The Book Lounge and Penguin Random House invite you to the launch of The Inn at Helsvlakte by Patricia Schonstein.

Schonstein will be in conversation with Nancy Richards at the launch.

Event details

Date: Tuesday 10 March 2020
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Venue: The Book Lounge, 71 Roeland Street, Cape Town
Facebook event

About the book

In the Karoo-like landscape of a mythical country beset with civil war, tarot cards are brandished and bones swiftly turn to dust. Against the backdrop of this arid place, Kitty Cloete, the inkeeper’s wife, survives on her inner resources.

Strong and self-willed, Kitty is a skilled equestrienne, wheelwright, blacksmith and talented harpist – none of which could shield her from an arranged marriage after an ill-fated romance.

And now, devastation at Helsvlakte.

After State soldiers are ambushed by Separatist guerillas, a critically injured captain arrives at the inn. For the haunted man, whose face has been disfigured in combat, the soulful music of Kitty’s harp becomes the elixir that brings him back to life.

But drama awaits offstage. A young man who witnessed the slaying of his family and the torching of their farm hears of the captain’s residence at the inn. He holds the captain responsible for the tragedy that befell his loved ones, and sets out to find him.

The Inn at Helsvlakte is present-day troubadour Patricia Schonstein’s bewitching tale of love and betrayal, family, human foibles and the theatre of war.

Categories Fiction South Africa

Tags Book events Book launches Cape Town Nancy Richards Patricia Schonstein The Book Lounge The Inn at Helsvlakte