Red Apple Dreams & Other Stories is delectable, soft and nostalgic
Delectable’, ‘soft’ and ‘nostalgic’ are three words which come to mind when one engages Siphiwo Mahala’s Red Apple Dreams & Other Stories. “I was partly raised by my grandmother, Shinana Thembani of the Madiba clan, who remains one of the most exceptional storytellers I have ever come across. Though she raised us in a village, […]
Miss SA Shudufhadzo Musida set to release debut children’s book
Reigning Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida has recently added the title of author to her impressive list of achievements, producing her debut children’s book – Shudu Finds Her Magic, published by Jacana Media. The beauty queen, who also recently graduated from the University of Witwatersrand with an honours degree in International Relations, is set to […]
Exploring various complexities of religion
If there’s a book that’ll give you a lot to think about, it’s got to be one which explores various complexities of spirituality. How does having visions and speaking with the ancestors coexist with Christian faith? Is it possible for ancestral worship and religion to coexist? Well, Tirelo Ole Makgeledisa explores this phenomenon in her […]
Perfect Imperfections: A mixed bag of themes and more
The debut novel by Makanaka Mavengere-Munsaka, released in August 2019 by BlackBird Books is a mixed bag of themes and more. Maxine escapes an abusive polygamous marriage to a man much older than her to make a new life in Harare, Zimbabwe. The story follows the five madams she works for. Through them, we see […]
A safe space to talk about sex
The indomitable Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, affectionately known as Dr T is passionate about making sexual health and well-being services available to all regardless of their sexual and gender identities, or their economic status. Her book, A Guide To Sexual Health & Pleasure, effortlessly positions itself as an essential read for all who want to explore […]
If You Keep Digging tackles real life issues
“Imagine the only person you’ve known your whole life hating you for something you have no control over,” (from Growing Caterpillars, which explores the intricate relationship between sexuality, race and traditional values) – that’s just one of the profound phrases contained in Keletso Mopai’s collection of short stories titled If You Keep Digging. In it, […]
In Dependence: A gentle escapism and more
A lyrical and moving story of unfulfilled love fraught with the weight of history, race and geography. This is how Sarah Ladip Manyika’s In Dependence presents itself. It is intertwined with questions of belonging, ageing, faith, and family secrets. This love story spans 40 years, three continents and two cultures. Layered in 36 chapters, it […]
Mayibuye: 25 Years of Democracy in South Africa
“I started thinking about my work when I started thinking more seriously about the 25th anniversary of our democracy in 2019,” said Lawrence Mduduzi Ndlovu speaking about his new book, Mayibuye, 25 Years of Democracy In South Africa. The book styles itself as a collection of poetry that is a useful addition to the body […]