Sarah Barrie reveals how Tasmania’s landscape and history helped shape her new novel, Devil’s Lair
For storytellers, as for real estate agents, so much rests on the location. Bestselling author Sarah Barrie reveals why Tasmania’s eerie landscape and violent history have become a go-to backdrop for stories on both page and screen.
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When it comes to dreaming up stories, Tasmania has long fuelled my imagination. Stepping onto the small island state cut off from the mainland by the tempestuous Bass Strait is like stepping into another world, one of captivating scenery, evocative history and distinctive culture. I was planning a series of novels before the plane wheels hit the tarmac. After five days of purposeful exploration, both Bloodtree River and Devil’s Lair had all but written themselves.
The state’s World Heritage-listed areas cover thousands of hectares of stunningly high peaks and deeply carved valleys, with Pandani-dotted ranges splashed with colourful heath and sedge. Transparent lakes perch on highland shelves, Yellow Buttongrass plains stretch across the lowlands, and sweeping coastline marks the gateway to the pristine expanse of Antarctica. Endless story scenarios fired my imagination, and I took countless photographs as I pondered the characters I was yet to meet on the page. There’s plenty of inspiration to be found out there, along with a deliciously creepy sense of unease at the feeling of one’s own insignificance in its vast landscape. As my stories continued to swirl in my mind, I considered that in true wilderness, even well-plotted adventures don’t always turn out as planned. Many visitors have unforgettable experiences out here. Tragically, some don’t return to tell the tale.
The townships and cities are steeped in history and an artisanal culture. As I wandered along the cobblestone paths of Hobart, a cosmopolitan array of foods, specialist wines and myriad entertainments tempted me. The finest old sandstone shopfronts shared space with modest corner pubs, adding to the appeal of streets littered with arts and quirky crafts. The Cascades Female Factory site, MONA and the charming Salamanca Market, to name but a few, are a year-round testament to Tassie’s diverse culture.
By day I enjoyed food and wine and friendly hospitality, imagining adventures for my characters and absorbing the sights. By night I explored the streets and heard sinister tales of the city and surrounding postcard-perfect towns that share shocking histories of torture, death and abject human suffering. I discovered a Tasmania that was a suitable backdrop for even the darkest mysteries and thrillers, and the perfect setting for Devil’s Lair’s deeply disturbed antagonist. Other Australian creators feel the same, with TV series like The Kettering Incident capturing the imagination of mainlanders.
Once the delving begins, there’s no escaping Tasmania’s violent past. Accounts of convicts, cannibals, madness and cruelty pervade island folklore and reverberate throughout the very foundations of the earliest settlements. Penal colonies such as Port Arthur and Sarah Island stand testament, complete with guides and ghost tours, to a fledgling state shackled by misery. Pillinger and other age-old towns reclaimed by forest remain in part, speaking more of past tragedies than the time-worn headstones in long-forgotten burial grounds, their stories too eroded to be deciphered. My stories evolved as I dug deeper, uncovering tales of haunted asylums, unusual lights in the sky, strange disappearances and magical almanacs. And then there’s Dark MOFO — Tasmania’s annual midwinter festival celebrating the winter solstice through ancient rituals and festivities, and the exploration of light and dark.
With a stunningly dangerous and devious past, Tasmania has its very own unique sense of atmosphere. As I wrote Devil’s Lair, that dark atmosphere permeated the story with menace and a dark secret, which left me wondering if I was in my character’s place, I would have what it takes within me to survive. I’m still not sure.
The vast magnificence of Tasmania’s remote wilderness combined with its rich history make it the perfect backdrop to explore the dark, suspenseful tales that make you want to burrow further under the covers while sleeping with the lights on. If you don’t believe it, lock your doors, climb into bed with a mug of something warm and read Devil’s Lair. If you dare!
And next time you’re planning an escape, consider following my trail down to Tasmania to explore one of the most incredible places on earth for yourself. You won’t regret it. Perhaps you’ll even find a story of your own.
Devil’s Lair, by Sarah Barrie and published by HarperCollins Australia, is our Book of the Month for July — which means readers can get a 30 per cent discount at Booktopia by using the code NCBT19. And remember you can discuss your favourite settings and more at The Sunday Book Club on Facebook.
Originally published as Sarah Barrie reveals how Tasmania’s landscape and history helped shape her new novel, Devil’s Lair
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