Karoo Keepsakes II by Chris Marais & Julienne du Toit

Karoo Keepsakes II by Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit is a beautifully observed celebration of the people, places, stories and character of South Africa’s Great Karoo. Published in 2013, this follow-up to their earlier Karoo Keepsakes continues the authors’ exploration of one of the country’s most distinctive and fascinating regions, combining travel writing, photography, local history and personal stories.

Karoo Keepsakes II takes readers beyond the familiar tourist routes to discover the smaller towns, remote settlements, farms and unusual characters that give the Karoo its distinctive personality. Marais and du Toit have spent years travelling extensively through the region, meeting residents and documenting stories that might otherwise be overlooked. Their writing captures both the stark beauty of the landscape and the warmth and eccentricity of the people who live there.

The Karoo itself occupies a huge area of South Africa’s interior, characterised by wide-open plains, dramatic mountains, dry riverbeds and an extraordinary sense of space. Karoo Keepsakes II explores this landscape through the eyes of people who know it intimately, revealing historic buildings, forgotten stories, unusual roadside attractions, local traditions and the everyday lives of Karoo residents.

Chris Marais and Julienne du Toit are particularly well known for their extensive travel writing about the Karoo. Their work combines journalism, photography and oral history, giving their books an accessible style while preserving valuable details about small communities and rapidly changing rural South Africa. Karoo Keepsakes II continues this approach with an emphasis on the people and stories that make each part of the region distinctive.

For readers interested in South African travel, local history, photography, rural communities and regional heritage, Karoo Keepsakes II offers a rewarding introduction to the less familiar side of the Karoo. It is equally appealing to anyone who has travelled through the region and wants to discover more about its towns, landscapes and inhabitants.

Karoo Keepsakes II is also a worthwhile choice for collectors of South African travel literature and Africana. Its combination of evocative writing, photography, local history and human-interest stories creates a warm and entertaining portrait of the Karoo and the people who call it home. This 2013 edition is a charming addition to collections devoted to South African landscapes, travel and cultural heritage.

Condition: Near fine – Excellent condition with very light shelf wear present.