The 2019 Knysna Literary Festival programme from March 8-10 will offer something for everyone.
Festival founder and sponsor, Ling Dobson of Pam Golding Properties Knysna & Plett , said she was looking forward to an exciting three days for this the 10th anniversary of the festival.
“Adriaan Basson, General Bantu Holomisa and Eric Naki discussing The Game Changer, an autobiography written by Eric Naki on the life of General Bantu Holomisa, will certainly be interesting,” Dobson said.
“Holomisa is one of South Africa’s most respected and popular political figures and this biography, written in collaboration with Holomisa, presents an engaging and revealing account of a man who has made his mark as a game- changer in South African politics.”
Dobson said another event not to be missed, especially for those interested in current affairs, was Adam Habib’s discussion of his book, Rebels and Rage.
“Adam Habib is the vice-chancellor and principal of the University of the Witwatersrand [Wits] in Johannesburg.
“One of the most prominent and outspoken academic leaders through the recent student protests, in his book he takes a characteristically frank view of the past three years on South Africa’s campuses, critically examining the student movement and individual student leaders who emerged under the banners #feesmustfall and #Rhodesmustfall.”
On the lighter side, Vanessa Raphaely, known to many as the former award-winning editor of Cosmopolitan South Africa, will discuss her thrilling debut novel, Plus One.
Dobson said Raphaely had had a long career in women’s media, including many years in London, and even if the novel was not an autobiography, the setting and experiences were real enough.
Plus One is about two young women who find themselves involved in the darker side of the Hollywood media industry.
The book touches on important themes surrounding women’s issues, many of which led to the creation of the #MeToo movement.
It’s contemporary fiction, a page-turner with something to say and a very real sting in its tail, yet highly enjoyable reading.
Switching gears, storytelling and age-old feuds are on the menu as well- known storyteller Michael Charton explores the origins of the unique rugby rivalry between the All Blacks and the Springboks.
Dobson said Charton used a forgotten Springbok Tour of New Zealand in 1937 to bring the story to life.
“His message celebrates the value system associated with rugby’s amateur era and it serves as a nostalgic reminder of what is important in life and legacy.”
For more information on these events and the full programme, visit www.knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za or call 044-382-5574.
Tickets are available at the Pam Golding Properties offices in Gray Street, Knysna, or online on Quicket.