
An unusual novel set in 17th century Amsterdam, The Miniaturist creates the illusion of stepping into a Dutch genre painting of that period. The dim…
Culture tells us much about the ideas, customs and social behaviour of a society. It is usually expressed in the arts: music and dance, painting, sculpture, architecture and literature (books.)
Joie de Vivre Magazine presents articles focusing on this gentle aspect of humanity, and explores the human capacity for creativity and imagination.
We celebrate those with exceptional talent, who interpret and express this capacity, thereby creating CULTURE – a lasting testament to the intellectual achievement of humankind.
An unusual novel set in 17th century Amsterdam, The Miniaturist creates the illusion of stepping into a Dutch genre painting of that period. The dim…
Being a South African, any new local writing that pops into my line of sight, makes me grab it with two hands. Sometimes a review…
Irish author Sebastian Barry was recently interviewed about this book on the BBC TV programme Talking of Books, and this prompted my purchase. Set in…
This excellent read is about twin brothers, orphaned at birth by their mother’s death and their father’s sudden disappearance. Initially conjoined, and then surgically separated,…
I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting book, not only because it concerns great art treasures and the notorious theft thereof by the Nazis during the WW…
I first became entranced with Alice Hoffman’s lyrical and imaginative style with her novel The Marriage of Opposites, and continued to enjoy her rich prose…
After four days in St. Petersburg, we traveled to Moscow (650 km) on the high speed train, a pleasant journey of about five and a…
ST. PETERSBURG – “CITY OF PALACES” or “THE VENICE OF THE NORTH” It can be quite hot and humid in St. Petersburg in July;…
This excellent read provides the backdrop to the life and work of Jacob Abraham Camille Pizzarro/Pissarro – one of the leading lights in the French…
When Paul and Dominique are sent to boarding schools in Natal, their idyllic childhood on a Free State farm is over. Their parents’ leftist…