Celebrating Diversity with South African Books

I’ve interpreted diversity a little loosely by featuring South African authors, a minority country in the publishing industry. All these books are also set in South Africa.

I hope you’re up to taking a chance by supporting our local authors…

Just a note, the only children’s book on this list is the first one, Herd Boy. Some of the others contain violence that may not be suitable for younger readers.

Herd Boy by Nikki Daly

A children’s picture book written and illustrated by Nikki Daly, a well-loved children’s author/illustrator in South Africa. His books are found in homes and schools across the country. This is his latest publication and one of my favourites. It is an inspiring read which promotes self-esteem as well as highlighting our South African spirit.
Goodreads     Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk     Book Depository     Loot.co.za

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Non-Fiction. Nelson Mandela’s autobiography. Need I say more? It is a long book, but it’s worth it, the abridged version just doesn’t do it justice. An amazing man and South Africa’s most loved leader.
Goodreads     Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk     Book Depository     Loot.co.za

If The Cat Fits by Crystal Sharp

Non-Fiction. I loved this laugh-out-loud book which follows the life of a vet’s wife in South Africa and is full of humorous antidotes. Crystal Sharp has running conversations with her pets, something we have in common!

The physical books are already out of print, so if you can get hold of a copy of this, or one of her other books: Dog in My Footprints and In Fool Flight, you are very lucky! Fortunately for everyone else, the Kindle editions are available.
Goodreads     Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk

The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild by Lawrence Anthony

Non-Fiction. These elephants will stay in your heart forever. Previously reviewed here.
Goodreads     Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk     Book Depository     Loot.co.za

The Smell of Apples by Mark Behr

Fiction. Brutal in its subtlety, a sinister story which has haunted me over the years. This book has won both local and international awards. Recommended age 16+
Goodreads     Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk     Book Depository     Loot.co.za

Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

Fiction. Alan Paton is one of our most renowned authors and this book, also adapted into a movie, has been read across the world. It is an excellent portrayal of hope, endurance and above all humanity.
Goodreads     Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk     Book Depository     Loot.co.za

Postmortem: The Doctor Who Walked Away by Maria Phalime

Non-Fiction. A story that highlights the inadequacies in South Africa’s public health sector and the inner struggle of the individual health professionals.

I met Maria Phalime earlier this year at a conference and was struck by her humble honesty, which was evident during her address to a gathering of South African school librarians.  Sharing a table at dinner that night, I experienced her friendliness and down-to-earth personality first hand. I am fortunate to own a personalised signed copy of this book!
Goodreads     Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk     Book Depository     Loot.co.za

The Madonna of Excelsior by Zakes Mda

Fiction. Well-known author and playwright of contemporary classics,  Zakes Mda’s books and plays are studied in high schools across South Africa.
Goodreads     Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk     Book Depository     Loot.co.za

Dear Bullet: Or a Letter to My Shooter by Sixolile Mbalo

Non-Fiction. Simply told, this personal account of a young girl who survived unspeakable violence will leave you reeling in shock at the brutality of humanity and the power of forgiveness. Recommended age 16+
Goodreads     Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk     Book Depository     Loot.co.za

Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee

Fiction. I read this very disturbing book several years ago, and it still haunts me today. Although well acclaimed, award-winning J.M. Coetzee is not one of my favourite authors, mostly because he is not afraid to display humanity with all its flaws, and I am a fan of the happily ever after. But he is undoubtedly an excellent writer and deserves his acclaim. Recommended age 16+
Goodreads     Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk     Book Depository     Loot.co.za

A bonus: The 11th title on the list is a fantasy graphic novel

Rebirth by Daniel Browde & Josh Ryba (Illustrator)

Graphic novel. Fiction. Included for its beautiful colour illustrations and originality.
Goodreads     Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk

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