Join a panel of local authors, Kim Bambrook (Undertow, 2022), Karen Harrland (Daughter of the Plateau, 2022), and Steve Tolbert (Nowhere Man and the Roadkill Lady, 2024), in conversation with Forty South publisher Rayne Allinson, to explore the art of crafting fiction set within Tasmania’s rugged landscapes and rich history, to offer insights into storytelling rooted in our unique locality.

UNDERTOW: Kay wakes up on a floundering yacht. The Tasmanian coastline has receded, and her partner, Sam, has mysteriously disappeared. An eerie fog hinders visibility. With no means of communication with the outside world, Kay’s worst fears are realised: she is alone, her vessel off-course and lurching into the unknown.

This thrilling debut from author Kim Bambrook takes us on an adventure through the beautiful but treacherous Tasmanian environment. Full of vivid descriptions of Tasmanian wilderness regions and native animals and characters that Kay encounters in her struggle to survive and find her way home, this is a story about resilience and the awe-inspiring power of the natural world.

DAUGHTER OF THE PLATEAU: Manna, named for the regal white gums and yellow-tailed black cockatoos of the Central Highlands of Tasmania, was a wild, strong, fiercely independent child. But Manna’s life was torn apart, first by her mother’s abandonment, then by her father’s coldness. Craving connection, yet wounded by her past, Manna pushes away the last of the people she cares about. Grieving and alone, she must tear open old wounds and confront the people she once loved the most, if she is to reclaim her identity as a daughter of the Plateau.

“…unfolds with blood and tears and yet has the warmth of a remote hut’s fireside in a snowstorm.” ~Bob Brown, environmentalist

NOWHERE MAN AND THE ROADKILL LADY: Donny Taylor, a reclusive Vietnam veteran, lives on Tasmania’s remote west coast. One morning, he spots an elderly woman shovelling something off the road. Thinking she might be in some difficulty, he stops. What he doesn’t know, is that he is the one who is about to be rescued.

A tender, funny and moving story of how a love for wild things can heal the wildness of the human heart.

To ensure a successful event, please:

• Don’t attend if you are unwell
• Practice COVID safe behaviours
• Let us know if you have any support needs, or if a support person will be coming with you.
• If you have booked into an event band cannot make it please cancel your booking so that others don’t miss out

Accessibility Details:

• Inform us if you need any assistance or if you’ll be accompanied by a support person.
• There are two designated mobility parking spaces next to the library, with a 2-hour parking limit.
• The Library has a wheelchair accessible elevator.
• The Training Room has wheelchair access.
• An accessible restroom is available.

If you have any questions, please contact Hobart library through our email at Hobartlend.library@libraries.tas.gov.au or phone us on (03) 6165 5597