In Conversation: Children Of Sugarcane

IN CONVERSATION: CHILDREN OF SUGARCANE

Dr Helen Moffett, freelance academic, author, editor; Joanne Joseph, author, journalist, broadcaster

Thursday 19 January

1.00 pm

COURSE FEES R110

Joanne Joseph is a household name in South Africa. Helen Moffett had the lucky experience of editing her debut novel, Children of Sugarcane, so she is well placed to draw out the absorbing story behind the story – how Joanne went on a nine-year quest to uncover the history of how her great-grandmother came to South Africa from India. This led to her fictional, but historically accurate account of the life of Shanti, a young woman transported from Tamil Nadu to the sugar plantations of the Colony of Natal in the late 1800s. While important work has been done in tracing the histories of indentured labourers in South Africa, almost no work has been done on the specific experiences of women labourers. Shanti’s experience becomes a microcosm not just of the violence and exploitation these women faced, but their joys, beliefs, loves, and their agency. Join us as we peel back the layers of what is at heart an extraordinary love story.

Joanne Joseph will be available afterwards to sign copies of her book, which has been shortlisted for the Sunday Times fiction award.

BOOK HERE

Helen Moffett is an author, editor, poet, academic and activist. Her publications include university textbooks, a treasury of landscape writings (Lovely Beyond Any Singing), a cricket book (with the late Bob Woolmer and Tim Noakes), an animal charity anthology (Stray, with Diane Awerbuck) and the Girl Walks In erotica series (with Sarah Lotz and Paige Nick). She has also written 101 Water-wise Ways and Wise About Waste: 150+ ways to help the planet. Her debut novel Charlotte (a Pride & Prejudice sequel) was published in 2020. She lives in Cape Town and can be found on Twitter @heckitty.

Joanne Joseph is an established South African media personality and bestselling author, with over 20 years of experience. She has hosted prominent radio and television shows for major broadcasters, including the South African Broadcasting Corporation and Primedia House. Her book Drug Muled sold over 10 000 copies. Children of Sugarcane is Joanne’s first work of fiction.