Litnet

On 29 April 2021 at 10:00, Marianne Thamm will be in conversation with Wahbie Long about his book, Nation on the couch: Inside South Africa's mind, as part of the Suidoosterfees-Jakes Gerwel conversations at Artscape, Cape Town. Robert Kriger interviews Wahbie to find out more about his book, which he describes as a "letter to all South African citizens".

"What distinguishes South African stories is that they are about people who experience our environment in the same way we do, who look like us, who understand the specific challenges we face, perhaps in more profound ways than people in other English-speaking parts of the world."

"I want them to pursue their studies and other talents they have, even if it is tough and challenging, because in all hard work there is reward, and hard work pays."

"Basically, we all need each other, so, no, we cannot allow humanity to self-destruct." Adam Cruise (It’s not about the bats) will be part of the Jakes Gerwel conversations at the Suidoosterfees. 

"Why write? Because you (as a reader yourself) know all about the joy that a reader finds in a good book. You want to replicate that joy, be responsible for it. A book is a hand reaching out, sometimes to communicate, sometimes to offer comfort, sometimes to outrage."

"He is the man South Africa can call with pride its best crime fiction author, whose reputation has long crossed the South African borders to reach Europe and France."

Deon Meyer was awarded the award of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters) on behalf of the French President at Glenelly Estate in Stellenbosch. Here are some pictures of the event.

"Ce soir, le chat est sur le toit. Tonight, the cat is on the roof."

On Tuesday, 20 April 2021, the Ambassador of France to South Africa, His Excellency Mr Aurélien Lechevallier, bestowed upon South African crime fiction author and screenwriter, Mr Deon Meyer, the award of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters) on behalf of the French President at Glenelly Estate in Stellenbosch.

"It is my small way of paying it forward and a way of showing gratitude for the privileges life has afforded me thus far." Thembalethu Seyisi (21 life lessons @ 21) will be part of the Jakes Gerwel conversations at the Suidoosterfees. 

One senior police officer’s crime: his decision to sell millions of rands’ worth of guns to fund his children’s university fees.

"What I remember most is the silent communication, between researcher and librarian, between researcher and the past – in my case literary."

Sanlam en Tafelberg Uitgewers kondig met trots die finaliste vir die 2021-Sanlampryse vir Jeuglektuur aan. | Sanlam and Tafelberg Publishers are delighted to announce the 2021 finalists for the Sanlam Prizes for Youth Literature.

"If you’re on a hunt for a cookbook that leads you through kitchen basics and teaches you foody tips, tricks and fresh ideas, look no further."

"Very few books that I have read in my life have been so eloquently composed as this one."

Hidden Karoo presents a snapshot of the region, offering a glimpse into towns and villages, farms and churches, public buildings and private homes, all against a backdrop of awe-inspiring landscapes.

South African writer Zoë Wicomb praised the "novel use of local non-standard Englishes as well as inventive inscription of native languages."

"This is a hallmark of the book that I personally found fascinating: the way Dicey returns women’s stories to the overarching narrative of that year."

Tafelberg and Exclusive Books invite you to join the book launch via online webinar of Bloody Sunday by Mignonne Breier.

"In a time in South Africa when we are trying to understand each other more than ever, when we are experimenting with ideas of unity, diversity and forgiveness, while still staying true to ourselves, Johanne 14 is a quiet celebration of the things that really matter, that which lies at the heart of it all – like the perfect cabbage."