In Their Own Words brings together powerful voices from across genres and experiences. In this edition, Popina Khumanda shares the raw, heartbreaking story of her escape from war-torn DRC in The Smallest Ones. Zakhe Mazibuko unpacks faith, freedom, and financial truth in Preacher, Let My People Go.
In her luminous debut novel My Other Heart, Emma Nanami Strenner weaves
a poignant story about identity, family, and the longing for belonging across
continents. Spanning Philadelphia, Tokyo, and Saigon, the novel follows three
women – Mimi, Kit, and Sabrina – whose intertwined paths explore adoption,
From 5-7 September 2025, Cape Town’s vibrant literary scene comes alive
once more as the Open Book Festival returns to the city’s heart. A celebration
of books, ideas, conversation and community, this much-loved event invites
readers, writers and thinkers to come together in a shared love of storytelling.
First launched in 2011, Open Book has grown from a 60-event, five-day festival
into a major fixture on South Africa’s cultural calendar. With over 100 events
In June 2025, Penguin Random House South Africa (PRHSA) proudly took
home an impressive seven accolades at the prestigious 30th Gourmand World
Cookbook Awards, held during the Cascais Food Summit in Portugal at the
Estoril Congress Centre. The event, hosted by Gourmand Awards founder
and president Edouard Cointreau, brought together culinary visionaries and
From the bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules comes a
charming coming-of-age romance about family, firsts, and finding love.
When Madeline’s brother gets engaged without telling anyone, she
Messy, comforting, spicy and bold – there’s nothing quite like a bunny
chow. Born on the streets of 1940s Durban, this iconic South African
dish has become a national treasure, beloved for its no-frills brilliance
and big, unapologetic flavour. Whether it’s filled with fiery mutton,
classic beans, rich chicken curry or even a modern kota twist with
mince and mash, one thing’s certain: it’s best eaten with your hands
A chilling new thriller from the author of Then She Was Gone about a
seemingly perfect man who slowly takes over your life – until he starts
disappearing without explanation. As suspicion and dread creep in, you
begin to question everything: his love, his past, and your own judgment.
A masterclass in psychological suspense, this novel explores manipulation,
Oxford, 1920: For the first time, women are admitted to the university.
Four young women from different backgrounds move into rooms on
Corridor Eight, each carrying dreams – and secrets. As they pursue
education and freedom in a world still shaped by war, grief, and deep-
rooted sexism, their unexpected friendship becomes a powerful force.
Dora, Beatrice, Otto, and Marianne must navigate loss, ambition, and
identity in a society hesitant to change. Set against the backdrop of
Nomzamo wants a baby, but her husband keeps stalling. Kioni thinks
Michael’s ready to commit – until doubts creep in. Jazmine, a single
mom, has sworn off love, but a handsome new doctor tests her resolve.
And Asanda, driven and successful, is hunting for a man to match her
high standards. As their lives intertwine in surprising ways, these four
women learn that love is rarely simple – but always worth it. Warm,
On a legendary 1980s night, 21-year-old Mike Tyson knocked out Michael
Spinks in 91 seconds, earning more than the Lakers and Celtics’ annual
payrolls combined. Just eight years earlier, Tyson was a troubled kid taken
in by boxing legend Cus D’Amato. Their bond became the stuff of movies,
turning Tyson into HBO’s first star. But his story is darker than his victories.