The Book Everyone's Talking About

One of South Africa’s most successful independent publishing ventures, Karoo Keepsakes is more than a book. It’s a gift, it’s a traveller’s companion, it’s a dedication to the people and the places that make up the dry Heartland of South Africa.

It is also a collection of photographs and words that give you an insider’s view of what’s to be found under the seemingly flat vastness of the Karoo. Karoo Keepsakes is a voyage of discovery – and you’re invited.

You can buy Karoo Keepsakes right here. You can also buy it at selected bookshops, roadside stalls, specialty venues and hotels across the Karoo and along the Cape coastline.

 

Kwela is a respected South African travel and leisure TV show broadcast in the Afrikaans language. And when the Kwela team came to Cradock to film the authors of Karoo Keepsakes, their arrival created a bit of a stir in town. Chris was most apprehensive about the day, on account of his bad head cold and his atrocious Afrikaans accent. However, the head cold made him speak slower, gave him a deeper voice and generally allowed him to appear twice as authoritative as he normally is. Jules and the interviewing team got on famously and when the show was first aired, sales of Karoo Keepsakes soared.

Not only has Karoo Keepsakes sold up a little storm in South Africa, it has also attracted serious foreign interest. This is what David Braun, head of NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S DAILY ON-LINE NEWS SERVICE, had to say about Karoo Keepsakes:

**  “It's in this strange and magnificent land that Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit settled a few years ago. From their home in the Karoo town of Cradock, they set out to discover, explore, and document the South African heartland.

 

"In their new book Karoo Keepsakes (MLM Publishers, 2009), Marais and Du Toit showcase the awesome scenery, magnificent wildlife, and eccentric characters of the Karoo. It's a book that reveals and celebrates South Africa's best-kept travel secret.” Link to National Geographic Online article:

http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/news/chiefeditor/2009/07/south-africa-karoo-pictures.html

This is what Jenny Crwys-Williams, the literary doyenne of South Africa, thought of Karoo Keepsakes:

**  “A most deliciously quirky look at the Karoo…”

**  “One of the most professional privately published books I have seen.”

 

 

This is what Jenny’s producer, Gary Oberholzer, said about Karoo Keepsakes:

**  “The web addresses and contact numbers included in the book are a lovely resource to help grow business in the Karoo.”

Full Podcast Link to the interview on Jenny’s Book Show:

http://www.pod702.co.za/podcast/jennybookshow/20091118JCWBOOKSB.mp3

 

Those are quotes from some of the ‘big guns’ in the publishing business. But what about the people who have already bought their copies of Karoo Keepsakes?

**  “The photographs and stories are fantastic!” – K Maasdorp;

**  “I am most impressed by this book – beautifully illustrated, lovely fresh concept – and I love the spunky size!”  Linda Balona;

**  “It looks great and will definitely guide us in the right direction on our travels!” – Ciska Peters;

**  “What a delightful little gem!” – Sarah Welham;

**  “I must let you know how much I’m enjoying Karoo Keepsakes…” – Brian Moult;

**  “A delightful little treasure of a book…” – Nan Hodgson

TO ORDER YOUR COPY OF KAROO KEEPSAKES, CLICK HERE