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

The Tassie Book Club – March 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!

One thing we love about reading is escapism. This month our books have both taken us to France, and back in time!

The Soldier’s Daughter by Fiona McIntosh (Penguin, September 2025) Review by Megan Tighe

After finishing The Champagne War, picked up from a street library, I was intrigued to see Fiona McIntosh posting about her Tasmanian travels on social media. She was researching a new book, she said, that would pick up on a character’s story from The Champagne War. While you don’t necessarily need to have read The Champagne War, fans of the previous book will be excited to see Charlie (and Sophie) again.

Taking place between the wars, and through World War II, former soldier and chemist, Charlie Nash has taken up whisky making in Scotland. Similar to the fabulous Karen Brooks’ Whisky Widow though, Fiona McIntosh heroes women’s roles in historical industries. So, our attention in this book is focussed on Charlie’s daughter, Violet, and her ambition to be recognised as a top whisky maker (much as The Champagne War stressed the role of women in the innovation and production of champagne).

The action swiftly moves to Tasmania, where the Nash’s farm barley near Richmond – featuring some supplier arrangements with (and local history of) Hobart’s own Cascade Brewery. Unfortunately, war intervenes. Both Charlie and Violet have to make difficult choices about how to be true to themselves and each other. And the story returns to the Champagne region of France.

If you like your heroes singular and determined and the baddies villainous; if you want some historical and whisky tasting education with your escapism; and, if you want to be whirled along by a zippy plot and emotional journeys, try this book.

Crimson Velvet Heart by Carmel Bird (Transit Lounge, November 2025) Review by Emily Schade

It’s 1696 and France, ruled by the Sun King, Louis XIV, in equal parts opulence and filth, is on the cusp of the 18th century. Determined to see his legacy continue, and as part of a territorial treaty, the King arranges Princess Marie-Adélaïde of Savoy to be sent to France as a child bride for his grandson.

Enchanting the King, the bond between Princess Adélaïde becomes questionable – is it love? Is it lust? Is it madness?

In her twelfth novel, prolific Tasmanian author, Bird paints a luscious and sordid image of the court of Versailles – lifting a veil on the hall of mirrors that reflect the endless gossip, magnificent luxury and ridiculous obscenities of the court and ruler of the day.

This tale is partly narrated by Sister Clare, childhood friend of Princess Adélaïde, who after losing her lover to war, dedicates her life to telling the strange and tragic story of the Princess from Savoy. A story that, upon her death, will be burned.

If you’re looking for a beautifully crafted story, full of history, that will transport you to an entirely different time and place, I highly encourage you to pick this up.

Book Chatter It’s our favourite time of year, Tasmania Reads week is coming up: 22-28 March. Now in its fourth year, Tasmania Reads week is bursting with book-loving energy. Jump into the fun by joining author talks, book launches, storytime sessions, pop-up activities and community events. Feeling creative? Host your own event – be part of the story! Check out www.libraries.tas.gov.au/tasmania-reads for more details.

We’d also love to see more people in our community volunteering to support literacy (and numeracy) so everyone can engage in Tasmania Reads week. Libraries Tasmania and 26Ten welcome adult literacy volunteers, while the Smith Family, Salvation Army, StoryDogs and Rosie’s Reading are some of the organisations working to help children with literacy and a love for reading.

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

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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!