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In this episode of Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, we’re excited to dive into the vibrant world of the Open Book Festival—a celebration of South African literature within an international context. Each year, the festival brings together a diverse range of voices, offering readers and writers alike the opportunity to connect with thought-provoking stories, groundbreaking ideas, and inspiring authors.
In this special episode, Jonathan Ball Publishers' Publicity Manager, Jean-Marie Korff, sits down with Mervyn Sloman, the owner of the beloved indie bookshop, The Book Lounge, and the director of Open Book. Mervyn shares insights into the festival's journey, its role in cultivating a thriving literary community, and the challenges and triumphs that have shaped Open Book into one of the most anticipated events on the literary calendar.
Join us as we explore the festival’s evolution, its impact on South African literature, and the powerful narratives that continue to captivate audiences. Whether you're a longtime festival attendee or a first-time visitor, Open Book Cape Town offers an unforgettable literary experience, bringing stories that shape the world closer to home. -
Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Usually, we explore the latest in literature year-round, but today, we're coming to you straight from the heart of the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international context. In these festival-exclusive episodes, we sit down with some of the most inspiring voices in literature to delve into their stories, insights, and the powerful narratives that shape our world. Let's dive into the pages together!
In this episode, we are joined by the acclaimed Niq Mhlongo, born in 1973 in Soweto. Niq’s debut novel, Dog Eat Dog, was published by Kwela in 2004 and later translated into Spanish as Perro Come Perro in 2006, earning the Mar des Lettras prize. Beyond his novels and short stories, Niq has contributed as a screenwriter for the animated children’s TV series Magic Cellar and created scripts for the comic magazine Mshana, which debuted in 2007. His most recent novel, The City is Mine, was published in 2024.
Join us as we explore Niq’s incredible body of work, his creative journey, and the storytelling that continues to resonate with readers around the world. -
Fehlende Folgen?
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Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. While we usually explore the latest in literature throughout the year, in this episode we're broadcasting directly from the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international context. In these festival-exclusive episodes, we sit down with some of the most inspiring voices in literature to dive deep into their stories, insights, and the powerful narratives that shape our world. Let's journey into the pages together!
In this episode, Jonathan Ball Publishers Publicity Manager Jean-Marie Korff sits down with the phenomenal Qarnita Loxton.
After studying law at the University of Cape Town and graduating in 1997, Qarnita worked as an attorney, primarily in the financial services sector. More recently, she transitioned into the field of executive coaching, bringing a fresh perspective to her work.
Qarnita's literary career began in 2017 with the release of her debut novel, Being Kari. She followed it with Being Lily, Being Shelley, and Being Dianne, captivating readers with her nuanced storytelling. She is also the co-author of Chasing Marion, written alongside Amy Heydenrych, Pamela Power, and Gail Schimmel. Her most recent novel, What’s Wrong with June, was published in 2024.
Join us as we explore Qarnita’s writing journey, the evolution of her characters, and the themes that resonate through her work. -
Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. While we usually explore the latest in literature throughout the year, in this episode we're broadcasting directly from the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international context. In these festival-exclusive episodes, we sit down with some of the most inspiring voices in literature to dive deep into their stories, insights, and the powerful narratives that shape our world. Let's journey into the pages together!
In this episode, Jonathan Ball Publishers Publicity Manager Jean-Marie Korff sits down with Lesedi Molefi, a Soweto-born writer, documentary filmmaker, photographer, and entrepreneur. Lesedi’s work spans multiple disciplines, capturing the essence of South African stories through various mediums. As a storyteller with a unique perspective, he uses his creative talents to shine a light on the complexities and beauty of everyday life in South Africa.
Join us as we explore Lesedi’s creative journey, his approach to storytelling across different forms, and the narratives that have shaped his remarkable career. -
Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Usually, we explore the latest in literature year-round, but in this episode, we're coming to you straight from the heart of the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international context. In these festival-exclusive episodes, we sit down with some of the most inspiring voices in literature to delve into their stories, insights, and the powerful narratives that shape our world. Let's dive into the pages together!
In this episode, Jonathan Ball Publishers Publicity Manager Jean-Marie Korff sits down with the talented Shubnum Khan, a South African author and artist. Her debut novel, Onion Tears, was shortlisted for both the Penguin Prize for African Writing and the University of Johannesburg Debut Prize for Writing in English. Shubnum holds a Master’s degree in English and has earned several prestigious literary fellowships, including the Octavia Butler Fellow at Jack Jones Literary Arts and the Mellon Fellowship at Stellenbosch University. When she’s not travelling, Shubnum resides in Durban, where she writes and draws for a living.
Join us as we explore Shubnum's literary journey, creative process, and the stories that have shaped her remarkable career. -
Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Usually, we explore the latest in literature year-round, but in this episode, we're coming to you straight from the heart of the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international context. In these festival-exclusive episodes, we sit down with some of the most inspiring voices in literature to delve into their stories, insights, and the powerful narratives that shape our world. Let's dive into the pages together!
In this episode, we chat with the phenomenal Gothataone Moeng, author of the short story collection Call and Response. Gothataone was interviewed by Nompumelelo Mgidlana, Publicist at Jonathan Ball Publishers. Join us as we explore the powerful themes and voices that define her work. -
“Dis politici wat oorlog verklaar, nie ons nie. Ons het gedoen wat ons geglo het ons moes doen en hulle [die vyand] ook . . .” - Marco Caforio, ouddienspligtige
Op 10 Junie 1980 gedurende 'n eindelose dag van bloedige gevegte onder die Angolese son is 13 lede van die Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag dood en etlike beseer toe 61 Gemeganiseerde Bataljon Groep 'n kompleks van Swapo-basisse in die suide van Angola aangeval het.
Gedurende Operasie Sceptic het tweede luitenant Paul Louw sy peleton in vier Ratels na die slagveld by die doelwit Smokeshell gelei. In die chaos wat daardie dag gevolg het, is 12 dienspligtiges in sy peleton van 44 noodlottig gewond en hy is self ook beseer. Een van sy troepe, die 18-jarige HP Ferreira, is met 'n 14,5 mmmasjiengeweer deur sy pelvis geskiet en hy is ook deur etlike AK-47 koeëls getref. Hy het wonderbaarlik oorleef.
Louw, nog met die bloed van sy manne aan sy klere, en 'n handjievol ander soldate het die aand deurgebring in 'n Ratel wat deur 'n RPG-vuurpyl getref is. Hulle was heeltemal afgesny van die res van die aanvalsgroep en het nie geweet of hulle die son sou sien opkom nie.
In Bloedbroers vertel van die oorlewendes van hul ervarings tydens die geveg. Dit werp ook lig op wat met soldate gebeur nadat die laaste skote afgevuur is en volg die veterane toe hulle vier dekades ná die operasie vir die eerste keer na die slagveld teruggekeer het. -
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today's episode is an incredibly special one, as the Mayor of Cape Town - Geordin Hill-Lewis is in conversation with South African award winning documentary filmmaker, naturalist, and founder of the Sea Change Project - Craig Foster.
Craig’s latest book - Amphibious Soul: Finding the Wild in a Tame World is a thrilling memoir of a life spent exploring the most incredible places on Earth—from the Great African Seaforest to the crocodile lairs of the Okavango Delta—
Craig reveals how we can attend to the earthly beauty around us and deepen our love for all living things, whether we make our homes in the country, the city, or anywhere in between.
Enjoy! -
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today's episode features Killer Stories - Conversations with South African serial murderers!
‘If you made me angry, for that anger to go away, I have to get hold of you . . . I have to do something to you.’
These chilling words were spoken by one of South Africa’s most feared serial killers during an interview with Brin Hodgs-kiss in one of the country's most secure prisons.
Hodgskiss earned his doctorate in psychology through a study based on interviews with thirteen serial killers. His recordings remained untouched until recently, when top true-crime podcaster Nicole Engelbrecht discovered his paper online. This led to the creation of Killer Stories.
Killer Stories intertwines the killers' accounts, the true-crime events behind them, and Hodgskiss's own journey as a psychologist, leading to a profound understanding of these complex minds.
In this episide Brinn and Nicole chat to one another regarding their love of True Crime, psychology and the process that went into creating this book.
Enjoy! -
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today's episode features We Were Perfect Parents Until We Had Children
by Vanessa Raphaely and Karin Schimke
Having kids is a baffling endeavour beset with sulk, meltdowns, anxiety and disappointment and that’s just the parents! When you get that call to the principal’s office? When the school acceptances don’t come? When the bedroom door slams and you hear your child sobbing behind it? All awful but it’s also a precious time, both hellishly challenging and full of joy. The trick? To find a way to enjoy our families, love our children and believe in them. And laugh . . .
In this book, Vanessa Raphaely and Karin Schimke have gathered together experiences and insights from The Village members. These are the gems and remedies from the real parenting experts, the parents to help you raise your family in your own perfectly imperfect way.
In this episide Vanessa is in conversation with CapeTalk radio host and parent of two, Lester Kiewit.
Enjoy! -
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today's episode features Crash and Burn by Glenn Orsmond.
This insider’s tale, narrated by Glenn Orsmond, chronicles the South African airline industry over the past thirty years, highlighting the dramatic collapse of Comair in 2022.
Orsmond, twice the CEO of Comair and founder CEO of 1time, guides readers through the fiercely competitive low-cost airline sector that surged after the 1990s. Comair, operating Kulula and British Airways, and 1time led this wave, transforming domestic flying and tourism.
Despite a 75-year profit history, Comair fell due to the pandemic, regulatory issues, and poor management decisions. Expect stories of industry legends, innovations, fierce competition, pilot-accountant conflicts, union-boss disputes, and shareholder-director battles.
In this episode, Glenn engages in a captivating conversation with David O'Sullivan, Broadcaster, Writer and Media Consultant.
Enjoy! -
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today's episode features Rhodes and His banker by Richard Steyn.
*Rhodes and his Banker* is an account of the remarkable friendship between a larger-than-life historical figure and a modest, unassuming banker, both of whom were personally involved in all the major political and financial developments in Southern Africa during the closing decades of the 19th century.
Intertwining dual narratives of Cecil John Rhodes as rapacious entrepreneur with the Standard Bank under Sir Lewis Michell tiptoeing in his wake to become the biggest bank in Africa, Steyn recounts how colonialism and capitalism took root in South Africa and Rhodesia.
In this episode, Richard engages in an lovely conversation with strategist, media specialist and writer, David Gorin.
Enjoy! -
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today's episode features Gaslight by Femi Kayode.
In this follow-up to Kayode's "action-packed and spirited debut" Philip Taiwo returns to solve a missing-persons case, and in so doing, uncovers dark secrets the church has worked tirelessly to hide.
From the very first chapter, Femi Kayode’s Gas Light immerses you in a world brimming with drama, psychological twists, and intrigue. Kayode's storytelling is both thrilling and imaginative, leaving readers eagerly anticipating each turn. The novel explores the paradox of a Forbes-celebrated pastor-bishop who operates in the nexus of old and new wealth, yet faces severe public scrutiny. As tensions rise and suspicions grow, the question remains: in a world where so many feel uneasy, who or what is truly to blame?
In this episode, Femi engages in an lovely conversation with Dr Wamuwi Mbao — writer, essayist and English Lecturer at Stellenbosch University.
Enjoy! -
High Times is the true story of Michael Medjuck, whose taste for weed, women and the good life led him from late-1960s Johannesburg to notoriety as one of the biggest hash and weed smugglers in North America.
From his base in Vancouver, Michael built up a smuggling network that supplied dealers in scores of cities across Canada and the United States. The proceeds of smuggling afforded this former King David High School pupil a lifestyle of hedonistic excess – the finest wines, the most glamorous hookers, the best weed in the world.
In 1991, Michael was nabbed by US federal agents while smuggling an enormous shipload of Afghani hash into the West Coast of Canada. Put on trial as the scheme’s mastermind, Michael was convicted and sentenced to 24 years behind bars. His US prison experiences, from dingy county lock-ups to brutal federal penitentiaries, are the stuff of legend. Eventually, a chance remark to his lawyer led to his early release and return to Canada.
After barely a year of freedom, Michael was again arrested – this time in Spain for an ill-judged cocaine-smuggling venture – and sentenced to another prison term of nine years.
This is Michael’s extraordinary story, as told to fellow South Africans Roy Isacowitz, author and journalist, and the late Jeremy Gordin, award-winning journalist, editor and author.
Roy Isacowitz is an author and journalist, now retired in Tel Aviv.
The late Jeremy Gordin is an award-winning journalist, editor and author. -
Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Todays episode features the phenomenal Justin Fox chatting about his latest book - The Wolf Hunt.
The Wolf Hunt is the second book in the thrilling Jack Pembroke series, each of which is a stand-alone story.
In this book - Lieutenant Jack Pembroke moves from England to South Africa, where he commands an anti-submarine flotilla in Cape Town. He must quickly prepare his men for Nazi U-boats threatening the vital Cape convoy route during World War II. With Rommel's forces active in North Africa, this sea route is crucial for Allied supplies. The enemy, led by kapitan Wolfgang Brand, also carries a South African spy intent on sabotage. Jack's mission to escort a convoy to Durban while evading U-boats becomes a tense cat-and-mouse game, pushing him and his men to their limits in "The Wolf Hunt."
In this episode, Justin is in conversation with novellist and lecturer Dr Ronald Irwin.
Enjoy! -
In this episode of Pagecast, Cato Pedder, author of Moederland: Nine Daughters of South Africa, is in conversation with Maryam Adams, Publicist at Jonathan Ball Publishers.
About the book:
Moederland: Nine Daughters of South Africa is a fascinating, unflinching and forensic work of non-fiction by Cato Pedder, the great-granddaughter of Jan Smuts, the South African prime minister responsible for heralding the age of apartheid.
Moederland is a courageous and modern appraisal of what it means to be descended from the people who created the ultra-racist apartheid system in South Africa.
Illuminating its turbulent history through the lives of her female ancestors, it is a history of South Africa like no other, told from the perspective of women long silenced in the historical narrative.
It asks, what were they doing while white supremacy was constructed?
In Moederland, Pedder travels the centuries from the 1600s, when Cape Town was a remote outpost of the Dutch East India Company, to the kraal of a Zulu king in the 1800s before doubling back to Europe and then culminating with the English Quaker aunt who defies apartheid to marry across the colour line. As anti-racist campaigners call out the statue of Jan Smuts in Parliament Square, Cato painstakingly excavates the long-forgotten life stories of the women of her prehistory, unpacking the legacy of her Afrikaans heritage and bringing their collective shame into the light.
Moederland brilliantly sits at the borderline between personal history and memoir, and shares themes with The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal, The Wife’s Tale by Aida Edemariam and Maybe Esther by Katja Petrowskaja, both of which use unknown forebears to throw new light on the troubled past. It will also appeal to readers of Damon Galgut’s Booker Prize winning novel, The Promise.
About the author:
Cato Pedder was born into the Quaker Clark shoe family and is a former newspaper reporter with 15 years of experience in South Africa and the UK, including at the Johannesburg Star and The Sun. She graduated from Cambridge University in English Literature and holds further degrees in African Studies from SOAS and Creative Writing from Kingston University, where she won the academic prize. She is a published poet, was born in California and brought up in England. She has lived in South Africa and returns there regularly. -
Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Todays episode features the phenomenal Kobby Ben Ben chatting about - No One Dies Yet.
A genre-breaking novel from a powerful new African voice.
2019. The Year of the Return. It has been exactly 400 years since the first slave ships left Ghana for America. Ghana has now opened its doors to Black diasporans, encouraging them to return and get to know the land of their ancestors.
Elton, Vincent, and Scott arrive from America to visit preserved sites from the transatlantic slave route, and to explore the country's underground queer scene. Their activities are narrated by their two combative guides: Kobby, their guide to Accra’s privileged circles; and Nana, the voice of tradition and religious principle. The pair's tense relationship sets the tone for what becomes a shocking and unsettling tale of murder that is at times funny, at times erotic, yet always outspoken and iconoclastic.
In this episode, Kobby is in conversation with Lethabo Mailula, an academic at law, society and politics commentator and a cultural production critic
Enjoy! -
Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers.
Today’s episode features the the remarkable Cecelia Ahern - speaking about her book In a thousand different ways.
Alice Kelly’s been given a gift, though if you were to ask Alice about it, she wouldn’t describe it as a gift….she’d call it a curse.
Since the age of 8 years old, Alice has been able to see people’s feelings.
That is the basis of Cecelia Ahern’s latest wonderful offering….
In this epsiode of Pagecast, Cecelia is in conversation with Samantha Herbst, Writer. Editor. Content Creator.
Enjoy! -
In this captivating discussion, Pagecast host Kelly Ansara engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Justin Fox, the prolific author behind more than twenty books, including The Cape Raider, Whoever Fears the Sea, and Secret Cape Town. Together, they delve into the intriguing world of his latest release, The Wolf Hunt, the second book in the thrilling Jack Pembroke series.
Join us as we explore the gripping narrative of The Wolf Hunt - Nazi Terror in South African Waters, and gain insight into the creative process behind this standalone adventure. Discover the significance of literary festivals like Kingsmead to authors and the local literary community, and get a sneak peek into what Justin Fox is reading next.
Don't miss this enlightening episode as we uncover the rich storytelling and historical depth that defines Justin Fox's work.
Enjoy! -
In this captivating discussion, Pagecast host Kelly Ansara engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Koleka Putuma, a multi-award-winning theatre practitioner, writer, and poet. Koleka's work fearlessly tackles themes such as sexuality, gender, race, and politics. Her bestselling debut poetry collection, Collective Amnesia, garnered prestigious accolades, including the Glenna Luschei Prize for African Poetry, and was recognized as one of the best books of the year by The Sunday Times and Quartz Africa. In 2022, Putuma made history by receiving the Standard Bank Young Artist Award – the first time this award was given for poetry.
Join us as we delve into Koleka's literary journey and explore her latest collection, We Have Everything We Need to Start Again. This inspiring collection invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and embrace their true selves.
Don't miss this enlightening episode as we discuss the profound impact of Koleka's work on the literary community and the importance of festivals like Kingsmead in fostering local talent and dialogue.
Enjoy! - Mehr anzeigen
