السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

This year I’m shaking things up and paying homage to some brilliant South African authors.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the novels I’m listing below and I am so proud to know that we have such amazing and talented women in our community.

1. The Tearoom by Gretchen Haley

The Tearoom is an easy novel. Aside from the colourful cover, the characters are just as interesting.

From the beginning you are drawn into ‘Tubby’s’ life. Based in the countryside of Kwa-Zulu Natal, in a little town called Sendleleni, or Sendleni to the locals, The Tearoom is a gathering place for spicy, warm meals with an eclectic mix of frequent visitors, as well as staff.

Living in the town with his wife, daughter and son, Tubby ( real name: Thirapatheegadu Ezekiel Reddy) is planning something wonderful for his upcoming birthday…

The Tearoom, Tubby’s restaurant, is where all his planning takes place. Cooking an array of meals, Tubby works his magic with his collection of pungent, colourful spices. It’s also where love flourishes, heartache creeps in, and hope rebuilds.

2. Stirring The Pot by Quraisha Dawood

This book is an easy read. It’s light, yet thought provoking, and offers an insight into the lives and relationships of the women, specifically Muslim women, and their domestic workers.

Based in Durban, we get a glimpse of the lives of the residents of Summer Terrace, a block of flats that’s close to the beachfront.

The variety of characters, young and old, are very much reflective of our own homes and communities.

Family, friends, food, familiarity, drama, love and loss fill the pages of this book.

The recipes at the end of each chapter are definitely an added bonus.

3. Going Home by Sophia Lindop

This recipe book is really a great one!

It’s a great blend of recipes along with the story of the author and her adventure to Lebanon but also a remembrance of her past.

I love that her recipes are easy to replicate without the need for exotic ingredients that may not be easily available to us in South Africa.

4. Other Favourites Written By South African Female Authors

• Onion Tears by Shubnum Khan
• Surviving by Asma Dangor

If you have any recommendations for some local South African authors, please do share them with us in the comments!

و عليكم السلام ورحمة الله و بركاته