Heather Rose marked the release of her tenth novel, A Great Act of Love, on a tranquil walk through the Alum Cliffs in Tasmania. This epic narrative spans generations and continents, weaving tales from the French Revolution to Van Diemen’s Land. Rose’s latest work draws inspiration from her family’s rich history while exploring themes of truth and loss.
As Rose and I navigated the winding bush track just south of Hobart, she shared that this journey began at Kingston Beach, a place she has frequented for years. The beach offers stunning vistas of the River Derwent, which she regards as a sanctuary. Despite recent dental surgery, her enthusiasm was palpable as we passed fishermen casting lines into the river’s calm waters.
Rose affectionately refers to her destination as “The Grateful Tree.” She explained, “I’d walk up here and just take a moment to be grateful for everything.” This simple ritual provided her with a sense of perspective during a tumultuous period in her life, marked by the pressures of writing, raising children, and managing a business.
The Alum Cliffs walk has been a part of Rose’s routine for over 15 years. It was during this time that she began to reflect on her family’s legacy. “It was a very, very big time in my life at that point,” she remarked, recalling the challenges she faced. As we walked, the breathtaking views of the river reminded her of the complex history surrounding the land.
As a child, Rose learned about her family’s past through stories passed down by her grandfather, who spoke of the Indigenous history and the lives lost during the Black War. She noted, “I can never, ever see this landscape without thinking of the thousands and thousands of lifetimes lived here.” This deep connection to her heritage has profoundly influenced her writing.
Reaching The Grateful Tree, Rose greeted the eucalypt with warmth, having last visited six months prior. Sitting beneath its branches, she described the tree as a source of inspiration. “It’s just special,” she said. As we rested, a sea eagle soared above, a reminder of the natural beauty surrounding us.
The research process for A Great Act of Love involved extensive reading—more than 160 books—about her ancestors’ journey. Rose recounted family stories of escaping the French Revolution, where a dramatic tale of tragedy and survival was revealed. “That really got me, even as a child,” she reflected.
A conversation with winemaker Andrew Pirie about a historic vineyard in early colonial Tasmania sparked her imagination. The vineyard, known for its award-winning sparkling wine, was located near where her ancestor Caroline had lived. This serendipitous connection encouraged Rose to intertwine these narratives into her novel.
Reflecting on the environmental changes in Tasmania, she expressed concern over the decline in wildlife. “This place was teeming with life,” she lamented, recalling a time when the rivers were clear and full of edible treasures. The impact of industry has significantly altered the landscape and the ecosystem.
Despite these challenges, Rose finds solace in nature, stating, “Being out in nature is my happy place.” Her connection to the land and its history continues to provide her with inspiration and renewal.
