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YOUR ULTIMATE GIFT GUIDE IS HERE! VOLUME 39 THE MAGAZINE ABOUT BOOKS FOR BOOK LOVERS THE PENGUIN POST ENCHANTED SHELF Holly Black on shadows, secrets, and the stories they tell WILD WONDERS KwaZulu-Natal’s breathtaking nature and wildlife KINDNESS ENDURES Charlie Mackesy’s friends return, finding hope, love ... and cake TIME TO FEAST Celebrate with dishes everyone will love YOUR FREE COPY! HENDRIK HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH JAN WIN a hamper of books! Dear reader Welcome to our festive edition, brimming with inspiration for the season of giving, sharing, and slowing down. In this issue, we celebrate the joy of home, family, and the gifts that spark wonder. Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen reflects on the magic of Christmas – from cherries and cloves to a celebratory pie – showing how his book JAN Voyage encourages us to savour moments with loved ones. Charlie Mackesy reminds us that even in life’s storms, friendship, love, and a slice of cake can make everything brighter. Our gift guides feature the books we cherish most, from timeless fiction to fantasy for the magic lover, and thought- provoking works for curious minds and seekers of insight. Explore the enchanting shelves of Holly Black, Gerda Taljaard, and Bill Bryson, or read Bongani Ngqulunga’s examination of Jan Smuts for meaningful reads that spark conversation. We also take you on a journey through KwaZulu-Natal’s mountains, forests, and coastlines, celebrating the extraordinary biodiversity that will captivate nature lovers. Plus, festive menus, nostalgic reflections on Christmases past, and coffee table gems ensure there’s a little something here for everyone. Happy celebrating – and happy reading! Until next year. contents 02 BOOKSCAPE James Patterson’s newest collab, the book on the bestseller lists and new in paperbacks 06 COVER What Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen is wishing for this Christmas 10 ON DISPLAY Charlie Mackesy’s new book, and the most beautiful coffee table books of the year 12 FICTION Shelf must- haves, and Holly Black on her latest Book of Night novel 16 AFRIKAANS ’n Koppie koffie met Gerda Taljaard, en ’n geskenkgids vir ’n ieder-en-elk 18 MINDSCAPES Bill Bryson on what makes us so special, and a gift guide for the curious 20 HOMEGROWN Bongani Ngqulunga explores SA’s divided memory of Jan Smuts, and reads for insight and impact 22 NATURE An ode to KwaZulu-Natal through the eyes of passionate naturalists, and gift ideas for nature lovers 26 FOOD A festive menu that will fill everyone at the table with joy 32 ON MY MIND Cookbook author Karen Dudley reflects on Christmases past Johannesburg | Growthpoint Business Park, Unit 12A, 162 Tonetti Street, Halfway House Ext 7, Midrand, 1685 | 011 327 3550 Cape Town | Estuaries No 4, Oxbow Crescent, Century Avenue, Century City, 7441 | 021 460 5400 © Copyright Penguin Random House South Africa (Pty) Ltd. The Penguin Post is published by Penguin Random House South Africa. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the written permission of the editor is strictly forbidden. Editor Lauren Mc Diarmid Designer Sean Robertson Sub Editor Frieda Le Roux Contributors Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, Kurt Ellis, Sven Axelrad, Ntombi Nkabinde, Gerda Taljaard, Bongani Ngqulunga, Luke Kemp, Rudi Steenkamp, Shamiso Banda, John Manning, Braam van Wyk, Karen Dudley Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Lauren Mc Diarmid ThePost@penguinrandomhouse.co.za 10VOLUME 39 2 bookscape news | snippets | what’s new Fans of gripping legal dramas have reason to celebrate: Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis is joining forces with bestselling author James Patterson for a brand-new novel, Judge Stone, set to release in 2026. This highly anticipated collaboration promises a story brimming with suspense, intrigue, and the sharp twists both creators are known for. Readers can expect a masterfully crafted novel that blends courtroom drama with psychological tension, unforgettable characters, and twists that will keep pages turning. Prepare to mark your calendars: Judge Stone is coming, and it promises to redefine what a legal thriller can be. Judge Stone follows a formidable federal judge whose courtroom is rocked by a case that could threaten her career – and her life. As the lines between justice and danger blur, readers are taken on a pulse- pounding journey through the halls of power, where secrets, betrayals, and high-stakes decisions collide. Patterson’s signature fast-paced narrative and Davis’s compelling insight into complex characters combine to deliver a story that is as thrilling as it is emotionally resonant. The announcement has already sparked excitement among fans of crime, legal thrillers, and character-driven suspense. With Davis’s storytelling debut in the literary world and Patterson’s track record of creating unputdownable thrillers, Judge Stone is poised to be one of 2026’s most talked-about releases. Everyone’s talking about … The collab between Viola Davis & James Patterson IT’S FREE! Visit www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/ penguin-post and sign up to receive each new edition directly to your inbox. Judge Stone hits shelves March 2026. DOMINATING THE BESTSELLER LISTS Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid “Taylor Jenkins Reid’s new novel Atmosphere scores five gigantic, glorious, glittering stars. It’s a breathtaking experience rather than just a good read. It was surprising and unexpected because, going by the premise, it’s pretty much everything I would usually not want to read about: astrophysics, space travel, the technical universe that is NASA, and a love affair.” Gill Gifford, Sunday Times Books PHOTOGRAPHS: Depositphotos, Stephanie Diani (photo courtesy of Investigation Discovery)VOLUME 39 3 UPFRONT Living on bookstore visits and large amounts of iced coffee, Velishia is a marketing student who fell headfirst into all things bookish from a young age and never leaves home without a book. “Five players. One high-stakes game. Jennifer Lynn Barnes delivers another masterful puzzle- filled adventure in The Grandest Game, the spin-off from The Inheritance Games. Best read after The Brothers Hawthorne, this story blends nostalgia with fresh suspense, featuring new and returning characters navigating impossible games, riddles, and secrets. Fans will delight in seeing Avery, Jameson, Nash, and Xander, while Grayson faces challenges without his brothers, revealing more of his backstory. The book’s clever riddles and intense games keep readers guessing, with some clues tied to the characters’ pasts. Memorable scenes, like the truth-or-dare challenge, keep tensions high, while small character interactions spark humour and swoons. With relentless plot twists, mind-bending puzzles, and a million-dollar mystery to solve, The Grandest Game is a thrilling, page-turning ride that showcases Barnes’ unmatched talent for intrigue, suspense, and clever storytelling, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.” The Grandest Game is out now. MUST of the MONTH A hamper of books from this issue valued at R1 500 is up for grabs to one lucky reader. To enter, scan the code using your phone camera, or visit www.penguinrandomhouse.co.za/ competitions. Ts & Cs apply. Entries close 31 December 2025. WIN! WIN! WIN! OUT IN PAPERBACK CLIVE CUSSLER’S GHOST SOLDIER by Mike Maden Juan Cabrillo and the Oregon crew face their deadliest mission yet: tracking a mysterious arms dealer from Africa to Asia, and confronting lethal AI weapons, drones, and mercenaries. THE WEALTH MONEY CAN’T BUY by Robin Sharma Robin Sharma reveals the ‘8 Forms of Wealth’, offering a transformative method to achieve authentic success, fulfilment, personal power, and a truly rich life. A global bestseller. 5.2k followers @bookishrebel01 #bookstagram THE DIARY OF A CEO by Steven Bartlett This runaway no.1 bestseller reveals timeless principles of success, rooted in psychology, behavioural science, and insights from global leaders, guiding anyone to build greatness. James Clear, Atomic Habits When scientists analyse people who appear to have tremendous self- control, it turns out those individuals aren’t all that different from those who are struggling. Instead, ‘disciplined’ people are better at structuring their lives in a way that does not require heroic willpower and self-control.Step inside, where the season of giving comes alive. From Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s cherry-and- clove Christmas reflections to Charlie Mackesy’s reminders of love and friendship, we celebrate home, family, and joy. Discover curated gift guides, inspiring reads, and festive menus – everything to make your festive season magical, memorable, and full of heart.A TASTE OF HOMEVOLUME 39 7 COVER Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen reflects on festive memories, the magic of cherries and clove, and a celebratory Christmas pie, sharing how his gorgeous new cookbook, JAN Voyage, inspires slowing down and savouring special occasions. “C hristmas has always carried with it a certain magic for me, a scent of nostalgia that transports me back to my childhood on the farm in Mpumalanga. For me, that magic is embodied in two ingredients: cherries and clove. Both are bold, assertive flavours that tell the story of festive seasons through their aroma and taste. The tartness of fresh cherries balances the warm, unmistakable spiciness of clove, and together they find their way into both sweet and savoury dishes. The smell alone brings me home. My ouma used cloves liberally – she even sprinkled clove powder in her closet to keep it smelling fresh. For me, clove will always be Christmas. Over the years, I’ve come to realise that food at Christmas is far more than nourishment; it’s a language, a compass for life, love, and discovery. The festive season, for me, is all about connection. When I’m travelling or working abroad, I often go long periods without seeing my family. So when I gather around a table with them, sharing a meal becomes profoundly meaningful. It’s in those moments of laughter, conversation, and quiet reflective silence that I find the true joy of the season. Whether it’s over a simple dinner or heated leftovers from the night before, slowing down, enjoying good food, and connecting with loved ones is the essence of Christmas. My work has taken me all over the world, from hidden villages in Italy to tiny restaurants in France, and I’ve been fortunate to experience magical meals that feel like Christmas, even when the calendar says otherwise. One that stands out came from a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant run by three generations of women: grandmother, mother, and daughter. Each day they prepared only a modest amount of food, but every dish was infused with extraordinary love and care. I still remember the slow-cooked rabbit with olives in a rich tomato sauce, paired with a delicate local white wine. The food was remarkable, but it was the people – their pride in what they created, their joy in sharing it – that made it unforgettable. That is something I’ve carried into my own cooking: the belief that food is a vessel for connection, and that simplicity, executed well, can be magical. Throughout my journeys, the people I’ve met have been as inspiring as the places I’ve visited. Locals who have lovingly passed down recipes for generations never hesitate to share what they’ve learned, and their pride in nourishing others is something Next >