In 'Mantle', Romy Ash presents a thought-provoking eco-fiction narrative set in a near-future Tasmania, where a fungal pandemic reshapes human relationships and environmental awareness. The protagonist, Ursula, is a 50-year-old academic who returns to her mother's home in the Huon Valley, only to confront her mother's terminal illness and the unexpected beauty of a new pathogen that connects her to a local diver, Toby. As Ursula navigates grief and a changing world, the novel delves into the complexities of conservation ethics, class privilege, and the interconnectedness of life. Ash's nuanced approach avoids easy binaries, presenting a rich tapestry of characters who grapple with their roles in the environmental crisis. The story is infused with humor and culinary delights, reflecting Ash's background as a food writer, and ultimately invites readers to reconsider their relationship with nature and each other.