Franschhoek Literary Festival 17 to 19 May 2019

Its nearly time when book worms, book lovers, authors and readers all come to Franschhoek to celebrate their love for books. Literally, the Literary Festival is the most benign, well behaved and decent of all the festivals that are held in Franschhoek.

There is no wine flowing in the streets, just people rushing from one book meeting to next, eager to get to see and interact with another favourite author and other like minded book fanatics. Now don’t get me wrong, wine is still available, but at this festival it is usually partaken of at dinner whilst discussing the latest exciting book and the day’s events.

So far I have counted a magic number of 144 authors plus Zapiro coming to town for this year’s festival.

Sure to be popular is Peter-Louis Myburgh the author of the bestselling The Republic of Gupta and his latest Gangster State. You can join Pieter-Louis Myburgh, in conversation about Gangster State with Cape Talk political journalist Lester Kiewit about how he uncovered Ace Magashule’s alleged corruption, dodgy deals and a relationship with the Guptas, ultimately leading to personal enrichment and his rise to power. It is meeting 72 at the NG Kerk on Saturday at 14.30.

A right, royal and regular host at the Franschhoek Literary Festival, John Maytham will be here again this year, as he is every year. Yes he loves his books and is extremely well read. You can catch up with John at the following meetings:

Meeting 50 – The last chance for elephants

An elephant is poached somewhere in Africa every 15 minutes, every day. The Last Elephants might be their last hope. Compilers of this vitally important book, Colin Bell and Don Pinnock join Dan Wylie as they talk about why the survival of elephants matters with John Maytham.

Church Hall, 10:00 to 11:00, Saturday

Meeting 76 – Fascinations most foul

What’s so captivating about murder? John Maytham investigates this odd interest of ours with Irma Venter, Louisa Treger and Joanne Macgregor.

Congregational Church, 14:30 to 15:30, Saturday

Meeting 98 – Visual storytelling

Photographers Paul Choy and Heinrich van den Berg (Moods of Nature) tell richly detailed tales without words. They discuss their art with John Maytham.

Congregational Church, 11:30 to 12:30, Sunday

Meeting 108 – One on One with Graham Viney

John Maytham talks to historical writer Graham Viney (The Last Hurrah, – South Africa and the Royal Tour 1947) about the fascinating and detailed story of a pivotal moment in South African history.

Travellers Lodge 13:00 to 14:00, Sunday

Of course, what’s a book festival without some music? No, you won’t be listening to the thumping beat of a base drum, screaming guitars or Jack Parow (although I suspect you will get that later at the pub to addle your brains). It’s classical music time.

Concert 1 – Charl Du Plessis

On Friday evening join master pianist Charl Du Plessis at the NG Kerk as he plays a varied programme of music by Chopin, Piazzolla, Gershwin and his own improvisations.

NG Church, 19:00 to 20:10, Friday

Concert 2 – Christopher Duigan

On Saturday at the NG Church at 11:30 join pianist Christopher Duigan for an hour as he ‘Mostly Mozart’ including the Sonata in F K. 332 and music by Greig and Debussy.

NG Church, 11:30 to 12:30, Saturday

Concert 3 – Albie van Schalkwyk & Daniel Pinoit

Join Albie van Schalkwyk (piano) and Daniel Pinoit (cello) as they play Beethoven’s Cello Sonatas Nos. 3, 4 and 5.

NG Church, 11:30 to 12:40, Sunday

Tickets for concerts are R 100 each and can be purchased at the door or at Webtickets