Happy Halloween, everybody! Here’s a story I wrote especially for last week’s Bloody Parchment event at the Book Lounge. I thought I’d follow Sally’s example and put it up here for those of you who couldn’t make it. » read more

When it comes to book discussions, much is made of voice. In Trespass, Dawn Garisch delivers, and it’s pitch perfect. So much so, I could really “hear” this voice in my mind’s ear, this fifty-something woman, stuck in the first half of the 20th century, empty of hope, full of regret. Her reproaches (“silly girl; stupid, stupid girl!”), her long conversations with God, her naïve world view, her self-flagellation, strict judgmental attitude and an overarching fear and yearning combine to paint probably the most vivid character I have read this year. » read more

In a country marked by fractured linguistic identity, the potential for drama is great. So mazel tov to writer and director Michael Inglis for tapping into this potential with aplomb in his play Die Storie van die Vertaalde Mense. And it’s not just drama – Inglis mines his field for humour, and comes up with plenty of gems in the process. » read more

Where do unused languages go, why do they get lost, and should we care?

If you haven’t read Coconut yet, you should try it. It’s a powerful book, poignant and pervaded with sadness, but also fantastically hilarious in parts. It’s about loss of heritage, language loss, and the desire to fit into a culture viewed as superior. In this case, it’s about learning to be white, and leaving your black traditions, including your language, sePedi, this time, behind forever. » read more

When Elle asked me to write a contribution to their article “The Great South African Holiday” I reflected on farm holidays in the Free State, and a trip to Darling’s Voorkamerfees. » read more