OYSTERHOOD is reclusiveness or solitude, or an overwhelming desire to stay at home.

— @HaggardHawks

What else is there to say on a day of pure literary joy like this?

DAMON GALGUT WON THE BOOKER!

I am thrilled for him. This is the recognition that his talent, vision, dedication and brilliance deserve. Wow! Finally.

I have just looked at the list of all his novels and realised that I’d read them all. I have been a fan for a very long time. When accepting the prize, Damon mentioned that he is working on a short story collection and I wonder whether the one he wrote for Touch: Stories of Contact will be included. It is one of the most exquisite pieces of writing I have ever read.

How absolutely wonderful that this has happened to him. The Booker. And now, Damon’s engaging and enriching work will be read and celebrated across the world like never before. This makes me happy.

A few years ago, at the FLF: with Fanie Naudé, Damon and Ivan Vladislavić – one of the most exhilarating festival events I ever had the honour of chairing.

(And the news that, as of tonight, we sold out all the available tickets for the Karavan Press Literary Festival is also really great! :))

Good night.

Be kind. Wear a mask. Support local. Get vaccinated, please.

“Physical distancing remains one of the key strategies to curb this pandemic.”

— NICD