Bloody Book Week - Lunchtime Readings

Last week the annual Bloody Book Week was held in South Africa. Lucky for me I could attend the lunchtime readings at the Exclusive Books close to work.

On Wednesday (6 August) Jacques Steenkamp read from his book TheGriekwastad Murders, while Mandy Wiener read from her and Barry Bateman’s upcoming book Behind the door: The Oscar & Reeva Story. Steenkamp’s book is also available in Afrikaans, and sentencing took place yesterday. Steenkamp, Wiener, and Bateman are respected South African journalists and their coverage of breaking news can be followed on their Twitter accounts (click on their names).

Jacques Steenkamp & Mandy Wiener

 

On Thursday (7 August), Deon Meyer read from Cobra, the English translation of his new novel. Kobra was nominated for an ATKV-Woordveertjie award (a prestigious Afrikaans award). Meyer’s books are extremely popular and have been translated from Afrikaans into a number of languages.   

With him was Dr David Klatzow, who spoke about his book Justice Denied - sure to be a fascinating read, and definitely on the list of books I want to read. Dr Klatzow is one of the few forensic investigators in South Africa, lectures at Wits University, and has played a part in a number of high profile cases.

Deon Meyer reading from Cobra

Deon Meyer and Dr David Klatzow

Deon Meyer & Dr David Klatzow

I hope I can attend more of the readings and panels next year!

Photos courtesy of Madré Mostert.*

* My blurry pics will never see the light of day. I really must remember to take a proper camera along next year.