The First Murder on Mars This is the story of the first human being born on Mars: Rose Fuller, who saw a better future than the one that came to pass. And Dylan Ward, a woman raised in the vast wilderness of the frontier, who will find her way back to it. It’s a story about a man who went missing, and the man who wants to find out what he knew. It’…

Paris, 1936. Dora Maar, a talented photographer and painter, meets Pablo Picasso and is instantly drawn to his intense creativity. Their passionate relationship, marked by love, sadism, and Picasso's infidelities, pushes Dora to the edge. The Paris Muse, by Lousa Trejar is a fictional retelling of Dora's journey, set against the backdrop of Paris a…

Actor and musician Ian Roberts is something of a South African icon, renowned for his roles as the rugged Boer fighter Sloet Steenkamp in the TV series Arende and as Boet in the immortal and immensely popular Castrol advertisements. His book, Nomad Heart, offers a highly entertaining glimpse of how actors make the magic happen, whether on a theatre…

Professor. Pundit. Public nuisance. In his columns, books and on social media, Jonathan Jansen is prolific, and he likes to speak his mind about schools and universities, race, politics and our complex South African society. He has brought incisive analysis, compassion and a sense of humour to some of the most controversial issues in our country fo…

In Beeld 50 samesteller Erika de Beer, vertel dié geliefde koerant se joernaliste hoe hulle juis dit gedoen het deur die dekades en wat hulle steeds bybly van daardie ervaring. “Nooi, ek praat nie met julle nie. Julle lieg van bladsy een tot die einde . . . maar ek is nie so seker van die sport nie.” – “Kommandant-generaal” Fritz Meyer van die Wenk…

The ANC has ruled South Africa for three decades during which time the country has gone from the promise of the Rainbow Nation to disfunction and despair. In The Super Cadres, bestselling author Pieter du Toit examines this legacy from the early halcyon days through to the disappointment of the Ramaphosa presidency. Du Toit asks key questions befor…

In this episode of Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, we’re excited to dive into the vibrant world of the Open Book Festival—a celebration of South African literature within an international context. Each year, the festival brings together a diverse range of voices, offering readers and writers alike the opportunity to connect with thought-provoking …

Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Usually, we explore the latest in literature year-round, but today, we're coming to you straight from the heart of the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international cont…

Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. While we usually explore the latest in literature throughout the year, in this episode we're broadcasting directly from the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international…

Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. While we usually explore the latest in literature throughout the year, in this episode we're broadcasting directly from the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an international…

Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Usually, we explore the latest in literature year-round, but in this episode, we're coming to you straight from the heart of the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an internat…

Welcome to Pagecast at Open Book Cape Town, a special edition of the regular podcast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Usually, we explore the latest in literature year-round, but in this episode, we're coming to you straight from the heart of the Open Book Festival—Cape Town's annual celebration of South African literature in an internat…

“Dis politici wat oorlog verklaar, nie ons nie. Ons het gedoen wat ons geglo het ons moes doen en hulle [die vyand] ook . . .” - Marco Caforio, ouddienspligtige Op 10 Junie 1980 gedurende 'n eindelose dag van bloedige gevegte onder die Angolese son is 13 lede van die Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag dood en etlike beseer toe 61 Gemeganiseerde Bataljon Groep…

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today's episode is an incredibly special one, as the Mayor of Cape Town - Geordin Hill-Lewis is in conversation with South African award winning documentary filmmaker, naturalist, and founder of the Sea Change Project - Craig Foster. Craig’s latest book - Amp…

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today's episode features Killer Stories - Conversations with South African serial murderers! ‘If you made me angry, for that anger to go away, I have to get hold of you . . . I have to do something to you.’ These chilling words were spoken by one of South Afr…

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today's episode features We Were Perfect Parents Until We Had Children by Vanessa Raphaely and Karin Schimke Having kids is a baffling endeavour beset with sulk, meltdowns, anxiety and disappointment and that’s just the parents! When you get that call to the …

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today's episode features Crash and Burn by Glenn Orsmond. This insider’s tale, narrated by Glenn Orsmond, chronicles the South African airline industry over the past thirty years, highlighting the dramatic collapse of Comair in 2022. Orsmond, twice the CEO of…

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today's episode features Rhodes and His banker by Richard Steyn. *Rhodes and his Banker* is an account of the remarkable friendship between a larger-than-life historical figure and a modest, unassuming banker, both of whom were personally involved in all the …

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Pagecast, presented by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today's episode features Gaslight by Femi Kayode. In this follow-up to Kayode's "action-packed and spirited debut" Philip Taiwo returns to solve a missing-persons case, and in so doing, uncovers dark secrets the church has worked tirelessly to hide. From the …

High Times is the true story of Michael Medjuck, whose taste for weed, women and the good life led him from late-1960s Johannesburg to notoriety as one of the biggest hash and weed smugglers in North America. From his base in Vancouver, Michael built up a smuggling network that supplied dealers in scores of cities across Canada and the United State…

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Todays episode features the phenomenal Justin Fox chatting about his latest book - The Wolf Hunt. The Wolf Hunt is the second book in the thrilling Jack Pembroke series, each of which is a stand-alone story. In this book - Lieutenant Jack Pembroke moves fr…

In this episode of Pagecast, Cato Pedder, author of Moederland: Nine Daughters of South Africa, is in conversation with Maryam Adams, Publicist at Jonathan Ball Publishers. About the book: Moederland: Nine Daughters of South Africa is a fascinating, unflinching and forensic work of non-fiction by Cato Pedder, the great-granddaughter of Jan Smuts, t…

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Todays episode features the phenomenal Kobby Ben Ben chatting about - No One Dies Yet. A genre-breaking novel from a powerful new African voice. 2019. The Year of the Return. It has been exactly 400 years since the first slave ships left Ghana for America.…

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today’s episode features the the remarkable Cecelia Ahern - speaking about her book In a thousand different ways. Alice Kelly’s been given a gift, though if you were to ask Alice about it, she wouldn’t describe it as a gift….she’d call it a curse. Since th…

In this captivating discussion, Pagecast host Maryam Adams engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Farai Mudzingwa, a talented freelance writer. Farai's short fiction has been published by Weaver Press, Kwani?, and Enkare Review II, while his longform articles and reporting have appeared in Chimurenga Chronic, The Mail & Guardian, The Joha…

In this captivating discussion, Pagecast host Maryam Adams engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Wisani Mushwana. Wisani is a talented writer and researcher who holds an MA in Creative Writing (with distinction) from the University of Cape Town and is currently completing his PhD in English Studies at the same university. His debut novel…

In this captivating discussion, Pagecast host Bradley Lutz engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Hendrik Hancke. Hendrik is a journalist at the Sunday Times in Johannesburg, with a rich background as a performing poet, playwright, and artist manager. During his time at Rapport, Hendrik won two Legend24 awards in 2017 for Investigative Jo…

In this captivating discussion, Pagecast host Maryam Adams engages in a thought-provoking conversation with the remarkable Ryan Blumenthal. Ryan is a seasoned forensic pathologist with over twenty years of experience in the field, based in South Africa. His book, Autopsy: Life in the Trenches with a Forensic Pathologist in Africa, published by Jona…

In this thrilling discussion, Pagecast host Nompumelelo Mgidlana engages in a thought-provoking conversation with the phenomenal Nozibele Mayaba! Nozibele is a renowned HIV activist, internationally recognized podcaster, speaker, and TV host. She recently partnered with Jacaranda FM and East Coast Radio to launch a youth podcast, Don’t Hold Back, S…

In this discussion, Pagecast host Kelly Ansara engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Barbara Boswell, a distinguished writer and scholar from Cape Town. Barbara draws much of her inspiration from her vibrant hometown. As an Associate Professor of English Literary Studies at the University of Cape Town, she has authored notable works incl…

In this discussion, Pagecast host Michael Ward engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Lloyd Burnard, the sports editor of News24.com and the author of Miracle Men and Insights into the Rugby World Cup. Lloyd's 2024 book, Twice the Glory: The Making of the Greatest Bok Team in History, delves into the fascinating story behind South Africa'…

In this episode, Pagecast host Maryam Adams engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sven Axelrad, who burst onto the literary scene in 2023 with his magical and quirky debut, Buried Treasure. An accountant by profession, Sven is an avid reader (devouring 65 books a year), a tattoo enthusiast, guitar player, and dog lover. His second novel,…

In this captivating discussion, Pagecast host Maryam Adams engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jonathan Ancer, an award-winning journalist known for his diverse career as a reporter, features writer, and crossword columnist. Jonathan is the author of notable biographies on Craig Williamson and Pravin Gordhan. His latest book, Bullsh*t:…

In this captivating discussion, Pagecast host Nompumelelo Mgidlana engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Amy Heydenrych, the talented author behind the thrillers Shame on You and The Pact, and co-author of Chasing Marian. Her latest novel, Bad Luck Penny, was released just last month and promises to be another thrilling read. Join us as …

In this captivating discussion, Pagecast host Kelly Ansara engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Bronwyn Williams, a renowned futurist, economist, and business trends analyst. Bronwyn earns her living as a ‘court jester,’ consulting to clients in both the public and private sectors worldwide. As a partner at Flux Trends and an associate …

In this captivating discussion, Pagecast host Kelly Ansara engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Koleka Putuma, a multi-award-winning theatre practitioner, writer, and poet. Koleka's work fearlessly tackles themes such as sexuality, gender, race, and politics. Her bestselling debut poetry collection, Collective Amnesia, garnered prestigi…

In this captivating discussion, Pagecast host Kelly Ansara engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Justin Fox, the prolific author behind more than twenty books, including The Cape Raider, Whoever Fears the Sea, and Secret Cape Town. Together, they delve into the intriguing world of his latest release, The Wolf Hunt, the second book in the…

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today’s episode features the the remarkable Beverley Roos-Muller - speaking about her latest book Hunting the Seven. Never have seven people been so hunted. By assassins. By journalists, lawyers and activists in search of the truth and TRC investigators wa…

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today’s episode features the phenomenal Nozibele Mayaba, who bares it all in the her memior, Postively Me - Daring To Live And Love Beyond HIV, co-authored with Sue Nyathi. Born in Qgeberha in the 1990s, popular Aids activist Nozibele Mayaba’s upbringing w…

After state capture, South Africa is (f*cked) not in a good place. The system is down. How do we reboot? We are not the first country to find itself in a difficult spot. China, India, South Korea, Vietnam and many others have gone from being economic basket cases to powerhouses, lifting millions out of poverty. So how can we pick ourselves up and f…

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. From award-winning non-fiction writer Hedley Twidle comes Show Me the Place, an essay collection searching through history, memory and literature to find glimmers of utopia. The collection is a book of elsewheres; in it, the author charts a journey to find…

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today’s podcast features the Jonathan Ancer and his latest book Bullshit: 50 Fibs That Made South Africa. An outrageous miscellany of lies, myths, untruths, fibs and fabrications that tell the woeful history of South Africa. Aimed at offending and entertai…

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today’s podcast features the remarkable Karen Horn speaking about Prisoners of Jan Smuts Equally skilled in different trades than in the art of love, the Italian prisoners-of-war who were incarcerated in South Africa during the Second World War are a sourc…

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today’s podcast features the phenomenal Margie Orford, speaking about her latest book - Love and Fury, a compelling and intimate account of the life, loves and furies. In this brave memoir, the renowned South African crime writer divulges some of the harro…

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Today’s podcast features Keith Barnes, co- author of Birds of Greater Southern Africa. This spectacular field guide includes all resident, breeding and migrant species found in Greater Southern Africa. Comprising South Africa, Lesotho, eSwatini, Namibia, B…

The thrilling story of the conservationist who pioneered the use of dogs in combating poachers to protect wildlife in South Africa’s game reserves. Barely out of his teens, one of Conraad’s first brushes with the reality of life at the frontline of conservation was when he shot the leader of a poaching gang during an ambush in Windy Ridge game rese…

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. This episode features Author Adam Welz, speaking about his latest book - The End of Eden Wild Nature in the Age of Climate Breakdown. Typically, discussions on climate change highlight the adverse effects on human societies due to storms, droughts, and sea…

Welcome to another episode of Pagecast brought to you by Jonathan Ball Publishers. This episode delves into Mike Martin’s latest book - *How to Fight a War* Has any war in history gone according to plan? Monarchs, dictators and elected leaders alike have a dismal record on military decision-making. This not only wastes the lives of civilians, the e…

Thanks for listening to this episode of Pagecast, featuring the inspiring Nadine Aisha Jassat speaking about her latest book - The Stories Granma Forgot. Twelve-year-old Nyla’s dad died when she was four, or that’s what she’s been told. So when Grandma Farida insists she saw him in the supermarket, Nyla wonders if she is ‘time-travelling’ again – t…

What if you could feel more in control of your stress levels? Stress, anxiety and depression have become a sign of our times. We continue to face global crises like climate change and war or threats of war in parts of the world that affect us all through our shared humanity and the global economy. Then there is the continuation of a modern, fast-pa…