The Penguin Post
Crawling marvels and winged wonders – the making of Southern African Moths and their Caterpillars
Hermann Staude, Mike Picker and Charles Griffiths describe the craftsmanship involved in creating their guide Southern African Moths and their Caterpillars.
Why politics matters to prosperity – Greg Mills examines why some countries succeed while others fail in Rich State, Poor State
Africans are half as wealthy today compared to their global peers than they were at independence. There is a persistent default to economic crisis, and the appetite to carry out reforms never matches the rhetoric, says Dr Greg Mills. The reason Africa fails is … politics.
Five minutes with Lauren Beukes on her new novel Bridge
Bursting with humour, action and reality-bending experiences, Bridge is Lauren Beukes at her finest.
Trouble in paradise – Sara Ochs on writing her debut novel, The Dive
Sara Ochs’s The Dive is an unputdownable thriller about the dark side of paradise.
Dianne Stewart on how to journal your way to a novel
Journaling is an accessible way for writers to hone their craft and keep track of details while writing a book, says Dianne Stewart, author and recipient of SA Children’s Laureate Award for her lifelong contribution to children’s literature.
‘Regret belongs to the past’ – Mikki Brammer on the ideas behind her novel The Collected Regrets of Clover
Mikki Brammer’s The Collected Regrets of Clover is a big-hearted and life-affirming debut about a death doula who, in caring for others at the end of their life, has forgotten how to live her own.
Finding inspiration in the ancient world – Conn Iggulden on writing his bestselling historical fiction
Stories and myths from the ancient world have transcended millennia, and it’s from these that author Conn Iggulden draws inspiration for his bestselling historical fiction.
An arachnophile’s journey: A career spinning webs of spider expertise
Ansie Dippenaar-Schoeman, author of Field Guide to Spiders of South Africa, is one of the foremost experts on African spiders.
Mastering the art of trading with Robert J van Eyden, author of Badass Trader
Robert J van Eyden, CEO of financial institution IG South Africa and author of Badass Trader, explores the intricacies of trading.
‘Most families are bound not just by blood but by secrets’ – Abraham Verghese on his masterful new novel The Covenant of Water
From Abraham Verghese, author of the bestselling novel Cutting for Stone, comes a stunning and magisterial new epic of love, faith and …
Shari Lapena chats about her unputdownable new thriller Everyone Here is Lying
Author Shari Lapena chats to The Penguin Post about her thrilling new novel, Everyone Here is Lying, and what draws her to writing about domestic bliss gone wrong.
‘I’ve been betrayed by people a few times, and it hurts’ – In conversation with Lesley Pearse on her new novel, Betrayal
Lesley Pearse worked her way through a number of jobs, including nanny, bunny girl, dressmaker and full-time mother before, at the age of 49, she became a published writer.
Five Minutes with Douglas Kruger on his new psychological thriller Character Scan
Read an interview with Douglas Kruger on his new novel Character Scan!
What would you do? Brooke Robinson on the origins of her debut novel The Interpreter
Brooke Robinson’s enthralling debut The Interpreter explores what a criminal interpreter would do when faced with the moral dilemma of letting the wrong man go free.
The Penguin Post Magazine celebrates three years of publishing (PLUS: Win prizes worth a total of R16,000)
To celebrate its third anniversary, The Penguin Post is giving away hampers to the collective value of R16,000!
‘Can it kill me?’ Scorpions of South Africa: What to look out for!
It’s probably an understatement to say that scorpions are not everyone’s favourite animals. After all, they sting, and some species are dangerous enough to kill humans. But for Dr Ian Engelbrecht, leading expert on southern African scorpions, these creatures are simply fascinating.
Words of wisdom from 102-year-old practising doctor Gladys McGarey on how to live a satisfying life
Dr Gladys McGarey is over one hundred years old and a still-practising doctor. She currently has a life coaching practice, maintains a healthy diet, and still enjoys a good piece of cake every now and then.
Eyes wide open: realism as a way of seeing the world – Michiel Heyns chats about his latest book, Each Mortal Thing
Michiel Heyns is well-known as author, translator and academic. Here he tells more about his latest book, Each Mortal Thing.
‘The way to be an expert is to become a master of small ideas’ – Siya Metane
If you have a vision, starting with your small idea and connecting with the right people can help give your idea wings, says Siya Metane.