It’s nearly time for Cape Town’s acclaimed Open Book Festival, which takes place mainly in the city centre – at the Fugard Theatre and the Book Lounge – from September 5 to 9.

Some highlights include a discussion on memoir writing, a panel chaired by radio presenter John Maytham in which crime writers discuss writing about both sides of the law, a discussion on “Land – beyond the rhetoric”, a talk on inclusive African cities, UCT’s new vice chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng outlines her vision for the university, a discussion on the work writers do before they start writing – and that’s only the first day.

Among top authors who will attend the festival and join panel discussions are Swedish novelist Jonas Bonnier, whose latest work, The Helicopter Heist, is based on a true theft when a group of crooks landed a stolen Bell helicopter on the roof of a Stockholm cash depot and stole a huge amount of money before fleeing.

• Chike Frankie Edozien, a former New York Post reporter who last year published Lives of Great Men, described in the Huffington Post as “one of the most triumphant and joy-inducing books of the year…”
• Taiwanese-born South African writer Ming-Cheau Lin writes a food blog butterfingers.co.za. Other local writers include Karin Brynard, Karina Szczurek, Dawn Garisch, Andrew Brown, Mondli Makhanya, Jan-Jan Joubert, Jacques Pauw and Jeremey Vearey. In addition, In addition the festival offers CocreatePoetica, the Comics Fest and the Youth Festi for young readers.

In addition the festival offers CocreatePoetica, the Comics Fest and the Youth Festi for young readers.

This is the merest glimpse of the pleasures and treasures ahead. To view the full programme click here.  All ticket sales are through Webtickets, and even free sessions must be booked.