John Maytham speaks to Nick Clelland about his debut novel, Good Hope – the book is about an alternative present-day Cape Town that is the capital of a new independent country.
The Algebra of Insignificance by Stephen Symons launched at Wordsworth Books Gardens
Being in a bookshop always makes me happy. Being in a bookshop while a poet is reading his work and discussing it with insight and care makes me extra happy. So when we gathered at Wordsworth Books Gardens at the end of a long, windy day to celebrate the launch of The Algebra of Insignificance by Stephen Symons the world immediately felt like a better place.
Stephen is one of the finest poets I know, and it is a great joy to work with him and to share his writing with other readers. He was in conversation with John Maytham, who asked all the right questions to allow the audience to get a real taste of what lies at the heart of Stephen’s creative process.
An audience member shared how he always marvels at Stephen’s ability to not only remain accessible, but to allow nearly each line of his poems to shine as a poetic gem in its own right. And so it is …
Half the city is drunk on the black liquor of February heat.
A wad of forgotten letters from which a type of longing germinates.
Two lovers inhale the scene
and unfurl their white flags of surrender
over each other’s salt-sticky flesh.
Day will eventually
beat its wings and become flight …
Thank you to Wordsworth Books Gardens for hosting the evening and for being so supportive of Stephen’s work and of so many other local writers! Thank you to Stephen and John for the conversation. And thank you to all who attended!
Far beyond the rummage of whitewater
the sail of a yacht argues with the wind,
rolling and pitching in hesitancy
as if about to make
a life-changing decision.
Happy poetry reading, Everyone!
‘The Algebra of Insignificance’ by Stephen Symons to be launched at Wordsworth Books Gardens
“This poet is a gem,” says David Keplinger, and anyone who has ever encountered Stephen Symons’s poetry will understand the sentiment. The Algebra of Insignificance is as beautiful and intriguing as its title. Don’t miss this special launch at Wordsworth Books Gardens. Stephen will be in conversation with John Maytham. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Wordsworth Books launches of THE BITTERNESS OF OLIVES by Andrew Brown
Please join us for either, or both, of these two special launches of Andrew Brown’s The Bitterness of Olives.
Gardens, 19 March 2024
Franschhoek, 20 March 2024
Kalk Bay launch of WHAT REMAINS by Dawn Garisch
Dear Kalk Bay Readers, Please join us on 6 December, 6:30 for 7PM, at Studio Muse as we launch Kalk Bay's very own Dawn Garisch's short story collection, What Remains. Dawn will be in conversation with John Maytham. Love, Karavan Press
CapeTalk’s John Maytham reviews ELTON BAATJIES by Lester Walbrugh
“Beautifully written … extremely powerful and important book.”
John Maytham reviews Elton Baatjies by Lester Walbrugh:
Listen to the full review here: Book Review with John Maytham
Last night at the Waterfront
Wherever she appears, Joy Watson is surrounded by love – human and literary – and last night’s launch of her novel at EB V&A Waterfront was no different. We were treated to an insightful, funny, moving discussion between Joy and John Maytham.
Joy’s comment on the event: “Last night’s book event at Exclusive Books was small and intimate. It was truly special – filled with all the ‘feels’. I laughed hard – John Maytham is incredibly conducive to raucous laughter. And I cried when Caroline Peters, for whom I have tremendous respect, got up to talk about my feminism and how, many years ago, in lieu of wedding gifts, I asked people to donate to the cause of violence against women. John was incredible as a discussant – bringing to the fore the most pertinent issues in my book. My heart is so full – my support crew was there and long-standing friends turned up to show love and support. I walked from that event feeling so blessed.”
Thank you to Joy and John, and to all the wonderful people who showed up to share the occasion with us.
The Other Me by Joy Watson to be launched at Exclusive Books V&A Waterfront, 7 July 2022
Join us at Exclusive Books V&A Waterfront for a book launch of The Other Me by Joy Watson.
Joy will be in conversation with John Maytham. She says about the interview: “I’m so looking forward to this event with John Maytham. It was my late father’s dream to be able to talk to John one day. He would sit glued to his radio, hanging on to John’s every word.”
Joy Watson speaks to CapeTalk’s John Maytham about THE OTHER ME
Listen to Joy Watson talk to John Maytham about her debut novel The Other Me: