Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (Headline) There is a world under the streets of London that no one knows of. Richard Mayhew is dragged into this world when he comes to the aid of a mysterious girl named Door. The bleeding girl is on the run from assassins and she comes…
This complex novel is in a class of its own Joanne Harris is probably best known for her Chocolat trilogy – the first novel of which was made into a film starring Johnny Depp. She has also written three cookbooks, Norse fantasies and historical fiction. To slot her into any…
Different Class by Joanne Harris (Doubleday) Latin master Roy Straitley has been a teacher at St Oswald’s Grammar for 34 years. He’s seen many boys come and go in his time – some of whom hold a special place in his heart. He’s also come across the boy who just doesn’t…
Beside Myself by Ann Morgan (Bloomsbury) Helen and Ellie are identical twins – two peas in a pod according to everyone. But the girls know this isn’t true. Helen is the leader and Ellie the follower. Then they decide to swap places – just for a day and just for fun….
I read this book in a mere few hours – I just could not put it down, despite the chill down my spine. Stalking (cyber or otherwise) is a very real and terrifying experience. And social media opens our world up to many new and unsettling forms of stalking. Many…
My Name is Mahtob by Mahtob Mahmoody (Sphere) Not Without My Daughter captured the hearts of many readers when it hit bookshelves some 30 years ago. It was subsequently made into a film starring Sally Field – cementing its popularity and world acclaim. Now, My Name is Mahtob is the…
I recently quoted a UN Development Programme literacy survey, that said South Africa lags behind other African countries like Zimbabwe, Namibia, Equatorial Guinea, Lesotho and Libya, in spite of its huge investment in education over the last 20 years. One of the problems SA faces is a lack of reading…
“A literate, educated society is a safer, healthier, and more prosperous society.” So says Imraan Noorbhai, Standard Bank’s provincial head in KZN. It is with this philosophy in mind that the bank has launched its literacy project – “Every Child Must Read”. According to a UN Development Programme literacy survey,…
Affluenza By Niq Mhlongo (Kwela) Affluenza is a collection of short stories written in Niq Mhlongo’s characteristically piercing style. With stories covering issues such as crime, xenophobia, racism, homophobia, the new black elite and land distribution in South Africa, Mhlongo writes about Span of South African democracy and the troubles of…
Has anyone else noticed the rising number of events occurring at secret locations around the city of late? I’ve come across two unusual and interesting events coming up in March and April that piqued my interest. They’re completely different concepts but their ultimate aim is uplift, inspire and celebrate the…
