MY FAMILY and I found ourselves in Cape Town’s Kalk Bay for the holidays. As well as the village’s many delights — the Olympia Café and the decadent seals twirling in the harbour — Kalk Bay possesses a fine bookshop.If it is not independent of ownership, it is certainly independent of spirit. During several immersions there, I found myself wondering about the shop’s range and atmosphere, realising that as well as the staff clearly being readers and loving books, the shop pedalled a view of the world.There was a Julian Barnes quote on the blackboard outside; books were quirkily priced; there were Fleetwood Mac and Leonard Cohen LPs in the loft.There was somebody here — maybe more than one — telling me about their likes and dislikes. Here was a bookshop with a sense of self and of humour.There was also somebody here nudging me gently, saying: "This is important. Read this!" I noticed a leaning towards quality nonfiction, nature writing, wild swimming, the spirit of place.The books wer...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.