Modjaji Books

There is nothing like the rush of a new title arriving from the printer. I got a call from Aziza at Megadigital while doing some mom-type errands today, “the books are ready we would like to deliver them.” Music to my ears.

So I rushed home and am now waiting for the driver. What else to do when waiting for the new books but to write a blog?

It may seem a bit weird to be excited about a book on stillbirth. I know though that Invisible Earthquake is an important and necessary book for its particular audience. It will be important as a resource to the medical professionals who have to counsel grieving parents. It will be important for the parents themselves, their families and friends. It’s taken us over a year to get this book out, for all kinds of reasons, but here it is – this week, it is coming out.

In a strange coincidence, Prof Sue Fawcus who’s written an essay in the book about the causes and incidence of stillbirth in South Africa, is at a conference in the Drakensberg this week on Stillbirth and Neonatal deaths of babies and she said that the conference is quite different to medical conferences she normally attends in that there are many parents who are attending too, giving testimony, telling their stories. There is an international organisation called SANDS – that offer support to families who have experienced such losses. Perhaps Invisible Earthquake and Malika’s bravery will lead to the formation of a Southern African chapter of SANDS.

Invisible Earthquake is being launched at Kalk Bay Books this Saturday, 14th March 2009, at 3.30 for 4.00pm. Malika Ndlovu will read from her book, Dr Carol Thomas will talk about the importance of the book from her point of view as a specialist obstetrician. We would love you to come along if you can make it. Grief is a human experience, one of the best ways of dealing with it is sharing it and being supported by others who have also travelled that same path.

Please do rsvp to Kalk Bay Books though.
021 788 2266
books@kalkbaybooks.co.za