Fred Khumalo’s new novel will be published in South Africa and in the United Kingdom in February 2017.
The book, titled Dancing the Death Drill, recounts the sinking of the SS Mendi, a passenger steamship that sank in the English Channel in 1917, killing 646 people, most of whom were black South African troops heading for France to serve in World War I. February 2017 will mark the centenary of the sinking of the Mendi.
Khumalo’s book will be published in South Africa by Umuzi and in the UK and Ireland by Jacaranda Books. Jacaranda Books founder Valerie Brandes said: “We are delighted to work with Umuzi and Penguin Random House South Africa on such a brilliant novel that will help shine a light on this dark moment in our history.”
Fred Khumalo’s writing has appeared in various publications, including the Sunday Times, the Toronto Star, New African magazine, the Sowetan and Isolezwe. His most recent book, #Zuptasmustfall and Other Rants is published this month. Other books by him include Bitches Brew, Seven Steps to Heaven and Touch My Blood. He completed his MA in creative writing at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the recipient of a Nieman Fellowship from Harvard University, among other international writing fellowships.
For an interview with Fred Khumalo and/or author photographs, contact Ryno Posthumus at 011 327-3550 / rposthumus@penguinrandomhouse.co.za, and for all queries related to UK & Ireland contact Jazzmine Breary jazzmine@jacarandabooksartmusic.co.uk