The quality of light

The historic Battery Point community hall was packed on Thursday 26th June, 2025. It was 5.30. Night had already fallen - it was just a few days after the winter solstice. Bob Brown was in town with author, Mark Heyward, to launch Mark’s new book: The Qualty of Light, a novel.

Mark is also the owner of Fusilier Cottage and some of those present retired to the cottage - just a few metres along Hampden Road - for a glass of wine and a warming bowl of soup by the fire.

Mark Heyward’s brilliant descriptions of natural Tasmania couch this story of a man’s tortured search, where his young brother’s trail ends. Intoxicating, harrowing and, from beneath a waterfall of wickedness, enduring and uplifting love. Here is a beautifully written story of our times.

BOB BROWN

Former senator, and leader of the Australian Greens

Mark Heyward is one of Tasmania’s master storytellers. In his new book The Quality of Light he skilfully and sensitively immerses the reader in both the Tasmanian landscape and the rich characters he has created. Few writers have Mark’s depth of understanding of both the places and people which make his island home such a complex and diverse setting. Fewer still can write about it with such clarity, compassion and wisdom.

PETER MARMION

Author, Hidden Worlds: A Journey into toogelow/Port Davey, South-west Tasmania

An impressive, contemporary novel, it fills a gap in the men’s side of Tasmanian literature with a very unique take on our journey.

STEVE BIDDULPH

Best-selling author, activist and psychologist

Credit: Thanks Sue Clayton for photos and video. Nice work!