Join us for a chat with Mary-Lou Stephens over scones and jam, discussing her new novel about an iconic Jam Factory in Hobart.

About the Jam Maker

Jam is sweet but it can also burn.

Tasmania, 1874. Growing up in the impoverished tenements along the Hobart Rivulet, Harriet Brown is used to doing whatever it takes to survive. Including, at just twelve years old, shearing off her hair and pretending to be a boy to secure a job as label-paster at the George Peacock and Sons jam factory.

Four years later, the deceit becomes too much to bear and Harriet risks everything on the chance at a future with her ambitious friend and workmate Henry Jones. But this decision forces her into a new deception: play the role of expert jam maker, or else be cast out onto the streets.

As the secrets and lies grow, Harriet is driven to more and more desperate choices. Choices that will end with a dangerous secret which, if discovered, could destroy not only her life but the lives of those she loves and protects.

About Mary-Lou Stephens

Mary-Lou Stephens is a Tasmanian author well-known for her best-selling novel The Chocolate Factory (2024) and The Last of the Apple Blossom (2021). Mary-Lou has worked and played all over Australia. Now she travels the world with her husband, slowly, and writes, mostly.

Bookings essential as numbers are limited.

Parking:

• Maximum 2 hour stay at the library

• Parking in Channel Court shopping complex is maximum 3 hours.

To ensure a successful event, please:

• Let us know if you can’t attend so we can give your place to someone else

• Don’t attend if you are unwell

• Follow hygiene practices eg. hand sanitising

• Let us know if you have any support needs or if a support person will be coming with you.

Accessibility:

• 2 permit mobility parking spaces next to the library – 2 hour parking limits

• Level access, automatic entrance doors, wide doorways and aisles for wheelchairs

• Accessible toilet with a change table for children

• Parenting room in Channel Court shopping centre next to the library

Please contact us if you need more information about this program:

• Kingston Library on (03) 6165 6208

• kingston.library@libraries.tas.gov.au

#LibrariesTasmania #KingstonLibrary #MaryLouStephens #Authortalk