Madness in Duggart is a debut novel by independent author Mamotladi Ivy Matloga, published through Kwarts Publishers. This novel is dedicated to the author’s brother, Phashe Mananyetso, who suffers from a mental affliction and explores the stigmas around mental illness in a rural South African community. 

The book opens with this very fitting quote by Rob Siltanen, former creative director for Apple Inc. One can soon understand why it applies so well to the main character, Dooks:

 “Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

The story begin in 1986, and the main character Dooks, perceives the world around the limitations he are faced with in his own unique way. The story tells of the struggles that this family goes through, when their only son suddenly presents with a mental disorder. The family has to deal not only with the stigma against the disease, but also with family conflicts regarding how to tackle the disease. The book is as thought-provoking as it is humorous, and most people would find it easy to relate to.

Ivy has served in a number of government departments and agencies since 1999, and lives in Pretoria. While this is her first published work, Ivy has also written a Sepedi novel, “Mahlaku a maswa” which was shortlisted for the “I am a Writer” competition by Human and Rossouw in 2007.

Madness in Duggart (ISBN: 978-1-77605-426-8)

Can be ordered online from www.afrokulcha.co.za/product/madness-in-duggart

For more information contact Anita Stander at [email protected]