COUNTRY · SOUTH AFRICABooks set in South Africa
-33.918, 18.774
21 books · 16 authors · 1930–2025
21 books here
Most-set authors
Nadine Gordimer (3) · J.M. Coetzee (2) · Ivan Vladislavić (2) · Niq Mhlongo (2) · Zakes Mda (1) · Bryce Courtenay (1)
Genres
literary fiction (10) · historical fiction (1)
Books set here
Set in South Africa (17)

July's People
Nadine Gordimer
unnamed rural homeland village

Ways of Dying
Zakes Mda
unnamed township city, apartheid transition
Cape Fever
Nadia Davids
author-confirmed Cape Town basis, unnamed in text
Disgrace
J.M. Coetzee
Lurie's academic downfall
Life & Times of Michael K
J.M. Coetzee
Michael K's birthplace, origin

Burger's Daughter
Nadine Gordimer
Soweto Uprising context, Burger home

Portrait with Keys
Ivan Vladislavić
city-wide portrait, late 1990s

The Promise
Damon Galgut
Swart family farm setting

Mhudi
Sol T. Plaatje
Barolong homeland battle site

The Conservationist
Nadine Gordimer
Mehring's farm, black workers

Young Blood
Sifiso Mzobe
Umlazi township, car theft milieu
After Tears
Niq Mhlongo
Soweto township, homecoming

Room 207
Kgebetli Moele
Hillbrow flat, six friends

The Restless Supermarket
Ivan Vladislavić
Hillbrow cafe, transition era

Welcome to Our Hillbrow
Phaswane Mpe
Hillbrow, post-apartheid Joburg

Zoo City
Lauren Beukes
Zoo City, main setting
Dog Eat Dog
Niq Mhlongo
Soweto home, Wits student life


