Our friends at Stellenbosch Books share some of the most notable, captivating and talked-about titles on their shelves.
Our London Lives by Christine Hickey

In her ninth novel, Christine Hickey brings into focus the Irish diasporic experience of London at the end of the twentieth century. The story revolves around two young outsiders: there is Pip, a talented boxer with a drinking problem, and Milly, a teenage runaway who finds a home working in a pub. Beginning in 1979, the twin narrative fashions together four decades of their lives, portraying not only their own development, but the evolution of central London during this period. Like two lonely bodies in space, Pip and Milly orbit each other; apart for much of the time but generating profound connection when they come near. This wistful, beautiful novel is perfect for anyone looking for something strongly character-driven, but outside the confines of a typical romance.
Money: A Story of Humanity by David McWilliams

Money, Money, Money! The ever-present substance that oils the wheels of modern society. But what exactly is it? And where did it come from? In his latest book, economist David McWilliams takes us on an insightful journey through the history of our relationship with money, answering these questions and many more. From Babylon to Bitcoin, he explores how currencies have had lasting effects on the societies that dreamed them up. Written with irreverent humour and an incisive eye, McWilliams brings his engaging tone to a topic most may have found tedious. More than just a chronological account, this book is a delightful history of the world as told through the lens of money.
Into the Uncut Grass by Trevor Noah

From the global comedic phenomenon (and our very own) Trevor Noah comes a new, richly illustrated fable of connection, curiosity, and compassion. We follow a young boy with a rebellious streak venture beyond the comforts of home with his wise teddy bear Walter. Through his magical encounters in this new landscape, he learns the value of listening and resolving conflict peacefully. In the same vein as The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, this gently profound book touches on some timeless virtues. A gorgeous gem for all ages, just in time for the festive season too!
The Paris Muse by Louisa Treger

‘Living with him was like living at the centre of the universe. It was electrifying and humbling, blissful and destructive, all at the same time.’
In this captivating exploration of troubled love, Louisa Treger brings to life the tumultuous affair between the French artist Dora Maar and the iconic Pablo Picasso. Enamoured by his eccentricity and creative genius, Dora is drawn into an intense and obsessive relationship. This fictional work, rooted in biographical fact, weaves together plot and historical events seamlessly, lending an authentic backdrop to Dora’s story. Written in the first person, the narrative centres her experience and brings her back into the focus of Picasso’s famed life. It’s a page-turner that not only captivates but also serves as a remarkable display of literary compassion, with Dora’s voice ringing powerfully, even long after the book is closed. Click here to order.
Patient 12A by Lesedi Molefi

In this exciting debut, Lesedi Molefi pens his experience of the time he spent in a psychiatric clinic in 2016. Born in Soweto, Molefi is a talented photographer and documentarian whose personal history sheds light on the profound effects of adverse childhood experiences. This powerful narrative not only explores the complexities of mental illness—a topic often stigmatized in South African families—but also serves as a poignant commentary on courage, vulnerability, and self-reflection. Molefi reminds us that psychiatric facilities can still be places of safety and healing in our country. While not a self-help book, by inviting the reader to empathize with its protagonist, it encourages them to reflect on their own lives with compassion too. An incredible read. Click here to order.
Capitec: Stalking Giants by TJ Strydom

In case you missed him during the Woordfees festivities last week, this is your reminder to pick up a copy of TJ Strydom’s latest book, Capitec: Stalking Giants. In this thrilling tale, Strydom traces the development of South Africa’s most popular bank from its cradle to its explosion. Ever wondered how a group of microlenders could evolve into an institution worthy of the World’s Best Bank title? Here is your chance. Witty, smart, and well-researched, this book is a must-read for entrepreneurs, as well as anyone hungry for an authentic South African success story. Available in both Afrikaans and English. Click here to order.
My Journey with Wine

There’s a lovely buzz around My Journey with Wine, the new book that beautifully chronicles the life of a remarkable woman, leading her from the elegance of a chateau to a garrison in the American Midwest, from the historic vineyards of Bordeaux to the bustling streets of Beijing, and from the prestigious Médoc estates to the lush Cape vineyards of South Africa.
May-Éliane de Lencquesaing, now a venerable 99 years old, hails from a distinguished lineage of Bordeaux wine growers and brokers, and an Anglo-Spanish family rooted in the Philippines. Her marriage to a career army officer saw her living a nomadic life with her children, before fate, through a draw, awarded her the vineyard of Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac. With determination and vision, she revitalized this estate, elevating its wines to compete with France’s finest and earning global acclaim. At seventy-eight, her passion for viticulture led her to South Africa, where she embarked on a new journey, founding the Glenelly Estate.
Click here to order.
Crooked Seeds by Karen Jennings

Since her previous novel was longlisted for the Booker prize, Jennings’ work has attracted a growing readership. Her latest book further proves her ability in dealing with sociohistorical matters with an adept and creative hand. Set in Cape Town in the near future, where drought has ravaged the land, Deidre van Deventer sours away in her tiny public housing unit. Her unhappy life is suddenly upturned by the discovery of human remains at her old family home, and a subsequent investigation is launched into her brother’s involvement in a pro-apartheid group in the 1990s. With its spare prose and dark humour, Crooked Seeds is a cutting tale of memory and guilt that you will not want to miss.
Click here to order.
Medea by Rosie Hewlett

Love. Witchcraft. Betrayal. From the award-winning author of Medusa comes yet another fresh retelling of an ancient Greek myth. Medea explores the life of its titular character, a powerful sorceress and priestess of the goddess Hecate, who is trapped by her father, the King Aeëtes. The arrival of the hero Jason, on a quest to find the Golden Fleece protected by her father, is just the chance Medea needs to escape. Bold and ambitious, Hewlett does not shy away from the moral ambiguities of this classic tale, highlighting the contrast between naivety and power. This instant Sunday Times Bestseller is just the retelling you need to add to your shelves.
Click here to order.
Mortal Secrets by Frank Tallis

“Some cities are like stars,” Tallis writes of early twentieth-century Vienna. The lasting influence of this period on the art, architecture, and even music of today, is testament to this fact. But it is in the mind in which this city has had the largest sway, owed to its most famous inhabitant: Sigmund Freud. In this look at Vienna’s Golden Age, Tallis elucidates the life of Freud during this time, exploring his relationships and the evolution of the ideas that were generated in this city. Fans of Tallis’ fictional Liebermann Papers will appreciate this further illumination to the setting of his mystery novels. Critically balanced and wonderfully composed, Mortal Secrets is well worth your time.
Click here to order.
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

Our fluffiest socks have been struggling to keep us from freezing our toes off. Luckily, we got a prescription for some hot chocolate, a fireplace, and a delicious novel to beat the chill. Should work for you too!
Available at Stellenbosch Books at 14 Andringa Street in Stellenbosch Central.
Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

Panic. Shockwaves. Ash. We have all been warned of the threat that nuclear weapons pose. But what might an all-out nuclear war even look like? In this gripping and rigorous account, journalist Annie Jacobsen leads us through it, step by step. Centred around a fictional attack by North Korea on the USA, chaos reigns supreme and a deadly succession of decisions ensues. This creative work of non-fiction has been meticulously researched to portray the most likely chain of events. If that doesn’t sound promising enough, rumour has it that a film adaptation is in the works, with Dune director Denis Villeneuve being eyed to lead the project.
Available at Stellenbosch Books at 14 Andringa Street in Stellenbosch Central.
The Levantine Vegetarian by Salma Hage

From the best-selling author of The Lebanese Kitchen comes yet another stunning collection of recipes. This time, she showcases the rich and vibrant dishes offered by the Levantine region. Winner of the James Beard Prize, Hage guides the reader through a glorious array of plant-based recipes; from classics like kofte and fattoush, to mouth-watering specialities such as the sumac and barberry salad. Sound good? Why not pop in, grab a copy, and then sit down at Man’oushe for some delicious Lebanese mezze next door!
Available at Stellenbosch Books at 14 Andringa Street in Stellenbosch Central.
Table For Two by Amor Towles

Elegance. Intricacies. Upset. Amor Towles dazzles once more with Table for Two, a collection of six short stories and a novella.
Set primarily in New York, the stories delve into the complicated interior lives of their various characters. We meet Russian emigrants, yearning writers, conniving retirees, and more. The true gem of the collection, however, can be found on the opposite coast with the novella, Eve in Hollywood.
Readers of Towles’ debut novel, Rules of Civility, will recall the effervescent Evelyn Ross. Here, we get to pursue her journey further as it plays out in the dreamy ‘City of Angels’ setting.
Why We Remember by Charan Ranganath

Have you ever wondered why you’re able to remember the lyrics to that song from your childhood, but not what you ate for lunch last Tuesday? According to neuroscientist and Professor of Psychology Dr Charan Ranganath, it has everything to do with emotions, intention, and even your imagination.
In this compelling new book, he dissects the phenomena of memory and shows how we weren’t designed to remember, in fact, but to forget!
Expect intriguing case studies and easily digestible explanations of the latest research on the topic. With its engaging discussions and Ranganath’s humorous touch, Why We Remember promises to be an unforgettable read.
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

From the best-selling author of Deep Work comes another meticulous meditation on ‘productivity’ in the modern world, Slow Productivity. Our current understanding of what it means to be productive is broken, according to Cal Newport. We obsess over keeping ourselves busy with the idea that little-to-no rest must mean that we are accomplishing a lot.
However, with the aid of research, historical case studies, and demonstrated application, Newport proposes an alternative: “Do fewer things. Work at a natural pace. Obsess over quality.” He expands upon these principles throughout the book, showing how we can correct course and ultimately avoid burnout while still accomplishing a lot.
Maktub by Paulo Coelho

In the 30th year anniversary of its original publication, Paulo Coelho’s Maktub has finally been given an English-language release. A compilation of some of his best columns printed in the newspaper Folha de São Paulo, Maktub is a tapestry of rich parable and tale woven together with beautiful line-art throughout. It promises to take the reader on a spiritual journey, shedding light on our interactions with the world and on our perennial search for meaning. Those who read and loved The Alchemist will find a similar comfort in the self-reflectivity of this “inspirational companion. Read more
How to hide inside a three by Jane van der Riet

A local gem from clinical psychologist, anti-apartheid activist, and Cape Town’s very own Jane van der Riet. Set in the cushy Southern suburbs in 2017, Leigh-Anne grapples with a loveless marriage, unruly children, and an ominous letter from her father. Privy to her thoughts as her life unravels, she encounters the racist truths and mistruths within her, and is confronted with the guilt of a past misdeed. Whilst often light and humorous, this is, in the author’s own words, “a serious novel about whiteness and shame.” A debut with much to give, truly an enjoyable read. Read more
Victory City by Salman Rushdie

From the master of magical realism himself, comes yet another dazzling triumph of fantastical literary fiction. After the tragic demise of her parents, Pampa Kampana is visited by a goddess who grants her supernatural power. From this she wills a great empire into existence, whispering its inhabitants to life. As the centuries pass, we are witness to its wars, its miracles, and to the girl who created it all… Stylised as the translation of a long-lost epic, Victory City is a gorgeous display of Rushdie’s ability to marry historical inspiration with his unbounded imagination. Read more
Yellowface by R. F. Kuang

Darkly humorous and starkly jarring, Kuang’s latest novel is a satirical take on the world of publishing.
Following the aftermath of a freak accident, June Hayward finds herself in possession of an unpublished manuscript by her (much) more successful friend. Does tweaking something really make it yours? And how far will she go to defend her claim over it? Equal parts funny and disturbing, Yellowface even ropes in the phenomenon of the ‘Twitter sleuth’ to further complicate matters.
Fans of Babel and the Poppy War trilogy will be pleased to know that Kuang’s strong style translates well from fantasy to literary fiction. Read More
Metamorphoses by Ovid

Written over 20 centuries ago, Ovid’s Metamorphoses is still considered one of the most influential literary works of its era. Loosely considered an epic, it recounts various myths and stories in chronological fashion, starting with Creation and ending with the death of Julius Caesar.
While it has undergone multiple translations since the original Latin, the latest by Stephanie McCarter is a welcome addition. A professor of classical literature, McCarter manages to capture the polished style of Ovid while surfacing some of the nuance in his work that has been lost in previous translations. Where others have preoccupied themselves with passion as a thematic thread, McCarter is interested in the dynamics of power, particularly in its abuse. Read More
Who will rule South Africa? by Adriaan Basson and Qaanitah Hunter

As Human Rights Day will be celebrated across the country next week, it is a good time to reflect on the state of our democracy.
Veteran journalists Adriaan Basson and Qaanitah Hunter take a look at the past 30 years under ANC rule, and set their predictions for the next five years in Who will rule South Africa? Incisive and sharp, they measure up the key parties and players, with a view towards what a collaborative future might look like. Read More
Bahari by Dina Macki

Step into the world of up-and-coming chef Dina Macki, as she explores her heritage through cuisine.
With over 90 mouth-watering recipes, Bahari is an exploration of the amalgam of influence that make up the Omani food culture. Littered with personal essays and the fascinating stories behind the ingredients, this award-winning cookbook deserves a spot in your kitchen. And did we mention how visually stunning it is? One finds themselves poring over the photography so much that they are pleasantly surprised to find that it is accompanied by delicious recipes too! Read More
Last Year’s Favourites

2023 was a year for the books. Three titles that entranced their readers, rippled across best seller lists, and swayed judges for some of the top awards, stand out. They delve into everything from totalitarianism to psychiatric treatments, nostalgia to betrayal, and displacement to empire.
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

Claiming the coveted Booker Prize, Paul Lynch’s Prophet Song is hauntingly good. In a dystopian rendering of Ireland, in which an ultra-right nationalist party has seized control, violence and paranoia reign supreme.
We follow Eilish Stack, mother of four, as she tries to keep her family from being torn apart by the powers that be. Read against a backdrop of perennial war and mass displacement, Lynch’s novel comes at a critical time. Fear, loss, and hope swarm the pages, making for a compelling read. Claustrophobic in its pacing yet brilliantly executed, this is not a novel you will soon forget.
Time Shelter by Georgi Gospodinov

Originally published in 2020, Georgi Gospodinov’s Time Shelter was translated from its native Bulgarian into English in 2022. Winning the International Booker Prize, the novel presents us with the possibility of treating Alzheimer’s patients by ‘recreating’ bygone eras in which they had once felt secure. Different floors in a psychiatric clinic are made to look, with surgical precision, like a specific decade.
Replete with political and historical innuendoes, Gospodinov’s novel cleverly blurs the line between recollection and imagination; highlighting how the weaponization of nostalgia can have far-reaching consequences. Witty, heart-breaking, and profound, Time Shelter strikes at the core of that which we are all too often preoccupied with: Memory.
Trust by Hernan Diaz

Previously longlisted for the Booker Prize, Trust deservingly snatched up the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2023. Hernan Diaz’s sophomore novel is a literary delight of embedded, unfolding narratives; each one more shocking and revelatory than the last. Set in New York across the 20th Century, the book explores the elusive life of a powerful financier and his enigmatic wife. Competing tales weave together a delicious tapestry of power, betrayal, and love.
Fans of the book will be delighted to learn that it is being adapted into a limited series at HBO (with Kate Winslet attached to star and produce!).
More
Click here for more recommended reads, or vist Stellenbosch Books at 14 Andringa Street in Stellenbosch Central.