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We all love a good book, especially when written by local authors. The literature world may have heard of some of these Cape Town-based authors but we encourage you to (re)discover the array of poetry, fiction, crime and romantic novels written by our talented writers.

Sindiwe Magona

Dr Sindiwe Magona did not allow growing up in a township to discourage her from dreaming big and reaching her goals. She holds a Master’s degree from Columbia University and is an award-winning Doctor. Before retiring in 2003, she worked with the United Nations for more than 20 years.

In 2007, Sindiwe was awarded the Molento Gold Medal for her dedication to ensuring that the Xhosa culture and language are recognized. One of her books, titled Mother to Mother is currently available to stream on Showmax.

Here are some of Sindiwe Magona’s published books :

  •  To My Children’s Children
  • Living, Loving, and Lying Awake at Night
  • Forced to Grow
  • Push Push
  • Mother to Mother
  • The Best Meal Ever!
  • Beauty’s Gift
  • Please, Take Photographs

Deon Meyer

After completing his studies at Potchefstroom University, Deon later obtained an Honours degree. Thanks to hard work and natural-born talent, Deon has established himself as one of South Africa’s well-known novel writers. He is a thriller novelist whose books are originally written in Afrikaans but have been translated into several languages. Most of his books are based in Cape Town and take on a mysterious, thrilling feel.

Some of his books include:

  • The Last Hunt
  • The Woman In The Blue Coat
  • Fever
  • Icarus
  • Cobra
  • 7 days 
  • Trackers 
  • Thirteen Hours

Ingrid de Kok

Ingrid has made her voice heard loud and proud in the poet and academic space. She was a former Fellow at the University of Cape Town and spent her free time as a consultant for various adult educational courses and events, including writers, seminars, and cultural forums.

Some of her poetry includes:

  • Our Sharpeville
  • Two places, two dreams
  • Ground wave
  • Mending
  • Frightened of the dark
  • Body parts
  • The head of the household
  • Spring custom
  • On the hour
  • Collected water
  • The middle-class worries about Darfur
  • Conversation at dinner
  • Histoplasmosis: a guide’s instructions at the cave

Lauren Beukes

Lauren Beukes holds a Master’s degree from the University of Cape Town and is an award-winning writer. One of her most well-known books is titled The Shining Girls which was published in 2013.

In addition to The Shining Girls, Lauren has published other books such as :

  • Zoo City 
  • Broken Monsters
  • Moxyland 
  • Afterland
  • Maverick
  • Survivors Club.

J.M Coetzee
John M Coetzee is a Nobel Prize winner and he has made a name for himself in the international literature space. His work mainly focuses on issues such as race and class. Here are some of his best pieces:

  • Age of Iron 
  •  The Master of Petersburg 
  • Disgrace
  • Slow Man
  • Diary of a Bad Year 
  • The Childhood of Jesus

Picture: Pexels

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