Ling Dobson, of Pam Golding Properties Knysna, has taken extraordinary measures to promote the love of the written word. Apart from being the founder of the festival, Dobson has aims to foster creativity and promote literacy by creating cultural public spheres in which reading is promoted. To support this cause, two of the prominent literary figures taking part in this year's event are Mandy Wiener and Margie Orford.
Wiener is acclaimed as a high-powered political journalist, who has written about one of South Africa's most publicised murder trials. Author of Killing Kebble, she follows the controversial and infamous trial of the murder of Brett Kebble. Not for the faint-hearted, Wiener goes into depth about the trial with unequalled insider information. Wiener specialises in investigative reporting and legal matters and is a multi-award winning journalist in the print and radio sectors.
Margie Orford, the celebrated and successful author of the Clare Hart series, will also be attending the event. Orford was born in London and grew up in Namibia, in which her highly acclaimed second novel in the series was set. The Clare Hart series have has been translated into nine languages. Daddy's Girl, published in the UK, France, Germany and Holland, has reached an international audience with unprecedented success. Her latest, Gallows Hill is already drawing rave reviews. Orford's active participation in some of society's urgent problems adds an additional dimension to what she brings to the festival.
The Knysna Literary Festival stands for the improvement of people's minds through reading, creativity, and production. The festival promises an exciting offering, from interviews and talks, to discussion groups with South Africa's leading authors.
