12 Reasons To Read The Journey Man

Before Chris Marais founded Karoo Space with Julienne du Toit, he was a Johannesburg-based journalist with a back-story based in the social chaos of late 20th Century South Africa. The Journey Man – A South African Reporter’s Stories is his account of a wild youth spent in the midst of a wild country. Here’s what 12 readers had to say:

Arthur Goldstuck, MD of WorldWide Worx:

Just finished reading The Journey Man: A South African Reporter’s Stories. What a fascinating, outrageous and hilarious insight into SA from the 1970s to the 1990s – and what it was like to be a journalist looking for trouble on the edges of society in those days.

Here’s a great line from one of the stories, which unintentionally symbolises Chris Marais‘ approach: “This stuff is far out. There, where the buses don’t run.”

It was a privilege to work with him in those days.

Hilton Hamann, author and photo-journalist:

If you lived in South Africa in the 1970s, 80s or 90s you will want to read Chris Marais’ book, The Journey Man.

Even if you didn’t, or were elsewhere, you still should read it, as it is a fascinating, gritty look at the underbelly of a little spot on the globe that had the attention of the world, fiercely focused upon it for almost 20 years.

Teacher and singer Margy O’Kelly, Hawaii:

I loved the insider’s experience of South African events to which most of us simply were not privy. I loved the characters you encountered, and the oh-so-South African feel of your narrative.

Publisher and travel writer Caroline Hurry:

The Journey Man is an easy-reading rock-and-roll account of the tales that took Chris Marais into some of the seediest parts of South Africa but also to all corners of the earth.

You will come away with wonderful insight into life in the shadows, when a faraway corner of Africa changed and all the world watched.

rand daily mail — The late, great Rand Daily Mail – a part of the Journey Man story.

Adventure photo-journalist Jacques Marais:

Go have yourself a proper read. For many years, I’ve looked up to him (the author, Chris Marais) as one of the leading lights in the SA journalism firmament, and this is a perfect opportunity to peep behind the scenes of his life.

Wordsmith Llewellyn Kriel:

Not only is it a masterclass in word wizardry and a rhapsodic ride by a Jedi among journalists, but I’ve been waiting 42 years for this trip. Amid the detritus and bland fluff that SA’s fast-food publishing pumps out, The Journey Man reminds us that diamonds can still be found.

Karoo Heartland marketer Annabelle Hobson:

I read purely for entertainment and do not normally read non-fiction. However, this book is amazing. Entertaining, funny, and I just can’t wait to get back to it when I’m forced to put it down.

Reader Sally Lotter:

Fantastic book – engrossing read thank-you!

Celebrity Chef and Karoo guest house owner Gordon Wright:

Taking a journey with The Journey Man and loving it. Chris Marais, you are a wordsmith beyond compare. Loving your new book. Old hacks everywhere will love this saunter down memory lane. As am I. Find this book and read it.

Editor, the late Scope Magazine, Dave Mullany:

Personally, I can hardly wait for the next one. I’m biased of course, but I do know a good read when I see one.

Somerset East Tourism Manage Ros Turner:

You certainly bring those years back to life, and you can have no regrets about a life unlived. I am enjoying every word, and the turn of phrase you honed over all those years is still very much with you.

Daily Dispatch Chief Reporter Mike Loewe:

We need these memoirs.They are like a mamba strike into the heart of the unconsciousness which sometimes passes for South African journalism.

Print version: ORDER HERE