Dalene Matthee could be considered one of Southern Africa’s most important heritage writers, with her books translated into several languages – including French, German, Swedish, and English.
Matthee wrote from a young age, achieving fame with her four Forest Novels that included Fiela’s Child and Circles in a Forest.
Her 13 books speak to Southern African heritage in a way that few authors have managed to.
Here’s more about her work, and getting to know this great local author.
Dalene Matthee: Who was the author?
Dalene Matthee was born in 1938, raised in the Cape province where she soon discovered her writing talents.
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Her first book would publish in 1970, but her first ‘Forest Novel’ would appear in 1984 with ‘Circles in a Forest’.
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She’s one of the country’s most translated writers, with Matthee’s work stretching to almost all corners of the globe.
All four of Matthee’s ‘Forest Novels’ have been translated into English.
Matthee’s Forest Novels
Dalene is best known for her creation of the four Forest Novels, which are meant to be read as four stories within the same universe: the famous Knysna Forest.
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Based in her local environment, Dalene wrote about the local forest people after years of research.
The four Forest Novels are, in order of appearance:
- Circles in a Forest
- Fiela’s Child
- The Mulberry Forest
- Dream Forest
Some of Matthee’s work has also been adapted to film.
[Watch] Fiela’s Child Trailer
Fiela’s Child (Afrikaans: Fiela se Kind) is one of Dalene’s most famous works, adapted to film twice.
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Watch the trailer for the latest remake of her classic second Forest Novel below.
Knysna and Matthee
If you want to know the Knysna forest, you will certainly also know about Dalene Matthee. Her official memorial is located in the Knysna forest, and might be worth a visit for anyone in the area – yes, even if you haven’t read the book or seen the movie yet.
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