Books
Inside the rituals shaping Sven Axelrad’s novels
The South African author shares the rituals that shape his writing after the release of his latest book, ‘The Dogs of Vivo’
By Jennifer Platt
REVIEW | A Trojan horse of a different tale
In his new novel Son of Nobody, author Yann Martel revisits Homer’s Trojan War from the perspective of an ordinary Argive soldier.
By Margaret von Klemperer
The strange world of Asako Yuzuki’s fiction
Asako Yuzuki’s cult hits shine a blistering light on the lives of Japanese women
By Michele Magwood
In free fall — the dark heart of ‘London Falling’
Patrick Radden Keefe turns one family’s search for answers into a gripping portrait of a city
By Michele Magwood
The Booker Prize’s most unpredictable longlist in years
The Booker Prize longlist has arrived, bringing together literary giants, debut novelists and some wonderfully unconventional stories
By Monique Verduyn
Elsa Schiaparelli put the pretty in pink
From shocking pink to the lobster dress, Schiaparelli's bold legacy comes alive
By Michele Magwood
The Perfect Serve: Kokona Ribane reimagines Wimbledon
Creative director Kokona “Kay Kay” Ribane celebrates Wimbledon, fashion, and African opulence in The Perfect Serve
By Nokubonga Thusi
Five new novels to read this July
July's standout novels examine reinvention, inherited histories and the complexities of human relationships
By Monique Verduyn
No crying matter: Dominique Botha returns
Marius Roux provides a bewitching guise for Botha’s equally bewitching imaginings in 'The Crying Bride & Other Hallucinations'
By Michele Magwood
REVIEW | Liza Minnelli’s new memoir is as candid as it is captivating
Liza Minnelli reflects on fame, addiction, family and resilience in Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!, a candid memoir from one of Hollywood's last true legends
By John Fraser
Espionage in real time: ‘The Persian’ by David McCloskey
A dentist-turned-spy becomes trapped between loyalty and survival
By John Fraser
Memoirs and biographies to read in 2026
Writers, thinkers and cultural icons take centre stage in a collection of memoirs and biographies to add to your literary list.
By Monique Verduyn
A life in poetry and noise: Patti Smith’s Bread of Angels
The high priestess of rock poetry revisits the forces that shaped her creative life.
By Michele Magwood
Review | An ode to Miss Marple
Sanet Oberholzer reviews 'Marple': a short story collection written by 12 “dedicated Christie fans and Marple aficionados".
By Sanet Oberholzer
