The Hobart Hotel follows two timelines. The first is 1939, tracing Sabine Winter’s life alongside the grand opening of the glamorous and much-talked-about Wrest Point Riviera. Sabine is independent, glamorous, and longs for more than her country upbringing in Tasmania. She has searched for this life elsewhere yet somehow finds herself drawn back to her roots. Her return, however, is not solely for the hotel’s opening, but also due to the growing unrest in Europe as war looms.
Upon her return, Sabine quickly becomes aware she is being watched. Her ability to adopt multiple identities is soon called upon, and she is drawn – reluctantly – into the war effort as a spy in South America. Once there, she realises what once felt thrilling becomes dangerous.
The second timeline introduces Jenny Davies in 1973, at the opening of the controversial Wrest Point Hotel Casino. Jenny and her mother have been left in a difficult situation due to her father’s behaviour, and she is eager for change. She admires the Ladybirds working as casino croupiers, and the opportunity to become one – earning her own money and stepping into a more glamorous life – creates tension in her relationship with her mother. During this time, Jenny uncovers long-buried family secrets, including items left to her by an unknown relative named Sabine, and sets out to uncover the truth.
This is an inspiring story that will leave historical fiction fans hooked. Both women are compelling and resilient, and with nods to Mary-Lou’s previous novels, she continues to be a wonderful ambassador for Tasmanian history, always leaving readers wanting more.
Reviewed by Claire Stanley
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary-Lou Stephens was born in Tasmania, studied acting at The Victorian College of the Arts and played in bands in Melbourne, Hobart and Sydney.
Eventually she got a proper job – in radio, where she was a presenter and music director, first with commercial radio and then with the ABC.
She received great reviews for her memoir Sex, Drugs and Meditation (Pan Macmillan, 2013), the true story of how meditation changed her life, saved her job and helped her find a husband.
Her debut novel, The Last of the Apple Blossom (2021) made the Better Reading Top 100 and her second novel The Chocolate Factory (2024) was a best seller. The Jam Maker was also a bestseller by every industry marker. Her latest release is The Hobart Hotel.
Mary-Lou has worked and played all over Australia. Now she’s travelling the world with her husband, slowly, and writing, mostly.
Author photo credit: Tracy Naughton
Visit Mary-Lou Stephens website here.
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