E78- Open Book: Reading South Africa

a Conversation with Mervin Sloman

In this episode Mervin Sloman, the founder of the beloved Book Lounge and the Open Book Festival in Cape Town, South Africa, is in conversation with Elizabeth Howard. They delve into the unique challenges and inspiring resilience required as an independent bookstore navigates the complicated, ever shifting environment. What does it means to manage an independent bookshop in South Africa? What are the challenges, the opportunities and the importance of creating a space for writers and their readers to meet in community? The Book Lounge was opened in 2007 and the Open Book Festival was launched in 2011. Navigating the literary landscape takes creativity, determination, and most importantly a passion for books.

Elizabeth Howard is recording in South Africa, researching and listening to learn more about how the legacy of apartheid continues to shape the artistic landscape.

The Short Fuse Podcast  hosted and produced by Elizabeth Howard, are conversations with artists, writers, musicians, and others who have a lens on contemporary thought and stir us to seek change. Through their art, music, performances, and singular vision they lead us through the social and environmental transformations sweeping across the globe.

“Artists are here to disturb the peace.” James Baldwin.

The Short Fuse is distributed through the Arts Fuse, a journal of arts criticism and commentary.

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