In Tasmania

Shakespeare weaves a wonderful, gripping story of Tasmania and its history using a mix of stories primarily centred around the authors' long-lost (and unknown) relatives who came to Tasmania (called Van Diemen's Land then) during the colonial era. The author's search for his family's history takes him around Tasmania where modern day people linked to the story slowly give up their family secrets to reveal a unique blend of history, intrigue and mystery. Interspersed in the main story is a chapter on Tasmania Aboriginals who all but disappeared during life of the main story which centres on Anthony Fenn Kemp. Also covered are chapters on the Tasmanian Tiger and whether it still lurks in the deep dark forests of Tasmania central region and west coast. Highly readable, and as the praise on the front covers says, difficult to put down. My family and I have been to Tasmania several times, and like the author, we've realised its where we want to end up (a few more years and hopefully we'll disappear from the mainland completely). Time really does take on a different meaning in Tassie - it's slow pace, often ridiculed on the mainland, makes you realise that there is more to life than the rat race. If you're into Australia's colonial history and enjoy stories that jump from the present to the past and include real locations, then this is the best you'll find on Tasmania. Whilst it's only a small microcosm of colonial life in Tasmania, it's well written and absorbing. If you don't know the places mentioned in the book, grab a map and follow the journey as Shakespeare takes you into heart of Tasmania's history. Best enjoyed on the veranda with a Casade beer, or my favourite, Boags Draught.