

Robbie Arnott has done it again! After winning Book of the Year for Dusk at the Indie Book Awards in March, he also took out Literary Fiction Book of the Year at the 2025 Australian Book Awards last month.

Other local authors, and illustrators, may wish to apply for the 2025 Tasmanian Writers and Illustrators Mentorship Program. Applications close on 13 June.

And, did you know Libraries Tasmania aren’t just about books? They have free seed libraries at the following locations: Bridgewater, Burnie, Cygnet, Devonport, Exeter, George Town and Westbury. Collect or donate some seeds next time you’re checking out one of the library’s gardening books! Also, keep an eye out for seed, plant and cutting swap events at your local library (the next one is 5 June at Glenorchy).

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

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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!