Stories from The Heart of South Africa

In her debut collection of linked short stories, “Innards,” Magogodi oaMphela Makhene makes the case for herself to be labeled South Africa’s answer to Flannery O’Connor, whose gothic literature of the American South easily blended the grotesque with wit, everyday horror with everyday irony, utterly distinct to her region, religion, and upbringing. Makhene’s landscape for her vividly written fiction is Soweto where she was born, raised, and made, a suburb of South Africa’s Johannesburg. The name, like New York City’s SoHo or TriBeCa, is an English syllabic abbreviation for South Western Townships.

The grizzly ramifications of South Africa’s apartheid rage within the current of Makgene’s writing, her stories traveling across time and subject to give rich and varied voice to Soweto’s Black citizens whose mesmeric tales take on equal parts suffering and sensuality in the face of past colonization and current brutality.

An alum of the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop MFA program at The University of Iowa, Makhene will discuss “Innards” on Thursday, July 13 as the debut guest at House of Books’ new summer program, “Salon At Swyft.” Hosted at Ore Hill & Swyft in Kent, Conn., the ticketed Salon At Swyft evenings will combine signature cocktails with intimate literary discussions with emerging and notable authors.

Photo Courtesy W.W. Norton

Photo Courtesy W.W. Norton

Photo Courtesy W.W. Norton

Latest News

HVRHS triple jumper places 9th in New England
Anthony Labbadia set a new HVRHS record with a 44-foot one-inch triple jump June 14. The distance earned him 9th place at the New England track and field championship, which this year was held in New Britain, Conn.
Photo by Riley Klein

NEW BRITAIN — Anthony Labbadia soared to 9th place in the triple jump at the 2025 New England track and field championships Saturday, June 14.

On his first attempt of the event he leaped 44 feet and one inch, qualifying for the finals and setting the new Housatonic Valley Regional High School record. The previous school record of 43 feet eight inches was set by Don Hurlbutt in 1967.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pirates go back-to-back as league champs

The Canaan Pirates pose as champions after defending the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title.

Photo by Riley Klein

THOMASTON The Canaan Pirates are champions once more.

In the Northwest Connecticut District 6 Majors Little League title game Friday, June 13, the Pirates defeated Thomaston JRC Transportation by a score of 6-2.

Keep ReadingShow less
Red Sox end season with comeback win

NORTH CANAAN — The Canaan Red Sox ended the season with a thrilling 14-13 win over the Tri-Town Phillies Thursday, June 12.

Canaan trailed for most of the game but kept it close. Ultimately, the Red Sox secured the victory with a final-inning comeback in front of the home crowd at Steve Blass Field.

Keep ReadingShow less
State Rep. Horn injured in running accident

State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) was treated for her injuries at Sharon Hospital.

Photo by John Coston

The day after concluding what has been described as a grueling legislative session, State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64) had a running accident, leaving her with a broken pelvis and collarbone among other more minor bruises and abrasions. Despite the injuries, she is in good spirits and recuperating at home, eager to get back on her feet.

Horn said after spending weeks in the assembly hall, she was eager to get some outdoor exercise in, but perhaps pushed a little too hard too soon. She said she was excited to get a run in on the morning of Friday, June 6, but was still exhausted from her time in Hartford and in the final stretch of recovering from a meniscus repair surgery in December.

Keep ReadingShow less