The Journey Thus Far: A reflection on my books

If you had told a younger version of me — a bookish, curious kid growing up in the south of Jozi — that I would one day write stories for children and teens across languages, genres and magical worlds, I’m not sure I would’ve believed you. And yet, here we are.

It all began with a love letter to Jozi’s unique character: The Legend of Mamlambo. This spooky adventure, rooted in folklore, friendship and mystery, allowed me to explore my own childhood curiosities, especially those parts of the city that felt magical, strange and just a little haunted. Seeing young readers connect with it (and having it shortlisted for the Otto Foundation Children's Book Award) was an experience that surpassed anything I had imagined.

Then came Verlore in Duitsland, a personal story nestled within a short anthology, but one that felt incredibly close to my heart. Writing in Afrikaans, my second language, was a return to something familiar and tender. It was lovely to revisit the language and exploring storytelling with a different voice and rhythm was lovely.

Now, I find myself with The Princess and the Sangoma and The Blacksmith and the Dragonfly, co-written with Dean White, and I’ve stepped fully into the captivating world of the Kwasuka Sukela series. These tales are rich with African mythology and the theme of transformation, filled with characters who are learning to forge their own paths — something I feel I’m doing in my own way, too.

Looking back, I see a journey that extends beyond simply writing stories. It’s been a journey through culture, voice and identity. I am so grateful to everyone who has picked up one of these books and decided to embark on this adventure with me.

Here’s to many more stories and many more journeys yet to come.

— Charles

July 2024: Strange Journeys #verloreinduitsland #DraaieSwaaie&Afdwaalpaaie #thelegendofmamlambo

 July 2024: Strange Journeys

2024 has been a wild ride so far. My mental health has been hanging on by a thread, but I've also been blessed with family and the joy of getting my writing projects out into the world. My short Afrikaans story, 'Verlore in Duitsland' (in the wonderful anthology Draaie, Swaaie en Afdwaalpaaie), and, dearest to my heart, my children's spooky book, The Legend of Mamlambo, are now out and available for everyone to read. That blows my mind.

Life has been its usual topsy-turvy self and I'm going with the flow and trying to find myself. I took Neil Gaiman's advice to make good when life is tough and that good art is in the world now. That brings me great joy.

Please get your hands on copies of the ebook versions of these two books and let me know what you think. Below are some links where you can get copies.

Happy reading!

• https://booklounge.co.za/product/the-legend-of-mamlambo/
• https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Charles-Siboto-ebook/dp/B0D8KW3Q4G
• https://www.readerswarehouse.shop/products/9780637005524
• https://www.wordsworth.co.za/products/the-legend-of-mamlambo-paperback

• https://booklounge.co.za/product/draaie-swaaie-en-afdwaalpaaie/
• https://www.amazon.com/Draaie-swaaie-afdwaalpaaie-reisstories-Afrikaans-ebook/dp/B0D47YB16Z
• https://www.graffitibooks.co.za/en/391636/Boeke/Corlia-FourieAnnelize-van-Rooyen-Draaie-swaaie-en-afdwaalpaaie-reisstories

New Short Story: "Verlore in Duitsland"

🚂🌟 Lost and Found: Navigating Strange Journeys in Germany 🌟🚂

Embark on a journey of resilience, growth and unexpected twists in my short story, "Verlore in Duitsland", included in the anthology about strange journeys, “Draaie, swaaie en afdwaalpaaie” compiled by Corlia Fourie and Annelize van Rooyen. 🇩🇪✨

Join me as I navigate the scenic routes and unforeseen detours of Germany, from the bustling city of Frankfurt to the quaint villages nestled in the countryside. 🌳🏙️

From missed connections to chance encounters, each moment is a lesson learned and a step forward on the path to finding my place in Germany. 🛤️💼

Experience the highs and lows of expat life, from the exhilarating highs of landing a dream job to the humbling lows of being stranded in a foreign city. 🌍🔍

Through it all, discover the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of embracing life's unexpected adventures. 🌟💪

Join me on this captivating journey through the heart of Germany. 📖✈️

Corlia Fourie and Annelize van Rooyen have compiled entertaining travel stories by 46 writers, including Marita van der Vyver, Kirby van der Merwe, Sophia Kapp, Jacques Pauw, Irma Joubert, Julian Jansen, C. Johan Bakkes, Kerneels Breytenbach, Bettina Wyngaard and Frederik de Jager.

The writers relate unexpected and unusual events that happened during their travels, with funny or bittersweet or happy consequences. But always the experiences are enriching.

🚂🌟 Verlore in Duitsland 🌟🚂

Gaan op 'n reis van veerkragtigheid, groei en onverwagse draaie in my kortverhaal, "Verlore in Duitsland", wat opgeneem is in die bundel oor vreemde reise, "Draaie, swaaie en afdwaalpaaie" saamgestel deur Corlia Fourie en Annelize van Rooyen. 🇩🇪✨

Sluit aan terwyl ek die pragtige roetes en onvoorsiene omweë van Duitsland navigeer, van die bedrywige stad Frankfurt tot die pittoreske dorpe verskuil in die platteland. 🌳🏙️

Van gemiste verbindinge tot toevallige ontmoetings, elke oomblik is 'n les geleer en 'n stap vorentoe op die pad om my plek in Duitsland te vind. 🛤️💼

Ervaar die hoogtepunte en laagtepunte van die lewe van 'n uitgewekene, van die opwindende hoogtes van 'n droombaan tot die nederige laagtes van vasgevang wees in 'n vreemde stad. 🌍🔍

Deur dit alles, ontdek die veerkrag van die menslike gees en die skoonheid van die omarming van die onverwagse avonture van die lewe. 🌟💪

Sluit by my aan op hierdie boeiende reis deur die hart van Duitsland. 📖✈️

In April I dreamt of a spring in my step and stumbled but dreams still May come true

© megerka_megerka / Shutterstock.com

In April I dreamt of a spring in my step and stumbled but dreams still May come true

April waltzed in,

Smelling like flowers

But it turned out to be mainly cold

And filled with showers

I put in the work,

Spring-cleaning myself 

I uncluttered every shelf

But old baggage, it seems,

Is difficult to let go of

There is comfort in pain

And this April, it seems,

A malevolent god in the rain,

Flooding my brain with thoughts insane

I am become a destroyer of my own world

By falling back into my patterns of old

I sense something else, though,

A seed of hope

Carried by the dust of my dreams

As May floats in on a warm breeze,

Dazzling in the sunlight

My New Booking Coming Soon: The Legend of Mamlambo

Reader beware . . . Coming to a bookstore near you in July, being published by Penguin Random House South Africa. Amiah hates moving. What was her mother thinking, moving them away from Cape Town to this strange little town in Joburg South? Meeting Teedo, a strange kid with even stranger conspiracy theories, doesn’t make her feel any better. However, after getting to know him and the rest of the group, she quickly realises there might be some truth to his crazy claims. Something strange really is going on in Spookfontein, as the other kids call the town, and it has something to do with the water tower. Could the legend of Mamlambo, the snake-like water goddess, actually be more than just a story?

Prepare to face the chill of legend in The Legend of Mamlambo! Dive into a world where ancient myths collide with modern-day mysteries in the heart of Johannesburg's south. Join Amiah and her friends on a thrilling adventure brimming with supernatural secrets, heart-pounding chases, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. Traditional South African folklore weaves its magic on every page, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you uncover the truth behind Mamlambo. Are you brave enough? Hold on tight – the adventure of a lifetime awaits!

Januworry, Februworry, March on, in April I dream of spring

Januworry, Februworry, March on, in April I dream of a spring in my step

“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther...And then one fine morning—So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

I started the year with a heart full of hope,

It too exactly one day for that thing with feathers to fly away

It slipped right through my fingers

I honestly thought I had it, you know

New year, new me

But, no,

New year,

Just me making old mistakes

I couldn’t outrun my demons,

I couldn’t stretch my arms out far enough to touch my dream

There was no fine morning for me

Just dark thoughts of death

And being haunted by debt

It all came crashing down

And I was ready to exit stage left

I managed to hold on, though,

Somehow

Januworry became Februworry

I sought help

I bared my soul and it hurt

I accepted help

I put aside my pride

I Marched on

Started again

Not anew but again,

Picking up pieces of myself,

I'm still puzzling them together

Maybe the winds of winter are dying down

I dream of a spring in my step in April

Dune: Part Two review: expansive, enigmatic and exceptional

My original article here.

22 March 2024

Dune: Part Two has finally arrived, and it exceeds all expectations, delivering a cinematic marvel that stands as a worthy successor to 2021's Dune. Denis Villeneuve's direction brings Frank Herbert's intricate universe to life with breathtaking grandeur and emotional depth.

Source: Supplied.

While Hollywood’s soft leading man, Timothée Chalamet, and Zendaya deliver powerful performances, Javier Bardem's portrayal of the stoic Fremen leader, Stilgar, steals the spotlight. This sequel not only reintroduces beloved characters but also introduces captivating new additions that enrich the tapestry of the narrative.

Expanding upon the epic scale established in its predecessor, Dune: Part Two takes audiences on a mesmerising journey into a world that feels simultaneously familiar and alien. Hans Zimmer's haunting score enhances the immersive experience, while Villeneuve deftly navigates complex themes such as war, power and destiny.

Departing from the source material in some aspects, the film presents a fresh and engaging story that resonates with both newcomers and fans of the original work.

At its core, Dune: Part Two remains a gripping war narrative, delving into the complexities of politics, faith and identity. Paul Atreides' evolution from a sheltered nobleman to a formidable Fremen warrior is at the heart of the story. Zendaya's portrayal of Chani adds depth and urgency to their blossoming romance amidst the unforgiving desert landscape.

The film is as brilliantly cast as the first one, with everyone delivering stellar performances. Returning are the brilliant Rebecca Ferguson in the role of Lady Jessica, Paul’s mother and acolyte of the mystical all-female order, the Bene Gesserit; the beloved House Atreides weapons master Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin); and Baron Harkonnen’s nephew, the cruel Glossu Rabban (Dave Bautista).

Dune: Part Two characters

Stellan Skarsgård plays the evil Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, and while his portrayal is great, he has limited screentime, with the film devoting more attention to his younger nephew (and heir), Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, played to perfection by Austin Butler. This is, in my opinion, the second-best performance of the film, next to Bardem’s Stilgar.

Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen’s character is the perfect foil to Paul Atreides, formidable and infinitely more cruel. Charlotte Rampling returns as Gaius Helen Mohiam, a Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother and the Emperor's Truthsayer.

We finally get to see Shaddam IV, the Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe and head of House Corrino, portrayed by Christopher Walken. Other newcomers include Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan Corrino and Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring, a Bene Gesserit.

The film also delves deeper into the political intrigue surrounding House Atreides and the Imperium, as Princess Irulan Corrino covertly documents the unfolding events in her journal. On Arrakis, tensions rise as Paul, accompanied by Lady Jessica and their Fremen allies, confronts the oppressive Harkonnens while facing scepticism from some within the Fremen ranks, including Stilgar.

Source: Supplied.

As the narrative unfolds, Dune: Part Two builds towards a gripping climax that will determine the fate of Arrakis and its inhabitants. Villeneuve's masterful direction and the stellar performances of the cast propel the story to a breathtaking conclusion, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting the next instalment in this epic saga.

With its stunning visuals, thematic depth, and runtime of two hours and 46 minutes (but feels so much shorter), Dune: Part Two solidifies itself as a modern cinematic masterpiece. As the saga continues to captivate audiences, the allure of the desert planet of Arrakis beckons, promising further adventures in this mesmerising universe.

Failure (Station 16)

 Failure (Station 16)

Yhu, mtshana!

I’ve failed

Like, proper failed, hey

I’m writing this note from the bottom of the rock

Scraping the bottom of the barrel

From Station 16,

A psych ward in the middle of Germany, somewhere,

Nowhere

(Irgendwo, Nirgendwo)

A man screams into the night from Station 15 below

Lower than rock bottom

But he doesn’t know that

(Maybe he does, I can’t say)

When we go on our morning walks in the park below,

Us Station 16 Leute, 

(Station 16 people),

We look up at the Station 14 and Station 15 people,

They’re always screaming something incomprehensible,

The guy next to me always says:

Zum Glück sind wir nicht wie sie

(Luckily, we aren’t like them)

They’re the addicts and the ones who tried to kill themselves

I don’t know,

I mean, I’m no better off than them, really

They failed and I did too

I failed ‘better’ because I risked less

They threw the dice on life and death!

I think we all want to escape,

Stations 14 to 16,

Life is too much with us –

It becomes overbearing

I don’t mean to sound macabre,

But, the Station 14 and Station 15 people,

They tried

I was too scared

Zum Glück,

(Luckily),

As my therapists tell me

I don’t know

Station 14 and Station 15 people strike me as people of action

A quality I admire

But they failed

I failed

Stations 14 to 16,

We all failed

But each morning we Station 16 people look up and say,

Zum Glück sind wir nicht wie sie

I don’t know, hey

We all failed,

To different degrees, sure,

But we’re all here,

At rock bottom

Unveiling Oppenheimer on screen: A journey into brilliance

My original article here.

18 September 2023

"Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer weaves an intricate tapestry, drawing from historical records and masterful storytelling. The film embarks on an intellectual odyssey, a profound journey into the heart of a complex figure.

Image supplied

A biopic of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, known as the "father of the atomic bomb," the film finds its roots in the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. The ambition and scope of Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of crucial moments in Oppenheimer’s life are immense. Within this dense and intricate period piece, timelines tangle, revealing Oppenheimer's multifaceted story.

Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Oppenheimer captures a man enraptured by the boundless potential of science, only to realise too late the destructive power his creation holds. Like Prometheus giving fire to humans, he carries the weight of the bombs dropped on Japan and the knowledge that his creation might engender further devastation. Murphy excels in this role, his haunting expression and distant gaze in his piercing blue eyes becoming increasingly heart-wrenching as the film unfolds.

Accompanied by Ludwig Göransson’s score, these moments of guilt are both beautiful and horrifying. Oppenheimer’s character is meticulously unveiled, revealing the interplay between genius and torment that moulds his remarkable journey.

The film commences in 1926, with a young Oppenheimer studying under physicist Patrick Blackett (James D'Arcy) at Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory. An anxious and homesick Oppenheimer leaves a poisoned apple for Blackett, only to reclaim it. The arrival of visiting scientist Niels Bohr (Kenneth Branagh) leaves an impression, leading to Oppenheimer's pursuit of theoretical physics in Germany, where he earns his PhD and crosses paths with Werner Heisenberg (Matthias Schweighöfer).

Upon returning to the US, Oppenheimer teaches at UC Berkeley, joins Caltech, and encounters his future wife, Kitty Puening (Emily Blunt). His involvement with Communist Party member Jean Tatlock (Florence Pugh) adds complexity to his personal life. The progression of Nazi nuclear advancements in 1938 compels Oppenheimer to replicate their work.

As WWII ensues in 1942, General Groves (Matt Damon) recruits him for the Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer forms a scientific team in Los Alamos, spurred by the Nazi threat. News of Tatlock's suicide reaches him. Post-German surrender, Oppenheimer supports using the bomb to end the Pacific war but dreads the consequences.

The Trinity test triumphs, culminating in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Oppenheimer becomes synonymous with the "father of the atomic bomb" title, yet remains haunted by the destruction it wrought. While he advocates nuclear restraint, President Truman (Gary Oldman) dismisses his concerns. Oppenheimer's opposition to the hydrogen bomb fuels Cold War tensions.

In a bid to diminish his influence, former allies betray Oppenheimer. Despite defence testimonies, his security clearance is revoked. Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey Jr.) orchestrates his downfall, but a flashback exposes Oppenheimer's authentic sentiments about his role.

Oppenheimer brilliantly fuses historical biopic with Nolan’s cinematic artistry. The cinematography encapsulates the essence of the World War 2 era, immersing the audience in a world grappling with the intricate interplay between intellect and conscience. Though the film's narrative structure is complex, it effectively portrays the nuanced layers of Oppenheimer's character. The recurring motif of resounding footfalls underscores the mounting sense of impending peril as the monumental implications of Oppenheimer’s scientific pursuits sharpen.

Nolan is known for his gritty Batman trilogy and his complex mindbending films like Inception, Interstellar and Tenet. Oppenheimer is reminiscent of 2017’s Dunkirk with the structure of 2000’s Memento. It was filmed in a combination of IMAX 65 mm and 65 mm large-format film and it’s spectacular to look at. The ensemble cast is a testament to Nolan’s pull in Hollywood. When he calls every actor worth their salt answers even if it’s for a cameo role.

Other than Cillian Murphy as the titular character, the standout roles go to Emily Blunt as Kitty, Florence Pugh as Jean Tatlock, Matt Damon as General Groves and especially Robert Downey Jr. as the vengeful and petty Lewis Strauss.

Oppenheimer not only met but exceeded my expectations. It delivers a cinematic journey that intricately weaves history, storytelling, and moral introspection. Nolan's direction, coupled with Murphy's haunting portrayal, vividly brings Oppenheimer's internal conflicts to life. The fusion of intricate narrative, immersive cinematography, and standout performances elevates the film to cinematic artistry that resonates deeply.

Oppenheimer serves as a poignant reminder of the intricacies of scientific advancement and the weight of moral responsibility. This masterful creation, rich in emotion and depth, stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and filmmaking at its finest.

Barbie: A whimsical and empowering cinematic odyssey.

My original article here.

23 August 2023

I got caught up in the enormous Barbie wave, just like the rest of the world. I eagerly embarked on this cinematic journey, sporting the lone pink text T-shirt I own. Much like a seasoned explorer venturing into uncharted territories, I found myself captivated by the allure of Barbie's world.

Mattel’s Barbie as a brand, is a timeless cultural emblem that's captured the hearts and kindled the imaginations of many generations. The brand has also been at the heart of many dialogues concerning unrealistic beauty standards for women in our society.

Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy take on Barbie pushes the iconic doll into the limelight once more, ready to ignite new dreams and aspirations. I had no idea what to expect from this film and I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun Barbie is.

A case of capitalism

The film is woke as hell, in all the best ways possible, but at the same time, it’s a film produced by Mattel, the mega toy manufacturing company that produces Barbie dolls and makes a lot of money from the brand. Mattel does something that Disney did with She-Hulk and Netflix did with the recent season of Black Mirror; they're poking fun at their evil corporation image.

Like, hey, we know we’re sort of the bad guys, but what are we gonna do? A case of capitalism making money by poking fun at itself. Fittingly enough, the scenes that feature the Mattel CEO (played by a zany Will Ferrell) and his executives are the most unnecessary in Herwig’s Barbie. If you cut out the scenes featuring these characters, it wouldn’t take away anything significant from the film.

As I said, the film is fun and wholesomely woke. Barbie won't solve the problems of patriarchy or consumerism but it will make you think about them. And that is probably also where that will end but maybe that’s something. I could never have imagined a movie about Barbie having an existential crisis could be so much fun. Barbie is a meticulously crafted film. Every detail is a testament to the artistry of Greta Gerwig and her team.

The threads of womanhood, masculinity and ambition

The narrative is a captivating exploration of identity, intricately weaving the threads of womanhood, masculinity and ambition into the very fabric of Barbie's odyssey.

The central character is Margot Robbie’s Barbie. She’s stereotypical Barbie, a paragon of modern womanhood, for better or worse. Barbieland is awash in vibrant pink and all is seemingly well. Everything is perfect. Variations of Barbies, Kens and Allan live under a cheerful matriarchy. The Barbies have the most prestigious careers in Barbieland. They have all the political power and are doctors, lawyers, writers and physicists.

The Kens, meanwhile, spend their days at the beach. They have no skills applicable to contributing to society. Ryan Gosling’s Beach Ken is the quintessential Ken and is only happy when Stereotypical Barbie notices him but she barely takes note of him.

Though everything seems perfect in Barbieland, there are cracks in the foundation of their society. The Kens are unhappy but don’t know why and there’s a group of discontinued Barbie models, who are treated like outcasts due to their unconventional traits. Barbies like Kate McKinnon’s Weird Barbie (whom everyone calls Weird Barbie behind her back, but also to her face).

Things take a turn for the worse when Barbie starts having thoughts of death, develops bad breath, cellulite and flat feet. The problem seems to stem from our world, the real world. Thus Barbie embarks on a whirlwind adventure to our world to deal with her existential crises. In the real world, she meets America Ferrera’s Gloria, a Mattel employee who helps her, and Ariana Greenblatt as Sasha, Gloria's daughter.

Boasting a stellar cast that includes Issa Rae as President Barbie, Alexandra Shipp as Writer Barbie, Emma Mackey as Physicist Barbie, Simu Liu as Tourist Ken, Kingsley Ben-Adir as Basketball Ken, Ncuti Gatwa as Artist Ken, Michael Cera as Allan, and Helen Mirren as the narrator, Barbie's ensemble is nothing short of remarkable.

Yet, beneath the dazzling array of colours and camaraderie, Barbie's true triumph lies in its ability to transcend the cinematic realm. It unabashedly embraces the legacy of its iconic doll counterpart, extending a heartfelt invitation to audiences to embrace their unique narratives and chart unexplored paths.

The film radiates an ethos of empowerment, resonating with the very essence that has made Barbie an enduring emblem of aspiration. As the credits roll, one cannot help but be swept away by the resonance of Barbie's transformative voyage—a voyage that resounds with the mantra, “You can be anything.”