Books and writers
Information about the latest books and the people behind them
Bringing history to life for younger readers: Q & A with Taryn Hayes
2013-06-05 In her debut youth novel, Seekers of the Lost Boy, Taryn Hayes offers a thoughtful look at the legacy of apartheid, the impact of human connection, and the power of redemption.
Rachel Zadok: An interview
2013-06-05 "With my second book, Sister-Sister, I was thinking about themes right from the get go. I knew what I wanted to say. It was much harder to write, perhaps because it was more conscious."
FLF 2013: What do publishers want?
2013-05-24 "On the fiction side the publishing house looks specifically for the 'wow' factor, something that will make people sit up and take note of the author or the script."
Flat water Tuesday – an interview with Ron Irwin
2013-05-23 Flat Water Tuesday is available in South Africa at all bookstores and releases worldwide on June 4. Joan Hambidge, a buddy and colleague of author Ron Irwin, asked him a few questions over a glass of whisky.
FLF 2013: The Happy World Of Alexander McCall Smith
2013-05-22 "Alexander McCall Smith has written over 100 books and sold 45 million copies worldwide. This revelation, by Jenny Crwys-Williams of Talk Radio 702, had the audience clapping and cheering enthusiastically on the first day of the Franschhoek Literary Festival."
Karoo Kitchen 'n gunsteling by die Franschhoek Literêre Fees
2013-05-22 Kookboekskrywers kon nie uitgepraat raak oor Sydda Essop se Karoo Kitchen nie. Chrizane van Zyl skryf oor dié gesprek tydens die Franschhoek Literêre Fees.
Sunday Times | Nal 'ibali Storybook launch
2013-05-22 The Sunday Times, in partnership with PRAESA (The Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa), launched the new Sunday Times Nal’ibali Storybook at an event just before the Franschhoek Literary Festival.
MampoerShorts: Short, sharp South African e-books
2013-05-21 Clarista Kotze, member of the Contemporary Literary Practice (English) honours group at Stellenbosch University reports back from the Franschhoek Literary Festival.
FLF 2013: Review of Paul Geraghty
2013-05-21 “For 5–10-year-olds and anyone with a sense of humour.” Despite being significantly older than the age bracket described, Paul Geraghty succeeded in convincing the audience why his books are so popular, and how he is still a child at heart.
Twitter on Trial
2013-05-21 Clarista Kotze, member of the Contemporary Literary Practice (English) honours group at Stellenbosch University reports back from the Franschhoek Literary Festival.
Zakes Mda’s new novel to be published in October 2013 by Kwela
2013-05-21 Kwela Books, an imprint of NB Publishers, is delighted to announce that they will be publishing a new novel from acclaimed author Zakes Mda later this year.
FLF 2013: Sex and violence
2013-05-21 “Does patriarchy lead to sexual violence, or are submissive or absent mothers also at fault?” this panel was headlined.
Way back home – a commendable effort
2013-05-21"South African writing is aching to evolve beyond narratives about our painful past and how it continues to haunt us."
FLF 2013: Dystopia in science fiction
2013-05-21 "After the hour-long discussion I am convinced by Rachel Zadok that '[F]iction creates empathy.' Issues close to my heart, such as patriarchy and gender-based violence, are given room in these stories."
Chris van Wyk and Paul Geraghty do the “Power of Horowitz”
2013-05-21“Sorry about not being Horowitz. Let’s just say I’m the ‘horror’ part of it,” opened Paul Geraghty to ripples of laughter in the school hall in Franschhoek.
The 2013 Sunday Times Literary Awards in association with CNA shortlist announcement
2013-05-20 Ten books were shortlisted for the Alan Paton Award and the Sunday Times Fiction Prize at the 2013 Sunday Times Literary Awards in association with CNA.
Ontwei: A poem by Antjie Krog to her mother
2013-05-20 Antjie Krog and Ingrid de Kok shared poems about the stars, love, children and death during an intimate reading at this year's Franschhoek Literary Festival.
Dystopia in Science Fiction: Q&A with Rachel Zadok
2013-05-17 Elzette Steenkamp chats to Rachel Zadok (author of Sister Sister) about science and speculative fiction.