Judy Nunn has a large Tassie map pre 1875 in her house. It is what she would constantly refer to as she wrote her latest historical tome set in Tasmania, ‘Tiger Men’. It’s a good metaphor for Judy’s writing in general, always meticuoulsy researched and mapped out with attention to detail.

This mammoth book was two years in the making and Judy has done a grand job in bringing to life the Tasmania of those times.

The novel revolves around the story of the ‘Tiger Men’ as they are called, the ruthless barons, men of industry that sought success in the new colony of Tasmania.

The story begins at the time Tasmania became Tasmania, literally changing its name from Van Diemans Land.

The title also ties in nicely with the story of the real Tassie tiger who has achieved the status of myth in Tasmania. Judy discusses how its extinction came as a result of needing a scapegoat for wolf attacks on farms. The tiger was a more gentle creature that became a scapegoat. The story of the tiger also encompass the story of the extinction of many other animals including the southern wright whale and seals and the horrific extinction of the indigenous population.

Judy did extensive research for this project making at least five trips to Tassie to investigate the buildings and landscapes of her story. The time spent in Tasmania worked well for Judy, who makes annual visits to the state, as her husband is a Tasmanian whose family still resides here. Who better then to drive her around for her research than her husband Bruce.
The book is at once familar and a revelation. Macquarie street gets well trodden down and we also have detailed descriptions of the history of the poor area of wappping and the history of the opulent houses and hotels such as Hadley’s Orient Hotel, as it was known as the time, which ironically served as the launch of Judy’s novel by Dymocks Bookshop.

We also visit other city landmarks like St Jospeh’s Church, the town hall considered one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture and the famous IXL factory and it’s Patricach Henry Jones. The poor school is also discussed by it’s then name ‘The Ragged School’.

However Judy is not a writer that colours characters in black and white, even the seemingly ruthless barons are painted in shades of grey.

Judy was a great reader from a very early age.  She has honed her writing over a number of years, often simultaneously to her acting career. Although Judy has not given up on acting, writing consumes her time now. Her work as an actress aided her in her writing as she started out writing scripts for television.

Tiger Men is out now and is recommended for those who would like to learn a little bit more of our early history.