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Karen Dudley

@capetownk

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Food person. Author.

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September was such a busy month. Back to back bookings and no time to tell you about my guests. And, in spite of the sun, there was always a nip in the air - not just a nip in the glass - so blankets were needed in addition to our Highland central heating!

And this lovely couple from South Africa braved the chill at #thewatchers and enjoyed the log fire in my home as we chatted about life, travel, the grapes they grow for southern Cape wine producers, the joy Lizzie gets from teaching drama in the townships, and some of Rupert’s stories from the days of being a lawyer to many global high-fliers.

I feel blessed to have the opportunity to welcome so many interesting people from all over the world into my wee Highland home. And I hope to reconnect with some of them on my own travels and book tours. Cape Town is in my plans for the promotion of FOOD WHISKY LIFE @tinshackpress and to host an evening with fellow food writer @bella_niehaus and our friend @asouthafricangirlinglasgow, and I hope to meet up with Karen Dudley @capetownk again as she chaired the South African launch of my book MEZZE @rylandpetersandsmall back in 2015. And, of course, it would be lovely to reconnect with Rupert and Lizzie Worsdale @rupert.worsdale too!

Thank you @trufflepigtravel for the booking

#food #whisky #life #southafrica

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Chef K. #pitaparade @blondie_cpt @capetownk

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LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT 😍
Blondie X Karen Dudley. ALL DAY.

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The 2026 Open Book Festival has come to an end and we are basking in the glow of what was an incredible weekend.

While packing away tables, saying goodbye to our wonderful authors, and looking through so many beautifully captured moments, we feel immensely grateful for every single one of you for joining us.

It takes more than just our team, panellists, partners, and sponsors to make this happen.

This festival could not exist without the community that continues to show up for conversations that matter.

Thank you!

#OBF2026 #ConversationsThatMatter #BookFestival #CapeTown #AfricanAuthors

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If you weren’t at Open Book Festival this year, consider this your nudge for 2027.

From brilliant conversations and big ideas to authors, readers and plenty of reasons to linger a little longer, Cape Town’s annual celebration of books once again made a strong case for getting out of the house and into a room full of people who love stories.

We were especially pleased to see Karen Dudley bring her warmth and experience to the conversation around food, culture and community – and to see 'Onwards' and 'Upwards' along for the ride.

A weekend well spent, with plenty to take home beyond the books. See you next year?

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#openbookfestival #karendudley #capetownevents

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One minute you’re talking food with @capetownk, the next you’re deep in fiction with @imraanc, then @tarryn_crossman_tiaproductions hits you with the real stuff.

Cookery. Fiction. Non-fiction that doesn’t mess around.

Just another day at @openbookfest being extremely well read 🧡✨

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Cape Town’s biggest literary festival is back, and some of your favourite Penguin authors are joining the conversation.

From fresh fiction and fearless ideas to the stories shaping South Africa now, @openbookfest brings writers and readers together for three days of panels worth leaving space in your calendar for.

Explore the line-up, find the sessions that speak to you and book your tickets before they fill up.

📍 Cape Town
📅 4–6 September 2026
🎟️ View the programme and book via the link in our bio

We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

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I will be at @openbookfest next month , hope to see you there please book your ticket

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Micro joy moment. Flowers, recipes, rooibos tea = Sunday morning bliss.

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Still making up your mind about which events to go to?

Here are some suggestions for those looking for discussions on Africa and the African diaspora.

These panels offer conversations through the lens of some remarkable books to continue your Open Book reading journey.

Book your tickets via the link in our bio!

#OBF2026 #ConversationsThatMatter #AfricanAuthors #Africa #BookFestival

African Identity | African Cosmologies

I.O. Echeruo, Lebogang Matseke and Mphuthumi Ntabeni speak to vangile gantsho about integrating the seen and the unseen worlds through writing, the blurring of boundaries, and a more holistic world experience.

Saturday 5th at 12:00 - 13:00
Book your tickets! Link in our bio.

#OBF2026 #ConversationsThatMatter #AfricanAuthors #Africa #BookFestival

African Identity | From the Continent to the Diaspora

Lọlá Ákínmádé, Krystle Zara Appiah and Vashna Jagarnath speak to Bongani Kona about writing that reflects the complexities of African life in the global north.

Saturday 5th at 14:00 - 15:00
Book your tickets! Link in our bio.

#OBF2026 #ConversationsThatMatter #AfricanAuthors #Africa #BookFestival

Building Culture at the Table

Join Fehmz, Onezwa Mbola and Jane Nshuti as they speak to Karen Dudley about the intersection between food, storytelling, community and history.

Sunday 6th at 10:00 - 11:00
Book your tickets! Link in our bio.

#OBF2026 #ConversationsThatMatter #AfricanAuthors #Africa #BookFestival

African Identity | Marginalised Citizens

Jessica Horn, Sahra Noor and Zimbini Ogle speak to Natalie Sifuma about who gets to belong, and who stands to benefit when the vulnerable are targeted.

Sunday 6th at 12:00 - 13:00
Book your tickets! Link in our bio.

#OBF2026 #ConversationsThatMatter #AfricanAuthors #Africa #BookFestival

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Join the Open Book Festival for an unforgettable three days!

Spend your time browsing books, enjoying our marketplace and listening to your favourite local authors in conversation.

Tap the link in our bio for the full programme and find the themes that resonate with you.

Book your tickets now!

#OBF2026 #BookFestival #CapeTown #AfricanAuthors
#conversationsthatmatter

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We spent the morning at @capetownk home, watching her pour, laugh, and remind us why we do what we do. Talking about how it’s the little things - the details, the care, the everyday rituals - that end up making the biggest impact.

Karen’s wearing our David Green frames - model VERMONT, crafted with real tea. Because beauty, like a good cup of tea, is in the details.

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