STORIES WAT EK ONTHOU

Omslagontwerp deur Stella Stofberg

 ʼn Deeglik nagevorste, onderhoudende vertelling van ʼn ryk lewe deur iemand wat in Hermanus gebore en getoë is. Die vertellings, soms komies, soms aandoenlik van die lewe soos dit was, betrek die leser by die mense van vroeër en wanneer dit nog verder in die geskiedenis delf na die herkoms van twee families, verdiep die betrokkenheid en verbreed die perspektief oor ons herkoms. Voeg daarby die plasing van die gebeure teen die agtergrond van wêreldgebeure en die geskiedenis van Suid-Afrika, word dit nog meer relevant en word dit meer as ʼn nostalgiese belewenis van die verlede.

Die verteller het wye draaie deur die land geloop en weer tuisgekom in sy hartland om hier die geskiedenis vir sy onmiddellike familie neer te pen. Dis kosbaar dat hierdie verhaal op so ʼn wyse vir die nageslag bewaar word en die kinders en kleinkinders nie eendag hoef te wonder waar hulle vandaan kom nie. Die spore lê voorwaar diep en wyd.

Elize Gerber

WHO AM I by Peter Plum

Cover design and book layout by Stella Stofberg

The author’s courage, his confidence, and his lively sense of fun are threads that run through this story of one man’s life: importantly his experience of momentous world events and how he survived them. His guts and intelligence – with some help from lady luck – averted almost certain death.

He begins his story with some ancestral history, and then describes his young life in Germany before and during the dramatic 20^th century upheavals of World War II, when he was forced to serve in the Hitler Youth and to join the army. Those experiences gave him a strong aversion to war and violence.

He goes on to relate how he came to South Africa and what it took to succeed as an industrialist in a foreign country where he spoke no English, while pursuing, with great determination, his dream of having a home and family (and a small car).

Peter Plum’s prodigious memory for detail lends authenticity and charm to his descriptions and makes fascinating reading for those interested in recent history as told by a survivor who is now in his nineties, and for anyone wanting an entertaining insight into a long life well lived.

ORDER FROM

Peter Plum

Email: peterplummail@gmail.com

Tel.: 028 314 1404

FOR KEEPS: ARTICLES ON HERMANUS HISTORY – WORTH KEEPING by Robin Lee

Cover design and book layout by Stella Stofberg

For Keeps is the result of a commitment the Hermanus History Society made to ensure that the town’s history ‘comes alive’ for the public. Written between 2013 and 2019 by Dr Robin Lee for local and national media, these 30 articles feature high and low points in Hermanus’s history over a period of 150 years: frequent and destructive fires; the sad story of an under-utilised New Harbour, the rise and fall of the hotel holiday culture and the depletion of Walker Bay’s marine resources.

Meet characters that influenced the development of Hermanus: people like P J Luyt, Meester Paterson, T D Ravenscroft, Sir William Hoy and the Grants. Read about a past era of genteel living, contrasted with the hardships of a waning fish industry; about a South African holiday town during the Second World War and visits by nobles and influential personalities.

Relive the histories of many famous hotels, shopping emporiums, restaurants, cafés and natural attractions. Follow the changes brought about by tourism throughout the twentieth century up until today when Hermanus provides an unforgettable experience for the modern visitor.

Experience the gradual metamorphosis of a nineteenth-century fishing village, Hermanuspietersfontein, into a modern, prosperous town, Hermanus, despite having no specific industry or mineral resources to sustain its growth.

Order from:

Robin Lee

Email: robinlee@hermanus.co.za

Tel: 028 312 4072

A KIND OF COUSIN by Suenel Bruwer Holloway

Cover design and book layout by Stella Stofberg

This very first anthology of short stories by Suenel Bruwer Holloway is a fresh breeze, blowing irreverently through old taboos, sweeping away the cobwebs of political correctness. With tongue-in-cheek humour Suenel captures the spirit of the people of our wonderful, sad and broken country; also the essence of humankind everywhere.

There is the sadness of an old lady in “The Statistic”, who is cunningly stashing away morphine and sleeping tablets for an “assisted departure”, fooling the nursing staff of the retirement centre; there is the infallible logic of a child in the title story, “A Kind of Cousin” and a startling different view of prostitution in “The Healer”.  Enjoy “The Right Therapist” where the author pokes fun at “shrinks” and psychoanalysts.

“Horseflesh” is an ode to the donkey: Old Langoor who should have been called Lionheart, refusing to be broken by abuse and starvation.

Fasten your seatbelt; be ready to be carried away by topics usually swaddled in cotton wool: farm murders, religious obsession, the Afrikaner’s ties to the land, old age and dying.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suenel Bruwer Holloway lives in the small village, McGregor, near Robertson in the Western Cape. She has published several dramas, poems and individual short stories, and some of her children’s verse have been put to music. Some of her plays have been turned into musicals. She is also involved in the poetry festival which is hosted at McGregor each year.

A Kind of Cousin is her first single author short story anthology.

Anthology of Short Stories

Paperback / / 148mm x 210mm / 194 pages

This book should appeal to:

• Readers that don’t buy into received truth
• Travelers that dip in and out of a book
• Fiction fans with limited time wanting substance
• Wide ranging topics - satirical, sinister and funny

A KIND OF COUSIN by Suenel Bruwer Holloway is available in (or can be ordered at) all major bookstores just quote the title, author and the following ISBN-number:

ISBN: 978-1-928283-36-2

SURVIVING THE FAMILY by Gill Marais

Cover design and book layout by Stella Stofberg

Gill Marais had an idyllic and privileged pre-war childhood in South Africa, land of her Huguenot ancestors, before moving to Europe and living the bohemian art-student dream in London. After a troubled first marriage, with a revived lust for life she returned to Europe and swinging London, married a titled Frenchman and became a diplomat’s wife in Cold War Europe and Washington, USA, at key turning points in the sixties and seventies. After her second divorce she took up photojournalism and the search for spiritual enlightenment in the mountains of Ladakh. Much of this world has now disappeared, literally and figuratively, in the political and social upheavals of the last fifty years.

Surviving the Family combines letters (seldom with politically correct comments) and describes encounters with the rich and famous, from those in the corridors of power, to royalty, the Pope and Dalí. Throughout the book runs the thread of coming to terms with her unusual parental relationships and the acceptance that you cannot force a loving bond.

Memoir / World Affairs / Travel

Paperback: 240mm x 165mm

462 pages, 82 b/w photos

Readers who will find this book fascinating:

• Non-fiction readers who are interested in public figures and Society in the years of Change in America and Europe
• Travel enthusiasts
• History buffs, particularly world events

SURVIVING THE FAMILY by Gill Marais is available in (or can be ordered at) all major bookstores just quote the title, author and the following ISBN-number:

ISBN: 978-1-928283-29-4

AS EK OMDRAAI, SKIET MY

Omslagontwerp en uitleg deur Stella Stofberg

WANNEER LOjALITEIT en liefde BOTS

Suid Afrika – September 1939

VIR DIE ENGELSE VEG? IN DER EWIGHEID NOOIT!

Die verklaring van oorlog teen Nazi-Duitsland deur die Smuts-regering ruk ʼn Afrikanerfamilie uiteen: Die wedywering tussen twee Vrystaatse broers neem dodelike afmetings aan wanneer sjarmante Pierre die romantiese keuse maak en by die lugmag in Noord-Afrika aansluit, en Jan, sy ewe aantreklike jonger broer, die eed van die militante vleuel van die Ossewa-Brandwag aflê: ʼn eed wat net deur die dood verbreek kan word.

Die broers se avonture tydens hierdie konfliktydperk bereik ʼn bloedstollende hoogtepunt wanneer Pierre uit Italië terugkeer en broer teen broer een donker nag op ʼn Pondolandse strand teen mekaar te staan kom.

Hierdie verhaal weerspieël die diepe verdeeldheid wat die Tweede Wêreld­oorlog tussen Suid-Afrikaners veroorsaak het: tussen families, vriende en ken­nisse; en waarvan die impak lewens verander het.

Die storie van die broers se ysingwekkende – en soms romantiese – eskapades beloof om die leser vasgenael te hou.

Ek het dit geniet om weer aan die komplekse aard van oorlog herinner te word – en aan die rampspoedige gevolge wat beperkte toegang tot inligting eens vir die wêreld ingehou het. In ʼn era van twiets en blitsboodskappe is dit moeilik om mens in te dink in ʼn tyd toe mense werklik nie van die waarheid bewus was nie voor dit te laat was. (Wir haben es nicht gewusst.)

Amelia de Vaal, redigeerder en literêre vertaler

BESTEL BY:

Dave Baker

Sel: 083 411 2722

Epos: davebaker@worldonline.co.za

ROSIE LAPPOP IN DIEP WATERS

Omslagontwerp en uitleg deur Stella Stofberg

ROSIE LAPPOP IN DIEP WATERS

Rosie Lappop se wel en wee

tydens ’n vakansie by die see

sal jou meevoer en verstom –

jy’s welkom om saam te kom.

Op pad see toe loop dinge skeef –

en sy moet benoude tye beleef:

agtergelaat en amper ontvoer

tot sy die reis verder kon voer.

Na ’n uitstappie op die strand

word sy weer gelos op die sand –

’n groot brander sleur haar mee

tot diep binne die groot blou see.

Haar nat laplyfie sak na onder

terwyl sy haarself verwonder

aan die seediere wat sy gewaar

sonder om te dink aan gevaar.

Sy land op ’n seeskilpad se rug

en hy vat haar halfpad terug

tot ’n kwaai haai verby sny

en sy van Skillie se rug afgly.

’n Dolfyn is darem byderhand

om haar te neem na ’n eiland

waar ’n meermin sal probeer

help dat sy terug kan keer.

Bestel ROSIE LAPPOP IN DIEP WATERS by:

Alta Pretorius

altacapetown@gmail.com

027-735383685

A BRIDGE TO LIGHT OPENERS

Cover design and layout by Stella Stofberg

Mike Brownlee is an enthusiastic bridge player: he loves the game, and writes here of bridge in his life.

During an early stint at his company’s headquarters he began organising lunch-time games, then competitions. He felt himself a competent player, but somehow something was missing; then he discovered what became his passion, Courtenay’s Losing Trick Count.

The theme of this book is his use and extensive development of LTC. Most bridge systems are based on high card points. LTC is different – twice as many hands can be opened – here are the potential light openers – try the hand on the cover!

Later, he proposes a way of using LTC within a more conventional high-card-point setting, leading to some interesting bidding ideas.

The account is redolent with hands: the bids and the play of the people involved. It is light-hearted, full of anecdotes, often humorous, yet thoughtful and analytical throughout.

Those who enjoy bridge may feel challenged but surely enriched by this book.

ORDER A BRIDGE TO LIGHT OPENERS FROM:

Mike Brownlee

mccb304@gmail.com

ROSY RAGDOLL IN DEEP WATERS

ROSY RAGDOLL IN DEEP WATERS is a delightful new #childrensbook published by Heritage Publications and written by Alta Pretorius. The colourful illustrations were done by Jeanette Mokawem.

Cover design and layout by Stella Stofberg

When Rosy Ragdoll went on holiday,

little did she know what to expect:

she would get lost along the way

and almost abducted due to neglect.

Just as she thought everything was fine

she was left behind alone on the beach

below the ocean’s high tide water line

and got swept out to sea beyond reach.

She swirled around strange creatures:

a turtle, octopus and scary shark.

Prawns and fish with weird features ‒

down to the bottom deep and dark.

Along the way she gets some help

from more than one kind-hearted friend:

a dolphin, mermaid and even kelp ‒

come and join the journey till the end.

Order from:
Alta Pretorius

Email: altacapetown@gmail.com

Cell: 027-735383685

THE TRIPLE SPIES

Cover and layout by Stella Stofberg

THE TRIPLE SPIES by KHAREECE MAREE

Three ordinary girls. Two villains. One mission. When three girls get summoned for a secret mission, it is up to them to save their home town of Aruba. But suppose something goes wrong, you ask. Well, I guess you will just have to read this book to find out. So prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime. Without further ado, let’s get into the story.

Order from:

Liza Maree

Email: maree.liza@yahoo.com

Tel: 082 290 1679

HERMANUS HISTORY

Cover and layout design by Stella Stofberg

HERMANUS HISTORY: PEOPLE AND EVENTS THAT TOUCHED OUR TOWN

1820 TO 2018 by Robin Lee

Hermanus history has unique elements: a healthy environment, marine attractions (fish, sharks, abalone and whales), and ‘wild flowers’ in profusion. The climate drew the wealthiest classes for holidays. In many cases it led to a lifelong interest in the town. Prime ministers, governors-general, European aristocracy, artists, writers and actors created their histories beyond Hermanus. But they had an influence on Hermanus.

These nine essays examine the better-known of these visitors. What were their experiences in Hermanus?  What were their lives beyond Hermanus? The cast includes a general manager of South African Railways, an ‘elephant whisperer’, a recipient of the Victoria Cross, and the organiser of ‘the Great Escape’. Each touched the town and the town folded them into its history.

Order from:

Robin Lee

Email: robinlee@hermanus.co.za

Tel: 028 312 4072

GANNA & ROOSMARYN

Omslagontwerp en uitleg deur Stella Stofberg

GANNA & ROOSMARYN DEUR NELLIE ALBERTS

Hierdie bundel warm, aardse verhale uit die dorre streke van ons land vertel van mense wat met humor en gesonde verstand in ʼn ongenaakbare wêreld oorleef. Net soos met haar debuutbundel, Geitjievoet & Hondebal, beskryf Nellie Alberts in Ganna & Roosmaryn onvergeetlike karakters uit al die lae van die lewe met insig en deernis. Elk van die 39 stories is ʼn kort, humoristiese juweeltjie, deurweef van lewenswysheid; skerpsinnig en sonder draaie.

Ontmoet die Engel van Kenhardt; kry saam lekker wanneer Satang hom voordoen as motorverkoopsman en sy rieme styfloop; lees oor die aand van die ’69-aardbewing toe ʼn “ding” in oom Greg Maragelis se bioskoopsaal uitgespring en mense halsoorkop die strate laat invaar het. Leer ken oom Karel Kontant wat ʼn nuwe ryding soek, maar nie ene met ʼn “jast-ien-kys”-slinger nie; loop saam die hartseerpad van werkerskore op hul laaste Oukrismisbesoeke aan boereplase.

Deur al die verhale is verweef die bittersoet van swaarkry, armoede en die onvermoë om ʼn veranderende wêreld te begryp. Saam met die ontvolking van die platteland sal die lieg- en lagstories seker ook mettertyd kwyn en opdroog.

Bestel by Nellie Alberts

WhatsApp: 082 779 9390

Epos: albertsnellie@hotmail.com

THE KHAKI BOER

Cover and layout design by Stella Stofberg

This is a continuation of the love story begun in the author’s previous novel, The Tame Khaki, in which the twenty-year-old Jack Whitelaw sets off from his home in Dorset to fight the Boers in the southern tip of Africa. Wounded, he’s taken to a Ladysmith hospital, where he falls in love with a beautiful young nurse, Rachel du Toit, a boere-nooi, whose father and brothers are all fighting in a Boer commando. The love affair flourishes during the siege – until Rachel is forced to flee Ladysmith and ends up in a British concentration camp.

It’s now March 1902 and the war is virtually over. Shortly before Jack sails for home, Rachel forgives him for his part in Milner’s ‘scorched earth policy’ and he returns to Pieter­maritzburg determined to win her hand in marriage. His blissful life with his lovely wife and two little children on a farm in the Natal Midlands begins to transform when Britain declares war against Germany and his deep sense of loyalty to his ex-colleagues and The Old Country kicks in. Rachel is at first fiercely opposed to him again donning a British uni­form, but eventually relents, knowing Jack will continue to suffer powerful pangs of guilt if he doesn’t. You’ll become deeply engrossed – at times saddened – by what occurs next.

Orders:

Dave Baker

083 411 2722

davebaker@worldonline.co.za

IN DIE KOELTE VAN EERGISTER

Uitleg en omslagontwerp deur Stella Stofberg

In In die koelte van eergister ontmoet jy gewone mense én belangrike mense: almal skrywers aan die Overbergse geskiedenis van die Fick-familie.

Daar is ant Gesie, ʼn ystervrou wat die herhaalde slae van die lewe moes hanteer, daar’s die versiende landbouleier wat nogtans die nuwerwetse “traktor”-gedoente nie vertrou nie; ontmoet die geniale maar onvervulde Fieksen wie se lewensverhaal tragies eindig en ant Kootjie Padkos wat allerhande spronge maak om swangerskap te vermy. Vind uit waar die Bekke, die Kantientjies en die Sterrekykers hul byname gekry het.

Volg saam die Fick-familielyne deur 220 jaar in die Overberg – van Caledon tot Napier – asook hul verbintenisse met ander bekende families in die eens afgesonderde gebied “over het gebergte”. En alles het begin by een man, Antonij Ficq, wat in die vroeë 1700’s met ʼn klein skippie uit Europa sy heil kom soek het op die Afrika vasteland.

Hierdie is ʼn breedvoerige verslag oor hoe grond deur eeue aan familie­name gekoppel gebly het wat vir die eerste keer op rekord geplaas word. In ʼn tyd waar familietradisie afgewater word, is hierdie boek ʼn kosbare stuk nalatenskap vir enige nasaat om op te pas.

BESTELLINGS:

Epos: indiekoelte@gmail.com

Sel: 083 255 2666

BREAST ASSURED

Cover and layout design by Stella Stofberg

Working full time, raising kids, running a household, being a wife – AND breastfeeding? You must be kidding! If this has always been your opinion, you are in for a surprise. In this book Liezel Freeman shows you that it can be done.

Breastfeeding is something the author is passionate about. Having at first experienced failure, then tasting success with her second child, Liezel knows the pitfalls. Breast Assured is a comprehensive guide to successful breastfeeding in which she aims to equip new moms with basic – but extremely helpful – information to encourage them to dig in, persevere and . . . succeed. Breastfeeding what Mother Nature ultimately intended mothers to do.

In this book you will learn about the advantages of breastfeeding for baby and mother: those commonly known and then those less known. But even though the advantages are clear, breastfeeding is not easy. Armed with the right knowledge and a circle of supportive people you may easily jump the hurdles of sore and cracked nipples, mastitis, too low milk production and how to continue breastfeeding after maternal leave is over. Knowing why formula could never match the goodness of breast milk may be an extra incentive for new moms to stick to breastfeeding as long as possible.

As a registered radiation therapist with additional training as a natural healing practitioner in diet and nutrition, Liezel knows what she is about.

Orders:

Liezel Freeman

Email: liezelfreeman@gmail.com

Cell nr.: 076 574 5747

HONDEKLIPBAAI: van toeka tot nou

In Hondklipbaai: van toeka tot nou word hierdie kusdorpie soveel meer as ’n naam op ’n padbord langs die N7. Tinus Bruwer laat die geskiedenis van die Hondeklipbaaistreek lewe met sy vertellings oor hierdie oudste maar uiters gevaarlike natuurlike hawe aan die weskus van Suid-Afrika.

Lees oor die talle skipbreuke langs die kus en loop op die spoor van koper- en diamantontginning in Namakwaland. Watter soort mens het hierdie streek getem deur eeue se ontberings en swaarkry; hoe het Moordenaarsbaai sy naam gekry en waar lê Simson se Moertjie? Is daar ’n logiese verklaring vir die onverklaarbare “Verskynsel” buite Hondeklipbaai?

Hierdie boek vertel jou oor Hondeklipbaai se toeka en sy nou.

Bestellings:

Epos: tinusbruwer@yahoo.com

Sel: 082 9753736

WhatsApp: 072 2057058

Posbus 1, Hondeklipbaai, 8222

IF I RETREAT, SHOOT ME

Cover design by Stella Stofberg

When Loyalties & Love Collide

Side with the English? Never!

The sibling rivalry between brothers Pierre and Jan Rousseau escalates when the Smuts Government declares war on Nazi Germany. Pierre, the charming extrovert, chooses the more glamorous option, heading ‘Up North’ with the Air Force, whereas his ruggedly handsome rightwing brother Jan joins the militant wing of the Ossewa Brandwag, the Stormjaers.

The story tracks their adventures during the conflict, reaching a climax when Pierre survives a spell ‘on the loose’ in Italy and returns home. It portrays the deep division World War II created between individuals, as well as political and language groups in South Africa, and the life-changing impact it had on many lives.

You’ll be fascinated as you follow the brothers’ hairy – often romantic – adventures.

Amelia de Vaal, well-known editor and literary translator, wrote:

I enjoyed being reminded of the complex nature of war – and especially the disastrous consequences of limited access to information had for the world at large. It’s hard to imagine in this day and age of tweeting and instant messaging that there were times when people sincerely didn’t know the truth before it was too late. (Wir haben nicht gewusst!)

Orders:
Contact Dave Baker:

davebaker@worldonline.co.za

DIE SPOOK WAT BOOMGEKLIM EN LIG GEVIND HET

Omslagontwerp deur Stella Stofberg

Toe Maritz Spaarwater se loopbaam as prokureur hom verveel, vind hy sy nis in die SA Weermag en die intelligensiewêreld. Vanuit verskeie senior posisies in diens van die staat, was hy gedurende die laaste drie dekades van die 20ste eeu ’n intieme waarnemer van die mees ingrypende staatkundige en maatskaplike omwenteling in die geskiedenis van Suid-Afrika. Hy beskryf die kopskuiwe en prosesse wat tot die vervanging van apartheid met ’n grondwetlike demokrasie gelei het, en oorweeg die nadraai daarvan. Sy stories is uniek in die meersydigheid daarvan.

BESTELLINGS:

Maritz Spaarwater

maritz@mweb.co.za

THE LITTLE CHEF

Have you ever thought of the kitchen as a place where you can have fun?

Well, now it can be. Because now it can be a place of eatable art created … and guess what? You can be the chef. You can be the creator of good food!

If you are anywhere between the ages of 6 and 12, this book is just for you. It is a step by step cook book that you yourself can follow.

So, if you can read … guess what, you can cook. And if you can’t, ask someone who can.

But wait. Remember, if you cook – you’ve got to clean up the kitchen afterward – that’s part of the deal.

And here’s the bonus: not only is it a cook book, it’s a colouring cook book.

So, while you wait for the water to boil or the oven to warm (or whatever it is that you are waiting for while getting ready to serve the best meal ever), have fun colouring!

But don’t forget you are the master chef and your purpose is … SUPPER!

     No burnt offerings served in your restaurant, please.

ORDER THE LITTLE CHEF FROM:

Michelle Mac Gillicuddy-Day

rev.macgillicuddy@gmail.com

EK IS NOG HIER / I AM STILL HERE

Wie sou kon glo dat uit so ’n grusame ongeluk soveel lewensvreugde, wysheid en insig, motivering en inspirasie kan voortspruit? Om in hierdie boek saam met Irene die pad te loop na ’n heel nuwe lewe behoort vir ’n ieder en elk ’n dieper begrip van die woord deursettingsvermoë te gee.

Anita Roddick sê: “Be courageous. It’s one of the only places left uncrowded.” Hoe waar is hierdie woorde nie? Voor Irene se on­geluk het ek altyd geweet dat min mense haar deursettingsvermoë het. Ná haar ongeluk weet ek daar is selfs nog minder.

Rian van Heerden

Irene Fischer was ’n radio-omroeper in die Vrystaat toe sy in 2009 ’n traumatiese breinbesering in ’n motorongeluk opgedoen het. Dit het haar as ’n hemipleeg met ’n spraakgebrek gelaat. Vandag is sy ’n menseregte aktivis met ’n spesiale fokus op persone met gestremdhede.

Besoek Irene se webtuiste by www.irenefischer.co.za om navrae oor haar boek te doen of as jy haar wil bespreek vir ’n motiveringspraatjie.

 English Translation

Who would have believed that so much zest for life, such wisdom and insight, motivation and inspiration could emanate from a horrific car accident? Following Irene’s journey to a whole new life should give everyone who reads this book a deeper understanding of the word perseverance.

Anita Roddick says: “Be courageous. It’s one of the only places left uncrowded.” How true these words are. Even before Irene’s accident I knew there were few people with her powers of perseverance. Now, after the accident, I know there are even less.

Rian van Heerden

Irene Fischer was a radio personality who, in 2009, sustained a traumatic brain injury in a motor car accident. This left her a hemiplegic with a speech defect. Today she sees herself as a human rights activist with particular focus on people with handicaps.

Visit Irene’s website at www.irenefischer.co.za for enquiries about her book or to book her for a motivational talk.

GEITJIEVOET EN HONDEBAL

Omslagontwerp deur Stella Stofberg

Geitjievoet en Hondebal is Nellie Alberts se debuutbundel kontreistories. Leer ken karakters uit die Noordweste – eiesoortige mense uit die Hantam, Roggeveld, Boesmanland en Tankwa Karoo; mense uit een stuk, sout van die aarde. Ontmoet oom Jiems wat sy seuns met suurklontjies vergoed; Dapie wat die Ingelse stryd moet stry en Calvinia se stylvolle Jackie Onassis. Daar’s reënstories en droogtestories; biduurstories; skoustories . . . en ’n onvergeetlike storie oor ’n as sonder ghries!

Die meeste stories is op die waarheid baseer; hier en daar is stukkies byborduur of bygelieg. Die leser mag karakters herken, al is die name meestal verander – hulle woon nog hier rond of het dalk reeds verhuis na daardie Groot K’roovlakte waar die opslag altyd blom.

Oor die skrywer:

As gebore kind van die Noordweste, het Nellie Alberts grootgeword op bokmelk en skaap­kaiings. Sy woon in haar hartland, naby Calvinia op ’n plaas. Sy skryf ook kinderstories waarvan ’n paar gepubliseer is in Middernag en ander spokerige stories (H&R), en in ViaAfrika se skoolleesboeke vir junior hoërskoolleerders. Sy het lank skoolgehou, nog langer ’n naaldwerkwinkel bedryf en deesdae doen sy manuskripontwikkeling, proeflees- en redigeerwerk wanneer sy nie kwilt, skryf of tuinmaak tussen die kaal klippe nie.

Ware ‘karakters’ is aan die uitsterf, mense het kleurloos geword, maar hierdie harde droë wêreld van die Noord-Kaap vorm karakter sodat hier baie besonderse mense is, dié soort mens wat nog nie voor die vaalheid van polities en humanisties korrekte voorskrifte geswig het nie, maar sonder skroom hul eie ding doen. Oor hier­die mense skryf sy, die onbesonge karakters van die vlaktes – voor hulle finaal uitsterf.

Bestel GEITJIEVOET EN HONDEBAL by:
Nellie Alberts

albertsnellie@hotmail.com