Our Ghosts Were Once People - Stories On Death And Dying

Loading player...
Death is a fact of life, but the experience of grief is unique to each of us. This poignant and thought-provoking anthology gives us portraits of grief as seen through the eyes of writers and poets.
The contributions range from the deeply personal: a poet chronicles her relationship with her troubled, abusive father, a World War II survivor – to the political: an investigator from the Missing Persons Task Team draws us into the ongoing search for the remains of activists who were murdered by the apartheid state between 1960 and 1994 – to the philosophical: a writer ponders the ethics of killing small animals.

Perhaps grief never truly ends but these stories transform the pain of death into something beautiful so that we can find ways to live with loss.

Featuring contributions by Sisonke Msimang, Mary Watson, Karin Schimke, Hedley Twiddle, Ishtiyaq Shukri, Dawn Garisch, Shubnum Khan, Malika Ndlovu, Toni Stuart, Stacy Hardy and more.
6 Dec 2021 English South Africa Books · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

These Heavy Black Bones by Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell

In this episode of Pagecast, Keanan Hemmonsbey interviews Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell about her prize-winning memoir, These Heavy Black Bones. More about the book: This is not a story about making history. Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell was once a double British Champion and the first Black woman ever to swim for Great…
18 Aug 31 min

Rubies and Rain by Busisekile Khumalo

This week we have the incredible Sue Nyathi chatting with Busisekile Khumalo to discuss her novel, "Rubies and Rain." More about the book: Ruby has to deal with the news of her father’s death and her sex scandal simultaneously trending on social media. Vimbai has been captured and Nosihle returns…
28 Jul 32 min

Not Another Samoosa Run! by Nadia Cassim

In this episode of Pagecast, Janine Jellars interviews Nadia Cassim about her new book, Not Another Samoosa Run! This is a heartfelt conversation about the vibrant stories, rich cultural nuances, and powerful themes that make this book a unique and engaging local read. More about the book: In Tasneem’s close-knit…
11 Aug 33 min

The Lucky Ones by Alistair Mackay

Step into the world of South African fiction as Wamuwi Mbao sits down with Alistair Mackay to explore his collection of short stories, The Lucky Ones. Discover what makes The Lucky Ones a “dazzling, poignant collection brimming with unforgettable characters and heart,” and why Mackay’s voice stands out in contemporary…
21 Jul 28 min

Journey Kwantu by Vusumzi Ngxande

Discover the story behind "Journey Kwantu" as Joy Fakude sits down with author Vusumzi Ngxande to chat about South African spiritual identity and beliefs. More about the book: “Kwantu means home” – Vusumzi Ngxande For decades, African spirituality has been demonised or met with suspicion. Many people have had to…
14 Jul 39 min