Gathering books, requests, and trust signals.
Public collection
South African Fiction: South Africa is full of stories, stories of growing up, belonging, ambition, struggle and change. Discover fiction that captures different moments, places and perspectives from South Africa and beyond.
9 anonymous-eligible titles. Private and scoped copies are never counted.
Sifiso Mzobe
“Set in Umlazi, Durban, this fast-paced coming-of-age novel follows 17-year-old Sipho as the pull of money, cars and crime takes him away from the life he knows. A vivid portrait of post-apartheid township life and youthful ambition.”
1 copy available on Borrowed
Damon Galgut
“A Booker Prize-winning family saga following the Swart family on a Pretoria farm across decades of South African history. At its heart is a promise to Salome, the Black woman who has worked for the family for years, and the question of whether that promise will ever be honoured.”
2 copies available on Borrowed
Zakes Mda
“In a vibrant yet violent South African township, Toloki makes a living as a professional mourner before reconnecting with Noria, an old love. Darkly comic, magical and tender, the novel explores grief, survival and healing.”
1 copy available on Borrowed
Sally Andrew
“When a death at a vintage movie screening in Ladismith starts looking suspicious, Tannie Maria and journalist Jessie find themselves investigating a murder—with a milk-tart recipe providing an unexpected clue. A warm, quirky South African mystery.”
1 copy available on Borrowed
Zakes Mda
“On the coast of Hermanus, an eccentric man spends his days calling to a beloved whale with a kelp horn. When Saluni enters his life, an unusual love triangle unfolds in this funny, lyrical and wonderfully eccentric story.”
1 copy available on Borrowed
John van de Ruit
“Told through the diary of John "Spud" Milton, this funny coming-of-age novel follows a teenage boy navigating boarding school, friendships, family and the chaos of growing up in 1990s South Africa.”
3 copies available on Borrowed
Finuala Dowling
“Set in Kalk Bay, this witty and tender novel follows Margot, her teenage daughter and her increasingly fragile mother as three generations of women navigate love, family and the complicated business of finding happiness.”
1 copy available on Borrowed
Siphiwo Mahala
“A vibrant collection of South African short stories that brings together new and classic voices, responding to the work of writers including Can Themba, James Matthews and Njabulo Ndebele. A celebration of African storytelling and literary conversation.”
1 copy available on Borrowed
Reza De Wet
“A collection of three acclaimed Afrikaans plays exploring mystery, desire, faith and the strange spaces between reality and imagination. De Wet's work blends magical realism with distinctly South African settings and themes.”
1 copy available on Borrowed