By Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit
The most important element in the chain of the independent publishing process is the reader. You can make a beautiful book, remarkable in all aspects, but if it does not resonate with the reader, you may as well stay home and far away from the printers.
That’s why, even after 15 books (10 of them produced as indie publishers), we still await our first reader reviews with great anticipation.
We’re very happy to say that Klein Karoo Magic seems to have hit the spot with our reader group, who had the following to say:
- “I don’t think you know quite what you have published but this book is an absolute gem and a wonderful recording of an area so beloved by many of us. Thank you to you both.”
Pam White, Midrand
- “It has arrived! It is magnificent, magnificent, far beyond my expectations. As someone who grew up in the Little Karoo you can imagine how excited I am, it feels so real, I can smell the earth and close my eyes and imagine I am standing in some of the spots. Thank you for such a magnificent publication, I love it.” Pat Birkett, Cape Town
- “Received my copy of Klein Karoo Magic this morning. What an amazing and beautifully illustrated book. Well done, you two!
You will laugh at this – I am the bookaholic in the family, and my husband just rolled his eyes at yet another book to add to my library. Anyway, I settled down with a huge mug of coffee to glance through it before starting lunch. It has already been covered with clear contact plastic.
I got so into this book that lunch was started at 3pm instead of the usual 1pm. Nevertheless, I eventually called my husband for lunch and was told:
“Be careful not to lose my place in the book!”
He had picked it up and started reading. After our 4pm lunch, we took the dogs for their walk and afterwards he promptly settled down with ‘my’ book again.
I patiently sat and undid all the sticky tape on the ostrich poster and will iron it flat and put it in a large book somewhere. I do this with all sorts of bits and pieces. Last week I found a ginkgo leaf I brought back from Germany in 1996 perfectly preserved between tissue paper in one of my books.
Life is full of beautiful surprises and this week your new book was my beautiful surprise.
May your publications go from strength to strength, and I am already looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Thanks so much for this informative and well written book with lots of new ‘magic’ and wonderful stories from our gorgeous Karoo.” Gillian and Derick Gotte, Bethlehem
- “I have devoured my just-received copy of Chris Marais & Julienne du Toit’s new book Klein Karoo Magic in under two days. What a magnificent piece of work! The stories and photographs in the book all reflect their wonderful eye for detail and the amazing talent to draw stories and experiences from ordinary folk doing extraordinary things. The humour and inspirations that emerge are both infectious and inspiring. Excellent work, well done guys!” Arend Hoogervorst, Kloof KZN
- “I received your Klein Karoo Magic yesterday and I started reading it straight in my kitchen, surrounded by the packaging and even the photo of the beautiful ostrich you wrapped it in.
Couldn’t put it down.
I have now read through a third of your book, so my next question to you is: when are you going to come out with next one?
I cannot wait, I think I am totally addicted.
Anyway, thank you so much for bringing such joy to my life, you both re amazing.” Maria-Giovanna Cibotto, Johannesburg
- “We bought the Klein Karoo Magic, as well as the Karoo Roads Quartet, and the quality is great, with lots of beautiful pictures and great stories. Well worth the price, and I will recommend it to anyone interested in the South African platteland and specifically the Karoo and Klein Karoo regions.” – Carlo Lotter, Roodepoort
- “Congratulations on this achievement. I love the stories, and the secret places you have discovered. This has to be THE book on the Klein Karoo. The jaunty style is so captivating, and your last chapter something memorable – poetic prose indeed! You’ve fired me up for another trip through the Klein Karoo!” Leslie Howard, Somerset West.
From the authors: We’ll keep gathering these reviews over time and posting them on Karoo Space and on our social media platforms. And to all our readers: thanks for keeping us on the road!
