Picture a South African storyteller who weaves tales of race, resilience, and unexpected bonds—meet Bianca Marais! Born in Johannesburg during the turbulent apartheid era, Marais now calls Toronto home, where her novels captivate readers with their emotional depth and cultural insight. Her stories, inspired by her upbringing and volunteer work in Soweto, bridge divides and shine a light on human connection.
With a knack for crafting strong female protagonists and tackling tough topics like identity and inequality, Marais has carved a unique space in literary fiction. Her journey from corporate trainer to celebrated author and podcast host is as inspiring as the narratives she pens.
The Making of Bianca Marais
Born in 1976 in Johannesburg, Bianca Marais grew up under apartheid’s shadow, cared for by a Black nanny named Eunice, whose love shaped her perspective on race and privilege. This relationship inspired her storytelling, particularly her exploration of cultural divides. After earning a creative writing certificate from the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, Marais transitioned from running a corporate training company to writing full-time, fueled by her passion for authentic narratives.
Her volunteer work with Cotlands in Soweto, aiding HIV/AIDS orphans, deepened her understanding of South Africa’s social challenges. These experiences, combined with her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, laid the foundation for her literary career.
Bianca Marais’s Unforgettable Stories
Marais’s debut novel, Hum If You Don’t Know the Words (2017), set during the 1976 Soweto Uprising, follows a white girl and a Black woman whose lives intertwine after tragedy. The novel’s alternating perspectives and heartfelt prose capture apartheid’s complexities, earning praise from authors like Ann Patchett. It’s a poignant exploration of loss, love, and redemption.
Her second novel, If You Want to Make God Laugh (2019), dives into post-apartheid South Africa, weaving the stories of three women—a pregnant teen, a socialite, and a former nun—bound by secrets and hope. Marais’s vivid storytelling tackles racism, homophobia, and the AIDS epidemic with sensitivity and grace. The Witches of Moonshyne Manor (2022) takes a lighter turn, blending fantasy and humor in a tale of octogenarian witches fighting to save their home. Her upcoming A Most Puzzling Murder (June 2025) promises a thrilling dive into mystery.
Marais’s style is immersive, blending rich historical context with emotional resonance. Her focus on diverse perspectives and flawed, relatable characters makes her work both accessible and profound, appealing to fans of authors like Sue Monk Kidd.
Why Bianca Marais Matters
Bianca Marais’s impact extends beyond her novels. Through her podcast, The Shit No One Tells You About Writing, which has over 850,000 downloads, she mentors aspiring authors, demystifying the publishing process. Her teaching at the University of Toronto, where she won an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2021, nurtures new talent. Marais also champions diversity through the Eunice Ngogodo Own Voices Initiative, empowering young Black women in Africa to share their stories.
Her novels challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race and identity while celebrating resilience and connection. By amplifying underrepresented voices, Marais fosters empathy and understanding, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Born: 1976, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Key Works: Hum If You Don’t Know the Words, If You Want to Make God Laugh, The Witches of Moonshyne Manor
- Awards: Excellence in Teaching Award for Creative Writing, University of Toronto (2021)
- Podcast: The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
Snag Hum If You Don’t Know the Words and dive into Bianca Marais’s heartfelt literary world!