Booklovers bond at Dustcovers
NIEU-BETHESDA — Harpur, Happy, Huxley and Holly have had an intellectually stimulating week as Dustcovers bookshop in Nieu-bethesda hosted no fewer than two very different authors over the past weeks.
The village and bookshop dogs greeted guests with a smile and a wag before hunkering down to some fascinating talks about books, writing, creativity and healing on two very different occasions last week. Briony Chisholm is no stranger to Nieubethesda. She and her friend Gouni-mae Montgomery spend many a holiday here, and have become like family to many. It was during a long stay that Briony made use of an online writing course called Nanowrimo to discipline herself into writing the novel that had been inside of her for so long. The novel, was written in a month, but took way longer than that to edit, print and to present to locals from Nieu-bethesda as a real life, self-published book!
At the book launch under the vines at Dustcovers, Gouni-mae spoke with Briony in a highly entertaining, yet enlightening interview. Using humour and a good dose of wit, they discussed writing in the first person, how stories develop, why we write and the task of editing. is the story of 33-year-old Sarah who decides to avoid long-term relationships and become a One Night Only girl!
The novel is delightfully written and heart-warmingly familiar in its South African context. Briony’s analysis of character leaves one with an understanding of all those she comes across - being an ‘incorrigible eavesdropper’ has definitely given the author a talent for gleaning the best and worst from people! One hears the voice of the author throughout this delightful book. Bethesda locals were also given the opportunity to ask questions, and an enlightening discussion ensued, filling heads and hearts for the evening.
A few days later Dustcovers hosted author Dr Dawn Garisch who had just facilitated a Life Righting Memoir Course on the farm, The Rest.
After being introduced by drama therapist Paula Kingwill, Garisch spoke in depth about accessing creativity.
She also spoke about how writing, art and dance are all outlets that can aid healing and illness.
A medical doctor by profession (‘It pays the bills’, says Garisch), she spoke on how modern medicine has veered away from making people better, mainly for economic reasons.
Garisch explained how we have become disconnected from the healing power within our own bodies and minds. Author of novels and Garisch is not afraid to write about hard-hitting issues that her characters face. In
she unpacks how recent developments in neuroscience have forced re-evaluation of our irrational sides as an intrinsic part of what it means to be human. It was a privilege for those who attended to engage in discussion with an author of such calibre, and once again to leave enlightened and inspired.
Nieu-bethesdans are extremely grateful to Nico Zaverdinos and Victoria Nance of Dustcovers bookshop who continually provide them with cerebral stimulation out in the wilderness! And of course, the dogs of the village gave a little ‘woof’ of happiness in agreement.