Naledi Mashishi in Conversation with Nikki Marmery

By Conor Hodges

Naledi Mashishi is set to launch her novel Invisible Strings on 19 July. Mashishi is a master’s student based in London. She has a journalism degree from Rhodes University, and in 2019 was the recipient of the Casa Lorde Writer’s Residency hosted by Blackbird Books. Invisible Strings was published in South Africa by Blackbird last year, and is being published in the UK by Legend Press as part of their collaboration with Blackbird Books.

Set in South Africa, Invisible Strings follows Mamokgethi Pule’s dramatic change after an unplanned pregnancy. Her daughter Thato begins to develop supernatural powers ranging from seeing the dead to healing through her touch. Her powers draw the attention of Solomon, a preacher eager to grow his flock, and he makes Mamokgethi an offer in exchange for Thato. Past blends into present in this incredibly ambitious novel, and it is up to Thato to bear the burden of family and society alone.

Joining the event is Nikki Marmery, author of On Wilder Seas, which was shortlisted for the Historical Novel Society’s New Novel Award. It chronicles the life of an enslaved woman who unwittingly joined Francis Drake’s circumnavigation voyage, and is inspired by a true story. Her new novel, LILITH, will release in October, and has been named as one of STYLIST’s Best New Feminist Retellings to Read in 2023.

The event will take place at 7 p.m. on 19 July at Morocco Bound Bookshop in Bermondsey. Tickets are £3 for entry, or £10 with a copy of the book. Get your tickets here.