Australian historical non-fiction and Australia non-fiction are my two favourite genres. I’ve been trying to stay away from them, just a bit, this year. My purpose in that is to expand my genres. I can’t say it’s working all that well, but I’m trying.
Recently, I read two Australian historical fiction books by the one author,They are not a series but both books are historical based on fact and set in 19th century Hobart, Tasmania.
The Jam Maker by Mary-Lou Stephens
Tasmania, 1874: In the heat of the jam factory, secrets and lies
create a dangerous recipe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Summary
The Jam Maker is set in Hobart, Tasmania from 1874 to the early 20th century. A young girl, Harriet, at twelve years old, cut off her hair and disguised herself as a boy, so that the jam factory would employ her. Her family were desperate for the money she would earn. The jam factory was her only opportunity for employment.
After being employed as a label paster, at the factory she meets Henry Jones and the story intertwines both the story of Harriet and Henry while working for jam maker, George Peackcock & Sons. Their shared history continued long after they both moved on from their employer.
After four years at the jam factory, Harriet moves on and starts on a new life. That new life involves secrets and danger that could cause her to lose her life or at the least, would threaten all that Harriet is working towards. Harriet must take extreme measures to succeed.
My Thoughts
This story is what is these days called faction – fiction based on fact. There is so much very richly detailed history of Hobart, inserted beautifully into this story. The issues of poverty and gender inequality are very important to the story, along with the darker aspects of the era. Issues such as domestic abuse and the limited rights of women.
The novel is brought to life by the vivid description of Hobart’s busy docks, the jam-making process, and the social hierarchies of Hobart took me back to the 19th century. I felt like I was there.
The Jam Factory, a well researched historical novel, telling the story of 19th century Tasmania very clearly. It is educational, but in no way boring.
The Chocolate Factory by Mary-Lou Stephens
Tasmania, 1921: Love, friendship and dangerous secrets
melt into a tale as rich as chocolate
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary
The Chocolate Factory, like The Jam Factory, is a historical novel, based on fact. Set in 1921 Tasmania, it follows the set up of Cadbury’s first factory, near Hobart. The story follows Dorothy, a war widow from England employed by Cadbury Bourneville, who emigrates to Australia to assist in setting up the factory. A group of Cadbury workers, along with Dorothy, form a friendship and dare to do something previously unthinkable.
My Thoughts
This book is also faction. Once again set in Hobart, Tasmania and following the experience of factory workers, whose stories are very different in each book. The Chocolate Factory delves into the roles of women at the time, and the issues of them entering the workforce in post war times. Once again there are themes of friendship, ambition and the pursuit of dreams again adversity.
I’m sure that any lovers of historical fiction would really enjoy this book. In fact, they would, enjoy both books.
Star Rating
Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.