Tiger Men

by Judy Nunn

Judy Nunn’s Tiger Men is the dramatic tale of three families who lived through Tasmania's golden era and witnessed the birth of the Commonwealth of Australia and the horrors of World War I.

Tasmania, or Van Diemen's Land as it was once called, was an island of stark contrasts; a harsh penal colony, an English idyll for its landed gentry, and an island so rich in natural resources it was a profiteer's paradise.

Tiger Men is the story of three Tasmanian settlers: Silas Stanford, a wealthy Englishman; Mick O'Callaghan, an Irishman on the run; and Jefferson Powell, an idealistic American.

A former actress and TV presenter, Judy Nunn is the bestselling Aussie author of Pacific, Floodtide and Maralinga.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Australia, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Tasmania

624 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Judy Nunn (born 13 April 1945) is an Australian actress and author.

Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, THE GLITTER GAME, CENTRE STAGE and ARALUEN, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, KAL, BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS, TERRITORY, PACIFIC, HERITAGE and FLOODTIDE confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5★ I really enjoyed this multi-generational saga set in Hobart and its surrounds, however it wasn’t what I was expecting from the tagline at the bottom of the front cover: “They robbed Tasmania of her riches and traded the spoils across the world.” There was a bit of that (by one person in particular that I can think of), but it didn’t feel like it was the focus of the story. Most of it was just about 3 families and their interactions across the generations from the 1860s through to the end of WWI.

At the end of some of the chapters were some extracts from an unpublished book about the Tasmanian tiger, which I also thought was going to work more into the saga, but it never did - at least not in my opinion. And actually, the book wouldn’t be any the worse for not including those extracts, I didn’t feel.

Not that any of that had any bearing on my enjoyment of the story - it just puzzled me a little when I stopped to think about it. But - as is generally the case - it’s easier to pick out what you didn’t like or what didn’t work in a story than to say what you did like. I enjoyed the glimpse into life in Tasmania in the 19th century. For a warning to anyone who doesn’t like excessive swearing or sex, there is quite a bit of both in the beginning part of the book, although it does improve as the book goes on.

I can’t believe it was only in the last few years that I discovered Judy Nunn’s writing - and that she has been so prolific! I will continue to look forward to reading more by her!

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Van Diemen’s Land was a place of profound contradiction.’

Starting in Van Diemen’s Land in 1853 (known as Tasmania since 1856), this novel spans three generations of men. And in the time that they and their families established themselves, the Tasmanian Tiger was hunted to extinction. Many of these men arrived in Van Diemen’s Land as convicts, others were drawn to Tasmania in order to make their fortunes. Tasmania in the 19th century was full of opportunity for many: an abundance of natural resources; cheap labour and enterprise.

The novel has three separate parts: the first part starts in 1853, the second part in 1895 and the third part in 1914. In the first part of the novel, the people who’ve found themselves in Tasmania seek to establish themselves in new lives. During the second part, which largely coincides with Tasmania’s golden age, people are keen to make their fortunes. And in the third part, the impact of the Great War is felt.

There are a large number of characters in this novel, some are more likeable than others, each has a part to play in the story as it unfolds. While I enjoyed this novel, as I enjoy most multi-generational historical sagas, it was the middle part of the novel (from 1895) which most held my attention. This is the kind of novel that always has me reaching for history books, to learn more about the island on which I spent the first (almost) 18 years of my life. Ms Nunn’s novel brings colonial Tasmania to life, and reminds me of the sacrifice made during the Great War when nearly 3,000 of the 15,485 Tasmanian men who enlisted were killed, and many more were injured. It wasn’t until 1914 that the population of Tasmania reached 200,000.

If you are interested in historical fiction set in Tasmania, and like the challenge of multi-generational family sagas, then I recommend this novel.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️s



Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by Richard Aspel
Duration: 23 hrs, 6 min. 1.25x Speed

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a much stronger effort than Nunn's other epic, Beneath the Southern Cross, that also spans multiple generations. I feel that constraining the time frame was key to this as focussing on 70 years is much easier than 200+, so therefore I enjoyed this novel a lot more. The character development was great and I was able to gain a great depth of understanding about their motivations and become enveloped in their lives (at the end I had to keep reminding myself that I was reading fiction). The only things that detracted from this story was the rather large time jump in the middle, as the second half of the book read as a separate novel. I also found the inclusion of the tiger tales interspersed throughout rather odd, and didn't think that they added anything to the story. Perhaps they were reflecting some of the thematic issues being explored at that point of the novel, but it completely went over my head and felt superfluous. The climax was fantastic but the resolution a little short and bewildering, but it was a nice relief to what had just come before. A thoroughly enjoyable book. 4 stars.

[Colleen Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading this book so will have to wait a while for the delayed reaction as my brain works away in the background processing and synthesising what I read.

However, I enjoyed this book enormously and was impressed with the authentic feel of the times and places and the depth of research that added rich details. The characters were well drawn but I have to agree with some other reviewers that the author may not have got the balance quite right. Possibly this could have been a series rather than a stand alone novel. The section on WW1 rather swamped the rest of the book (this is not to say that I didn't enjoy it ... because I did ... but I wasn't quite ready to disengage with the other characters and felt that a whole generation was glossed over ).

As a Tasmanian my enjoyment of this book is at least in part due to having a German great grandfather whose son served at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. That Great grandfather married the grand-daughter of a convict - so it was easy to imagine my forebears sharing the sights and sounds of the streets of Hobart with Nunn's characters. I saw 'my lot' as background characters who gave a friendly wave (or doffed a cap to) the main characters.

Too many characters? Not for my taste, but I was greatful for the family trees to help me keep track.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiger Men is a historical story of three Tasmanian settlers at the beginning of Tasmania's settlement. The first family is the wealthy English family headed by Silas Stanford, and the second family is a young Irish runaway called Mick O'Callaghan. The third and final family is American Jefferson Powell. The readers of Tiger Men will continue to follow the characters and their families to find out what happens.

Tiger Men is another fantastic book by Judy Nunn and the first audiobook I read. I am not sure that I would read another audiobook. Tiger Men bought out memories of my childhood living in Hobart, and I also learnt about the history of Tasmania. I like Judy Nunn's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Tiger Men is well written and researched by Judy Nunn. I like Judy Nunn's description of Tiger Men settings that allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

The readers of Tiger Men will learn about the history of Tasmania. Also, the reader's of Tiger Men will understand the courage of the Tasmania pioneers.

I recommend this book.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I lost interest a little in the middle of the story but enjoyed most of it :)

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tiger Men started off really well. I loved the writing, the characters and the way the narrative naturally introduced Australian and Tasmanian history. The first generation of characters were dispensed with too quickly and then the subsequent generations had no real capacity to connect with the reader and the novel became to episodic with bits of history, bits about tigers and bits about he generation and their relationships. I finished the book because its saving grace was the expert way it illustrated how social engineering, family beliefs and community can either make or break a person's life and that the way we fix roles for men an women can either uplift them or bring them down. The episode with Shauna was deeply moving. Rupert was a well drawn character for whom you could develop a compassion and understanding. Judy Nunn writes extremely well. I just didn't like the way was novel was put together. I felt the power of the first section and the first generation were lost but then, the book was also about he power of money and status and maybe it was illustrating the impact of those things on real humanity.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favourite Judy Nunn! I was hooked from the very beginning. A saga that spans three generations - the amount of research that has gone into this book made me feel that i was there living the early Tasmanian years and also gave me a history lesson! I thoroughly enjoyed the story line - it spans from the end of the convict years all the way through to war years. There a quite a few people in this book, so pay attention to keep in line who belongs to what family. And easy five stars.....

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A saga of three families who first settled in the new Tasmania in 1853: Silas Stanford, a humourless business man and philanthropist; Mick O’Callaghan, an Irish con man who wants to go straight but in a curvy direction; and Jefferson Powell, an American political prisoner who makes good as a transport entrepreneur. Their stories and those of their descendants are cleverly intertwined with real history: she has done her homework here for instance on Jones IXL jams, Hutchins school, St George's Battery Point, Hobart history and geography, ww1 history, and more. Part 1 picks up their stories from 1853 and sets the scene extremely well; Part 2 from 1896 to 1914 focusing on the children and grandchildren of the protagonists of Part 1; Part 3, WW1 and shortly after. Tiger Men refers to ruthless businessmen in Tasmanian history, all except Henry (IXL) Jones, being fictional. If by “tiger” Nunn meant an analogy to the African tiger, fierce and ruthless, a bit of a stretch but ok, but she means the thylacine, which is a poor analogy to business practice except for being Tasmanian, and refers at odd spare intervals to the A Tiger’s Tale a never published book by a Henry Fotheringay: these passages have nothing to do with anything and are a distraction. One aspect which jarred was her use of the omniscient point of view, entering different people’s heads even in the same paragraph, and even on the last page an irrelevant thylacine’s head!

That aside, the stories are gripping, slacking a bit in Part 2, where many characters are introduced as descendants and as is the way with family sagas, not very interesting characters doing not very interesting things – except for the unusual target characters who keep the pages flying. Eileen, a high class whore aka “Red” for her brilliant red hair, started on the Dublin street at age 15, via Trafalgar a high class brothel for Hobart’s rich businessmen, ends up as Mick’s wife, rather miraculously unscathed by VD (one minor character dies of syphilis so it’s there). Her daughters and granddaughters are all beautiful with flaming red hair but generally stay within the bounds of propriety: and history has a tendency to repeat itself over the generations, both genetically and behaviourally, which is a bit of a stretch (but a good read). I found the “tiger men” utterly repulsive, Reginald in particular. The mores of Hobart society I doubt were quite as snobbish and hypocritical as portrayed here – keeping a mistress on the side being quite common, as long as she was kept out of sight. Reginald is portrayed as a thoroughly evil man, the device of telling us his thoughts (“that girl comes from the gutter; how dare she speak to me uninvited” sort of thing) is overdone, indeed a sneaky way of telling not showing. Part 3 brings all the families together, the young men serving in WW1, which is very graphically described. A very well plotted and gripping story, which would be even better with a different title and no reference at all to thylacines as a main theme.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another well-researched narrative from one of my favourite historical fiction authors, Judy Nunn.
This book tells the story of 3 different families living in Tasmania in the period from 1850s to the 1920s. Each family had different backgrounds and future aspirations. Their lives intertwined over the years, not always happily. Nunn has the ability to engross the reader in her characters so that we cheer on some and loath others.
As the families grew, so did the number of their offspring. It was great to have a family tree at the front of the book to look back on who the characters were.
As with most of Nunn's other books, this is quite long - over 600 pages. But the effort to see it through is really worthwhile. There is much to learn incidentally of the growth of Hobart post penal colony. Descriptions include changes in transport, clothing, produce, culture, politics and manners. It was interesting to read about the excitement as crowds gathered to witness the turning on of the first electric street lights that we take for granted now.
Another welcome addition to my personal library.

Judy Nunn’s Tiger Men is the dramatic tale of three families who lived through Tasmania's golden era and witnessed the birth of the Commonwealth of Australia and the horrors of World War I.
Tasmania, or Van Diemen's Land as it was once called, was an island of stark contrasts; a harsh penal colony, an English idyll for its landed gentry, and an island so rich in natural resources it was a profiteer's paradise.
Tiger Men is the story of three Tasmanian settlers: Silas Stanford, a wealthy Englishman; Mick O'Callaghan, an Irishman on the run; and Jefferson Powell, an idealistic American.

[Kat Ashworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible and compelling novel set in Tasmania from the mid 1800's till 1920's. A complex weaving of unique characters through four generations. Entwining three family's, each who played there part in the birthing of a nation. The imprint of family history, dictates our conditions but the individual chooses their own destiny. The unspoken lengths one will go to for family and true love, the uncanny recurring bond between genetic bloodlines. Contrasted with the twists of fate which appear as strange karmic payback for living in contempt for those that in fact one should care for and protect. Topped with a sprinkling of happy endings throughout the book.

[Carinya Kappler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Judy Nunn has written a fabulous entertaining novel about the early colonial settlement of Hobart.
This fictional story captures the raucous bawdy nature of life in the time of first British settlement. It is also a family saga of Silas Stanford, an Englishman and Mick O’Callaghan, an Irish immigrant who were both finding their way in this labyrinth of newly minted laws and rules.
The story also touches on the sad demise of the Thylacine, (Tasmanian Tiger) by hunters and farmers.
I loved this book, enjoyed and despised its characters and can recommend it to any keen reader.
Carinya

[Linda Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Judy Nunn has produced a very interesting read. I love that she intertwines historical facts with fictional stories.
What a sad thing that the govenment of the day put such a bounty on an animal and caused it to become (what is widely considered) extinct.
The stories related to the families was enjoyable. It was good to see that the majority of the characters returned from the war and lived happy lives.

[Cel Jel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of Tasmania. This story starts with three men early in the life of Tasmania who have very different backgrounds. It then moves onto the lives of the next generations of the familiars.
It provided an insight into the different layers of society from working girls, opportunists and the wealthy upper layer of society.
Through the book there were some very thought provoking passages reflecting on the greed of the wealthy and the attitudes towards others within class systems.

[Maria Magdalena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always like reading Judy Nunn's books and learning a bit more about the early history of Australia. This one - set in Tasmania - before and during WW1 is another example. Thru the lives of three different families I learned about the shocking living conditions of the ex convicts and poor citizens and the so called upper classes.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I have read Judy Nunn before and found this to be the far better novel. I tried this because of the setting… I wanted to read about the characters and streets of Hobart Town in the time of Van Diemen’s Land …and it’s transition to Tasmania. An epic which takes us from those times up until the end of WW1, it served its purpose for me and was no effort to read.

[Danielle Bizjak · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at half way when there was a big time gap and all the characters I was reading about disappeared. I don't usually read stories so focused on male characters so I was struggling with it. I kept thinking it would be a three stars but with the big time gap I decided to give up. I still really enjoyed Judy's other books, Maralinga and Elianne so I will keep giving her book a go.

[Sharon Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love anything historical set in Tassie and this didn't disappoint.
Characters well drawn and believable.
Setting was described in a way to be very visible. The good, bad and ugly side of colonial life through the generations to follow.
Enjoyed the inclusion of the wonen who were the supports to the ambitious menfolk.
This is the second of Ms Nunn's books, I look forward to more.

[Warwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched, good history of events and life in Tasmania a century ago. Encouraged me to read more Judy Nunn, and read The suspect next, which was not history but the misadventures of a psychologist.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely interesting. Good insight into Tasmanian history and the people who settled there. Also interesting to learn just why the Tasmanian Tiger is no more. A good taled covering several generations.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another top read from Judy Nunn although the introduction of multiple characters in the second book meant constantly referring to the family tree which was an unwanted distraction. Nevertheless her research is impeccable. Hobart was my favourite character.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I felt like I was learning so much about Australian history and how Australia was influenced and altered by the influx of immigrants and refugees, not to mention prisoners and those who were privileged.

[Rae Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

A BIG brick of a book

Spanning 75 years

Story of Silas Stanford and Michael O'Callaghan and their generations and how they eventually get financial gain.

Historical mention of IXL Jams and CSR sugar.

Finishing with the Gallopili campaign and Lone Pine.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insight into Tasmanian history through to the brave young innocent Australians that went to war. Loved this one.

[Angelique Simonsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definite saga here! Cross generational family historical fiction. Good read will try more from this author

[Sharon Haylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last a book that has the family trees drawn at the beginning! This I'd the first Judy Nunn book I have read, but it won't be the last. A very worthwhile read in many regards.

[KayCee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was just so wonderful reading a part of Australian history that I was not aware of. Judy Nunn’s attention to detail is amazing.

[Maureen Bridgewater]

A great read as usual from J Nunn, Great historial facts too. Most enjoyable.

[Bookish Enchantment (Katherine Quirke) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story rich in Tasmanian Australian history.
It is a big book but a worthwhile read.
I felt the war scenes were done magnificently.