The Sweet Smelling Jasmine
1996 Nominated

The Sweet Smelling Jasmine

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

Isabel, a South African in her early 50s, escapes from her carping husband to meet her lover, someone from her past whom she has only recently re-met. Set in present-day and 1950s South Africa, this novel straddles the emotions of a collapsing marriage and the powder keg of racial tension.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Jenny
Hobbs

Jenny Hobbs was born in Durban and had a long career in freelance  journalism before moving on to writing books. She is the author of eleven books, including seven novels, and her work has been published in the United Kingdom and in German translation. She was one of the founders of the Franschhoek Literary Festival for which she worked for eight years, the last four as Director, before stepping down in 2014. She lives in Franschhoek where she continues to write.
Jenny Hobbs was born in Durban and had a long career in freelance  journalism before moving on to writing books. She is the author of eleven books, including seven novels, and her work has been published in the United Kingdom and in German translation. She was one of the founders of the Franschhoek Literary Festival for which she worked for eight years, the last four as Director, before stepping down in 2014. She lives in Franschhoek where she continues to write.
We're sorry, but we couldn't find any translators matching your search. Please try using different keywords or check back later as we regularly update our collection.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
United Kingdom
Author
Publisher
Penguin

RELATED FEATURES

Video April 7 2026

The 2026 Shortlist

Discover this year's Dublin Literary Award Shortlist
News April 7 2026

2026 Dublin Literary Award Shortlist is Announced

Delve into the 6 novels shortlisted this year.
News April 2 2026

Past Winner Spotlight: Michael Crummey

Reflecting on his 2025 Dublin Literary Award win with his novel 'The Adversary', libraries, literature and more.
News March 11 2026

Translator Spotlight: Jo Heinrich

Reflecting on translating the 2023 winning novel 'Marzahn, Mon Amour' and life as a literary translator.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.