Retired teacher Nicoline Woschitz has a new novel out called ‘Sout op die Kers’. Woschitz, who lives with her husband at the SAVF Jubileum Old Age Home, grew up in the Pongola Valley and has been writing for as long as she can remember.

She laughs as she recalls stacks of handwritten stories still ‘lying around’ from earlier years, as well as from her childhood. Her love for writing has been a constant thread throughout her life and in 1995, she published her first book called ‘Die Pongola-vallei, Juweel van KwaZulu-Natal’.

Returning to the craft after retirement

After retiring a few years ago, she returned to the craft that has always grounded her. The result is her new novel, ‘Sout op die Kers’, printed in November. Although the book is now complete, it is clear that the writing process remains the part she treasures most.

A symbolic title and a theme of second chances

The title carries a symbolic message: when mistakes happen, be sure to have another match to relight the candle and set things right again. The theme of second chances weaves naturally through the story.
The characters are relatable, warm and often humorous, growing with the reader as the story unfolds.

History woven into the storyline

Written in both Afrikaans and English, the book includes scenes set during the Second Boer War. These sections add depth, offering historical context for two of the main characters – great-grandfathers Pat (an Irishman) and Lood (an Afrikaner). Their backgrounds are built on factual detail, blending history with fiction in a seamless way.

A journey through nostalgia, friendship and love

The storyline spans the Gold Rush, friendships old and new, cultural contrasts, and ultimately love.
The main character, Maggie O’Neil, writes children’s books but finds herself stuck in a creative block. She returns to her childhood home in search of inspiration and ends up on a journey filled with nostalgia, adventure and self-discovery. Along the way, she reconnects with Jack Forrest, the love of her life.

Excerpt from the book

Herewith a short excerpt from the book:
Maggie leun teen die hek, vou haar arms op die hek en druk haar gesig op haar arms. Die son gaan onder en kleur die wolke goud oranje en verder weg ligroos. Sy is totaal uitgeput; fisies en geestelik en emosioneel. Die wind waai steeds soos sy dit onthou oor die plaas en sagte heuwels. Sy skrik toe sy ’n stem langs haar hoor.
“Are you lost?”
“No,” mompel sy deur haar arms.
“Are you waiting for someone?”
“No.”
Maggie draai na die stem en herken die man onmiddellik. “Jackie?”
“Maggie!” Hy stap nader en trek haar weg van die hek en slaan sy arms om haar. “Lovely blue-eyed Maggie, hair as black as ebony. By the way, I am a Jack now.”
Sy leun teen sy bors, haar bene lam.”

How to get a copy

The book will only be available next year, but interested readers can contact Nicoline on 072 199 7525.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.