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Eva Mazza sits down with Lindsay Norman to discuss her latest novel, Khaki Fever. This lively conversation delves into the inspiration behind the book, Norman’s writing process, and the unique South African setting that brings the story to life.
Khaki Fever is ‘Chick-lit in khaki’ that offers pure escapism with the perfect combination of romance and drama spiced with laugh-out-loud moments.
Game guide Alexandra Carnell-Ellis is principled, doesn’t suffer fools, and is generally not too fond of ordinary people either. When she’s fired from The Plains, a commercial ‘Ferrari Safari’-type game reserve in the Karoo for being rude to guests, she’s determined to make a fresh start.
She lands a dream job at an exclusive game reserve in Mpumalanga, but Alex’s new beginning appears to be doomed from the start as she arrives at the lodge with attitude, a few facts about her that aren’t strictly true, and a stolen dog in tow. For one, she had pretended to be a man in her application, because she is convinced that khaki fever gives male guides an advantage.
Alex struggles to control her unruly tongue and almost immediately makes enemies with the camp manager and the owner’s terrifyingly scary girlfriend, who can’t wait to expose Alex’s deepest darkest secrets. She finds love in the form of the level-headed and attractive head guide, but it’s not long before everything goes wrong.
After impulsively abandoning her vehicle and guests to rescue an abandoned baby baboon, a storm breaks over her head and she flees the reserve. Will she ever be able to find her way back?
Tune in to hear Lindsay Norman share behind-the-scenes insights and what makes Khaki Fever a must-read for 2025!
#KhakiFever #LindsayNorman #SouthAfricanFiction #PagecastPodcast #BookChat #WomenWriters #AdventureReads #BookRecommendation #MustRead2025 #PodcastInterview #BookPodcast -
Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz.
Reflecting on the festival buzz in the air, standout moments, and the nostalgic love affair with Johannesburg, all against the breathtaking beauty of Franschhoek. In “The Last Word: Endings, Echoes, and What Comes Next”, Michele Magwood, Paige Nick, and Kate Mosse were interviewed by Shaun de Waal in a powerful, funny, and moving conversation that captured it all. -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz.
Sandiswa Tshabalala sat down with Ute Hermanus, Thandolwethu Binda, and Emily Bolton for “Moments That Moved Us: A Festival in Reflection” — a heartfelt and energising chat with the JBL FLF crew. They shared the behind-the-scenes magic, the unexpected joys, and the moments that made it all worthwhile. -
Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz.
Ute Hermanus sat down with Ashraf Jamal for “The Art of Story: When Words and Images Collide.” It was a brilliant, thought-provoking conversation that danced between the visual and the verbal. A true celebration of storytelling in all its forms. -
Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz.
Three Karens — Schimke, Vermeulen, and Lane — gathered to unpack what it means to be a Karen in 2025. The conversation, titled “Karen, Rewritten: Owning the Name in a Meme-Worn World”, was outrageously funny. They laughed louder (and longer) than the internet ever did at the meme. Enjoy! -
Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz.
Abi Daré and Bronwen Everill join Sibongile Machika to explore the borders of Africa as they appear in fiction and non-fiction, and how these boundaries are often more porous than we assume. Both authors reflect on how their work aims to spark ideas that help us rethink the ways we live in and relate to the world. -
Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz. Maryam Adams engages in a compelling conversation with Elleke Boehmer and Mary Watson, exploring their latest works of fiction, the diverse settings that inspire their narratives, and the audiences they envision while writer.
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Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz.
Caryn Dolley, Kelly Ansara and Nicole Engelbrecht talking true crime, ethical sleuthing and getting to the bottom of Caryn’s obsession with painting cats as famous Pawtraits. -
Pagecast along with a host of book people take a seat in the vibrant courtyard of Smitten Cafe surrounded by a soirée of literary buzz.
Join Kelly Ansara and Justin Fox as they chat about place, memory and non-fiction writing. We also hear more about Justin’s unexpected skill that helps him with his writing. -
Join the Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tony Leon about his latest book, ‘Being There: Backstories from the Political Front’. Tony Leon offers insightful reflections on the nostalgia of childhood, the formative experiences of school, and the pivotal ‘what if’ moments that shape a life spent on the frontlines of South African politics and history. Discover how even the smallest decisions or a handful of votes can alter the trajectory of a life and a nation.
#Pagecast #TonyLeon #BeingThere #GeordinHillLewis #CapeTown #SouthAfricanPolitics #PoliticalMemoir #BookDiscussion #HistoryInTheMaking #LeadershipStories -
In this episode of Pagecast, acclaimed journalist Gus Silber interviews the brilliant David Baddiel during his visit to South Africa for the 2025 Jewish Literary Festival.
David Baddiel is a British comedian, bestselling author, and cultural commentator known for his sharp wit and thought-provoking works like Jews Don’t Count.
His latest work is a deeply personal memoir called My Family. The book is a candid, moving, and often hilarious exploration of Baddiel’s North London childhood, his mother’s extraordinary journey from Nazi Germany, her unconventional passions, and his father’s battle with dementia. Discover how Baddiel weaves comedy and poignancy into family history, memory, and identity, and hear his insights on what it means to be Jewish today.
#DavidBaddiel #Memoir #JewishLiteraryFestival #BookPodcast #GusSilber #BookLovers #Memoir #AuthorInterview #CapeTown #Jewish #JewishCulture -
Breakups, makeups, and second chances! On this episode of Pagecast, Ute Hermanus sits down with bestselling romance author Jo Watson to dive into her latest irresistible read, The Ex Effect. From messy love stories to heartfelt humour, Jo shares what inspired the novel, how she crafts chemistry between characters, and why exes make the best (and worst) material. Don't miss this juicy literary chat! 🎙️📚
#JoWatson #TheExEffect #RomanceBooks #SouthAfricanAuthors #PagecastPodcast #BookLovers #AuthorInterview #ContemporaryRomance #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #RomCom #BookPodcast #Pagecast #SouthAfricanAuthors #SecondChanceRomance #BookLovers #PodcastInterview #NewRelease -
In this episode of Pagecast, Jeremy Boraine sits down with acclaimed author James Whyle to discuss his latest literary work, We Two From Heaven. In this conversation they touch on the creative process, the themes that shaped the book, and the profound narratives woven throughout this remarkable work. Don't miss this insightful conversation that bridges literature and life.
Whether you're a devoted reader or a curious listener, this episode offers a unique glimpse into the story behind the story.
More about the book:
We Two from Heaven is a singular memoir, a four-part fugue on the tricks and traps of memory, a shuffling of the cards of time. Episodes from the early life of writer James Whyle are interwoven with the letters of his father from the Western Front during the First World War. Their formative experiences – war, conscription, injury, desertion – flash by, juxtaposed, as if in counterpoint.
How do we know who we are? Upending the reader’s expectations of a memoir, Whyle then explores the violence and madness of apartheid society as the narrator passes through boarding school and university and takes his first steps to become a writer. Raw and rhythmic, lyrical and caustic, this is an unsparing, formally inventive dissection of human vanities and illusions.
At the end of history, on the shores of a blue bay, the voices of the past can be heard as we await the arrival of the barbarians – or the baboons, whoever comes first.
More about James and Jeremy:
James Whyle grew up in the Amatole Mountains in South Africa. Conscripted into the apartheid army, he was discharged on the grounds of insanity. He did everything in his power to assist the authorities in arriving at this diagnosis. The resulting play, National Madness, won an Amstel Playwright of the Year merit award in 1982. His story, The Story, was chosen by JM Coetzee as winner of the 2011 Pen/Studzinski competition. The Book of War, a novel, won the M-Net Lit Prize for best debut in 2012.
Jeremy Boraine is Publishing Director at Jonathan Ball Publishers.
#Pagecast #JamesWhyle #WeTwoFromHeaven #JeremyBorraine #BookPodcast #AuthorInterview #LiteraryDiscussion #JonathanBallPublishers #PodcastLovers #CreativeWriting -
Join us for a riveting conversation on Pagecast as Sewela Langeni sits down with Iris Mwanza to explore her gripping debut novel, The Lion's Den. This legal thriller set in Zambia's turbulent political landscape tackles themes of justice, gender equality, and systemic oppression.
More about the book:
Rookie lawyer Grace Zulu does not give up easily. She escaped an arranged marriage to put herself through university. Now she’s got her first case.
Her client is young Willbess ‘Bessy’ Mulenga, who has been arrested for offences ‘against nature’. Bessy works in a men-only bar, loves to dance, to wear dresses and live freely. But in 1990s Zambia, following your own identity can get you beaten, jailed or even worse. Grace is determined to get Bessy out of custody. Then her terrified, bruised client goes missing without a trace. She knows something bad has happened and that someone is trying to cover it up. Along with the most unlikely group of allies, Grace must take on powerful enemies at the highest levels – even risk her own safety – to get to the truth. The whole truth.
A debut novel that soars with passion and humanity, The Lions’ Den is a moving story of prejudice, corruption, injustice, courage and solidarity. It shows us that no cause is ever a lost one.
More about Iris and Sewela:
Iris Mwanza is a Zambian-American writer. Now Deputy Director of Women in Leadership in the Gender Equality Division of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, she has worked as a corporate lawyer in both Zambia and the US. Mwanza holds law degrees from Cornell University and the University of Zambia, and an MA and PhD in International Relations from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. In addition to her work at the Foundation, Mwanza serves on the Supervisory Board of Care International and on the Board of Directors of World Wildlife Fund US.
Sewela Langeni is an author and the owner of Book Circle Capital, an independent bookshop focusing on African Literature based at 27 Boxes in Melville, Johannesburg. She is passionate about literacy, especially in children. She is a Marketing Manager at one of South Africa's leading insurance companies. Her academic background spans from Journalism, Communication Sciences and Marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Strategic Marketing and Consulting from the University of Birmingham, UK. Sewela is an avid reader and reviewer of local books for adults and kids. In her role at Book Circle Capital, she also facilitates conversations on books with authors.
#NewPodcastAlert #AfricanLiterature #LegalThriller #GenderEquality #ZambianAuthors #PodcastSeries #BookCircleCapital #BookPodcast #Fiction -
Join David Gorin as he sits down with Don Ross to discuss The Gambling Animal, a compelling exploration of human behaviour and risk-taking. Discover the psychology behind gambling, its societal impacts, and why we’re wired to take chances. Tune in for an insightful conversation.
More about the book:
Evolution is a series of bets, and no animal gambles the way humans do. This has led us to unprecedented ecological dominance, via the steepest odds and unlikeliest of outcomes, but our winning streak cuts both ways: the secret to our success may yet be our downfall.
The Gambling Animal offers a revelatory retelling of the human story. Drawing on
their unique research into the risk psychology of humans and other animals - including our most impressive rivals, elephants - Don Ross and Glenn Harrison reveal the hidden logic of our rise.
Even before the dawn of civilisation, we bet the Earth on our ability to keep doubling down. But with an ecological crisis on the horizon, how long will our winning streak continue?
More about Don and David:
Don Ross is an experimental economist and philosopher of science, based at University College Cork in Ireland since 2016, the University of Cape Town in South Africa since 1997, and Georgia State University in Atlanta, USA since 2010. Born in Winnipeg, Canada, and growing up mostly in Ontario, he earned his PhD at the University of Western Ontario in 1990. Since then he's published many academic articles and books on a range of topics and has done policy consulting for public and corporate clients, including the World Bank, the South African National Roads Agency, the US Department of Commerce, and the Government of Namibia. He currently lives in Cork, Ireland.
Dave Gorin is a former accountant, then an advertising strategist, and now a writer and observer of human nature, with a particular interest in history. As a book lover he has written over 200 reviews for a spectrum of South African publications.
#TheGamblingAnimal #DonRoss #DavidGorin #HumanBehavior #RiskTaking #Psychology #GamblingInsights #BookInterview #SouthAfrica #Elephants -
This week on Pagecast, Beverley Roos-Muller sits down with Gavin Evans to discuss his thought-provoking new book, White Supremacy: A Brief History of Hatred.
Tune in for a deep dive into the complex and often disturbing history of white supremacy, and explore how its legacy continues to shape our world today. Don't miss this important conversation! 🎧
More about the book:
White supremacy is on the rise in the world once again, often finding expression in acts of extreme violence by young white men.
Gavin Evans explores the roots of this ideology, traced back to the 19th century to Charles Darwin and Francis Galton’s race-based theories. He examines the spread of eugenics and the rise of Nazism and Apartheid.
Evans further investigates the 21st-century evolution of ‘Great Replacement’ ideas, their spread through alt-right forums, and their influence on young men with access to weapons. White Supremacy reveals the connections between mainstream and extremist ‘Replacement Theory’ and the ongoing promotion of race science by both far-right and establishment figures, highlighting the dangerous legacy of eugenics.
More about Gavin and Beverley:
Gavin Evans has practised as a journalist in South Africa and the UK and is the author of 10 books of non-fiction. He lectures at Birkbeck College, University of London, and is a member of the Royal Institution’s ‘Challenging Pseudoscience’ group. Evans lives in the UK and frequently travels to South Africa.
Dr Beverley Roos-Muller is a former academic lecturing in humanities at the University of Cape Town. In her early years she was a journalist on the Cape Argus, and remains a broadcaster and writer on social, political and literary matters. She was an anti-apartheid activist in the 1980s, including as spokesperson for the multi-organisational Open City campaign opposing the Group Areas Act, and was a delegate to Lusaka with the Five Freedoms Forum in 1989. She is the author of Bullet in the Heart and Hunting the Seven.
#Pagecast #SouthAfricanLiterature #NewBookRelease #WhiteSupremacy #SocialJustice #BookLovers #PodcastRecommendations #SouthAfricanPodcasts #BookDiscussion #GavinEvans #BeverleyRoosMuller #MustListen #HistoryBooks #NonFiction #SocialCommentary" -
This week on Pagecast, Michele Magwood is in conversation with John Stewart about his book, the first complete and comprehensive biography of Sir Herbert Baker.
More about the book:
Architect Sir Herbert Baker left an indelible mark on South Africa and much of the British Empire in the first half of the 20th century. This is the first full biography from childhood and was written with full cooperation from his family and with access to his archive and private papers.
After a Victorian architectural apprenticeship in London, Sir Herbert Baker went on to become the most prolific architect of his age in South Africa, where he designed numerous public buildings, churches, schools and private houses, including the Union Buildings, St George’s Cathedral and Groote Schuur. Thereafter, he worked in India, Kenya and England where, among many other projects, he designed South Africa House.
He was an intimate friend of many fascinating men of his age, including Cecil Rhodes, T. E. Lawrence, John Buchan and Jan Smuts. Lavishly illustrated, this biography offers a compelling picture of an architect whose buildings contribute greatly to South Africa’s rich history.
More about John and Michele:
John Stewart is an award-winning architect, architectural historian and author who, prior to his retirement, was the leader of one of the UK’s largest multi-disciplinary architectural practices. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Royal Society of Arts and was twice selected as one of the best 40 Architects under Forty in the UK. He has been writing and lecturing full-time since 2015 and has written six books. John was educated at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, the Oxford School of Architecture and Henley Management College and lives in Buckinghamshire outside London.
Michele Magwood is an award-winning journalist and the former Books Editor of the Sunday Times. She has worked in television and broadcasting, and now edits and writes.
#SirHerbertBaker #JohnSteward #SouthAfricanHistory #ArchitecturalHeritage #CapeDutchArchitecture #HistoricalBuildings #SouthAfricanPodcast #HistoryLovers #HeritageConservation #ColonialArchitecture #ArchitectsOfHistory #JohannesburgHistory #CapeTownArchitecture #UnionBuildings #SouthAfricanCulture #SouthAfricanPodcast -
This week on Pagecast, Ndizwanga Nemanashi is in conversation with Dudu Nhlabathi-Madonsela about her book, The Dating Playbook. You can look forward to hearing Dudu answer all your burning questions about dating, love and desire.
MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:
Dating is an extreme sport and no one survives it unscathed. But to find The One, you must get back in the game and keep at it. And like other extreme sports, the odds get better if you find the right coach.
The Dating Playbook is a sobering, matter-of-fact guide to navigating the dating scene, or mjolo as it is colloquially called. Known as the Peaceful One on TikTok, popular dating coach Dudu Nhlabathi-Madonsela is no stranger to teaching people how to win at mjolo and at love.
Dudu’s teachings include advice on online dating etiquette, practical flirting and seduction techniques, as well as tips for measuring your progress. She also explains how location, politics, socioeconomic issues and upbringing inform who and how we date.
With an emphasis on understanding yourself first and being honest about what you want at various stages of your life, Dudu helps readers face the harsh realities of modern-day dating and shows them how to find their footing in the dating scene. In an era where you can be exposed to anything from a hobosexual to a high-value narcissist, she can safely say your mother’s advice just won’t do.
Whether you are dating or in a relationship, Dudu’s considered advice will show you the way.
MORE ABOUT DUDU AND NDIZWANGA:
Dudu Nhlabathi-Madonsela also known as ‘The Peaceful One’ on social media, is a witty and straight-talking dating coach who tackles social issues, particularly relating to relationships and black family dynamics. She provides regular commentary on local radio and TV stations on relationship matters.
Dudu holds multiple degrees and pivoted from being a banker to a healthcare strategist with an MBA in healthcare innovation. She aims to build one black family at a time by fostering deep conversations about how our history as a country, social issues, and social conditions impact our interpersonal relationships.
Ndizwanga Nemanashi is the marketing manager at Jonathan Ball Publishers, where she spends her days creating campaigns that connect readers to books they will enjoy. She is a professional bookworm with a deep love for people, good food, great music, and the perfect cup of tea.
#SupportLocalAuthors #BookLovers #BookDiscussion #PodcastForReaders #SouthAfricanAuthor #southafricanpodcast #podcastseries #Dating #newepisode #DatingAdvice #LoveTalk #RelationshipGoals -
This week on Pagecast, Qarnita Loxton is in conversation with Shameez Patel about her latest book, a geeky romantic comedy called Playing Flirty.
MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:
For Rose Marie Jones, risks are a hard no–except for Game Night. For one precious evening a week, Rose can forget about her demanding boss and her lackluster love life and focus on beating the pants off her friends. But none of them brings out her hyper-competitive side quite like William Ashdern.
Her best friend’s half-brother, William is the paragon of a sexy nerd. The tall, dorky, and handsome game designer is Rose’s playing nemesis. But when Rose decides to enter a contest with the board game she’s secretly invented, there’s only one person who can help her win.
Now what has always been a game between Rose and William is getting a lot more serious. And after spending her entire life trying not to lose, Rose might finally be ready to risk it all–and play to win.
MORE ABOUT SHAMEEZ AND QARNITA:
Shameez Patel was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. She lives there with her husband, child, and two cats named Turbo and Charger. During the day, she juggles her time between parenting her daughter and working as an engineer, but at night, she escapes to new worlds that always have someone to fall in love with. Shameez became obsessed with fiction, especially fantasy fiction, at a young...
Qarnita Loxton was born in Cape Town, where she still lives with her family. She has practised as an attorney, studied psychology and worked as an executive coach. Her first novel, Being Kari, was longlisted for the 9mobile Prize for Literature in 2018 and shortlisted for the 2018 Herman Charles Bosman Prize. Being Lily, Being Shelley and Being Dianne followed, concluding the series. In 2021 Qarnita was awarded the Philida Literary Award for an oeuvre of literary successs. She is a co-author of Chasing Marian, published in 2022. Her most recent novel What's Wrong With June? was published in 2024.
#RomanticComedy #SouthAfricanAuthor #RomanceBooks #BookPodcast #SouthAfricanFiction #RomanticFiction #BookRecommendations #LoveStories
#RomanticReads #SupportLocalAuthors #BookLovers #BookDiscussion #PodcastForReaders #SouthAfricanBooks #FunnyBooks #CapeTownPodcast -
In this episode of Pagecast, we dive deep into the challenges of menopause and the powerful role your diet can play. Suzy Brokensha is in conversation with Dr Linia Patel about her authoritative cookbook, Food For Menopause. They share real insights on how food choices can make a huge difference in managing menopause naturally.
If you’re going through perimenopause or menopause or you just want to support someone who is, this episode is for you! 🌿
MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:
Food for Menopause by Dr Linia Patel is packed with 80 super tasty, appealing recipes – perfect for busy lives. You might already know a bit about menopause
symptoms or you might believe it’s something to think about some time in the future. But studies show that there’s lots you can do from your thirties to make your menopausal years easier.
MORE ABOUT LINIA AND SUZY:
Dr Linia Patel is a leading dietitian and sports nutritionist with a PhD in Public health & Epidemiology. She has worked extensively in high performance sport and is particularly passionate about women’s health. She spends her clinical time working with women helping them to better understand the powerful connection between how their body works and how to achieve optimal health.
Suzy Brokensha is a writer, editor, and trend-spotter who has had a distinguished and varied career in media. Currently editor in chief of FAIRLADY, HOT and LOSE IT magazines, she has a unique understanding of her readers and how to reach them.
#Menopause #MenopauseDiet #HormoneBalance #NutritionForMenopause #HealthyAging #MenopauseSupport #Perimenopause #MenopauseRelief #MenopauseJourney #WellnessTips #WomenHealth #HealthyDiet #BookPodcast #BookRecommendations #SouthAfricaReads #AfricanAuthors #BooksInAfrica #BookLovers #BookDiscussion #BookCommunity #ReadingSouthAfrica #BookClubSA #LiteraryPodcast - Visa fler
