The KREST House novelist Veena Pillay has made waves in the South African literary scene by winning the prestigious Minara Aziz Hassim Literary Award for 2024. Pillay’s debut novel, A Bend in the Road, has captivated readers with its compelling narrative and richly drawn characters and not only recognise Veena’s expectational talent but also The KREST House Team’s commitment to help our authors achieve their dreams – while spreading inspiring stories.
A Story that Resonates: The setting of the novel
Set in a small South African town in 1970’s, A Bend in the Road explores the lives of four young girls whose lives are irrevocably when one of them disappears. This coming-of-age mystery novel delves into themes to identity, guilt, and societal hypocrisy, all against the backdrop of a vibrant yet challenging era.
The book is not only a gripping read but also a celebration of South African culture and community. Veena Pillay drew inspiration from her upbringing in Verulam, a town much like the fictional setting of her novel. She said, “I often think about my childhood friends and the games we played. One of these inspired the central mystery of my story—what happens when one child doesn’t make it home?”
The Journey to Publication alongside The KREST House’s team
Veena Pillay’s journey to becoming an award-winning author is as inspiring as her writing. After earning a PhD in Physiology and spending years lecturing, Veena chose to step away from academia to focus on her family and pursue her passion for storytelling.
Her debut novel was nurtured by our The KREST House team, a Durban-based publisher committed to empowering voices like Veena’s.
Recognition and Acclaim
The book launched to critical acclaim at an event in Ballito, hosted by Richard Finch of Ballito Book Readers. The Minara Aziz Hassim Literary Award further cements Pillay’s status as a rising star in South African literature.
Winning the Minara Aziz Hassim Literary Award is a testament to Veena’s talent and the impact of her debut novel. It also underscores The KREST House’s dedication to fostering literary excellence in South Africa. This award celebrates not just a single book but the power of storytelling to inspire, connect, and reflect the diverse experiences of our nation.
Where to Find the Book
A Bend in the Road is available at bookstores nationwide, on Amazon/Kindle, and directly from the KREST House website, www.krestpublishers.co.za.
Looking Ahead: The future for Veena and The KREST House
Veena is already hard at work on her second novel, a psychological fiction with gothic undertones. As her publisher, we’re excited to support her in bringing another captivating story to readers.
At The KREST House, we take pride in publishing stories that matter. Veena Pillay’s success is a shining example of the incredible talent we aim to nurture and celebrate.
Discover Veena’s award-winning novel and explore the world of The KREST House — where inspiring stories are spread.