Pagecast conversations at the KBF 2025: "Fictional Worlds, Real Emotions"

Loading player...
In this episode of Pagecast, recorded at the Kingsmead Book Fair, Shakti Pillay is chatting to three incredible authors about the art of storytelling and how they build fictional worlds that resonate with real emotions and reflect complex human experiences.

Join us for an intimate conversation with:

Louisa Treger, acclaimed author of The Paris Muse, who brings to life the untold stories of women silenced by history and explores the responsibilities of fictionalising real lives.

Bonnie Espie, writer and poet, whose latest novel Making A Killing blends dark comedy with crime fiction, offering fresh perspectives on identity, motherhood, and mental health.

Alistair Mackay, the Cape Town-based author of The Lucky Ones, whose fiction challenges social norms while championing love, kindness, and connection in uncertain times.

Together, they reflect on their writing rituals, how their voices have evolved, and the ways their work contributes to both local and global literary landscapes. Discover what it means to truly feel “seen” as a writer, how they balance humour and serious themes, and the books that have recently inspired them.

Whether you’re a writer, reader, or lover of stories that touch the heart and mind, this episode offers rich insights into the power of fiction to illuminate real emotions and lived experiences.

#PagecastPodcast #SouthAfricanAuthors #FictionWriting #Storytelling #LiteraryPodcast #MakingA Killing #TheParisMuse #TheLuckyOnes #WritingCommunity #RealEmotionsInFiction #BookPodcast #KingsmeadBookFair
30 May English South Africa Books · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Pagecast conversations at the KBF 2025: "The Authors Rewriting Childhood in South Africa"

In this special episode of Pagecast, we bring you an inspiring conversation recorded live at the 2025 Kingsmead Book Fair. Hloniphile Mzangwa is in conversation with four South African children’s authors who are transforming childhood through stories that celebrate empathy, inclusion, cultural pride, and representation. Meet the incredible voices behind…
30 May 28 min

Pagecast conversations at the KBF 2025: "Thoughts on Love"

Welcome to a fascinating episode of Pagecast at the Kingsmead Book Fair hosted by Kelly Ansara. What was meant to be a thoughtful discussion on writing the moment quickly turned into a passionate conversation about one of life’s biggest questions: is love fate or choice? Join Kelly as she chats…
1 Jun 26 min

Pagecast conversations at the KBF 2025: "Get To Know The Team Behind it All''

Relive the excitement of the 2025 Kingsmead Book Fair with our exclusive behind-the-scenes podcast episode. Just minutes before the festivities began, Maryam Adams sat down with the talented team who brought this year’s incredible programme to life. Alex Bouche, Sue Nyathi, Jennifer Platt and Pamela Power spoke about what it…
29 May 15 min