Why people recommend it
The Way Of The Women by Marlene van Niekerk is a celebrated novel that stands out as a powerful example of the profound fiction produced in South Africa following the end of the apartheid era. On an episode of Conversations with Tyler recorded in October 2025, guest Jonny Steinberg discussed the landscape of contemporary South African literature with host Tyler Cowen. During their exchange, Steinberg highlighted the book, noting that it was written by the prominent Afrikaans author Marlene van Niekerk. He pointed out to the listeners that the acclaimed novel goes by different titles in English depending on the geographic region where it is published, serving as either a direct translation or an alternate title. Steinberg praised the book as a prime example of the rich storytelling emerging from the country's post-apartheid literary tradition, emphasizing its cultural significance and artistic merit. The mention served to direct the audience's attention toward important international literature that grapples with complex historical and social realities through deeply engaging fiction.
Who recommended it
- Jonny Steinberg Recommended
Jonny Steinberg — 1 mention
“Well, [snorts] I think some of the best fiction in South Africa is written after the end of a parate. So one book that stands out is by an Africans writer Marlene Fikerk. I think the book in English has two titles depending where it is. One is a the other is the way of the woman.”