Born on October 13, 1938, in Riversdal, in the heart of South Africa's Southern Cape, Dalene Matthee's journey from a small town girl to a literary icon is a testament to her enduring spirit and talent. The daughter of Danie Scott, a descendant of the renowned writer Sir Walter Scott, and Hester Scott, Dalene was the middle child among five siblings. With a heritage steeped in storytelling, it was almost destiny that Dalene would carve her own path in the world of literature.
A Prolific Career
Dalene Matthee's literary oeuvre comprises thirteen remarkable books that began with children's stories and short tales. However, it is her quartet of "Forest Books" - Kringe in 'n bos (Circles in a Forest), Fiela se kind (Fiela's Child), Moerbeibos (The Mulberry Forest), and Toorbos (Dreamforest) - that cemented her place in the annals of South African literature.
These works, celebrated for their deep research and captivating storytelling, have been translated into fourteen languages, showcasing Matthee's universal appeal. Her dedication to her craft earned her numerous accolades, including four ATKV Prose Awards and the posthumous SA Literary Award from the Department of Arts and Culture, underlining her significant contribution to literature.
Dedication to Research
Matthee's writing process was underpinned by exhaustive research and fieldwork, especially for her historical novels. Her commitment to authenticity took her across the globe - from Italy and England to the Netherlands and Mauritius - gathering stories, studying books, and exploring the locales of her narratives. This meticulous approach ensured her stories resonated with truth and depth, earning her the respect of readers and critics alike.
Conservation and Love for the Knysna Forest
Beyond her writing, Dalene Matthee was a fervent advocate for conservation, particularly of the Knysna forest, a recurring backdrop in her "Forest Books." Her work in historical building preservation and environmental conservation highlighted her passion for safeguarding South Africa's natural and cultural heritage. Matthee's efforts were recognized with several awards, marking her as a pioneering female voice in conservation and literature.
A Life Remembered
Dalene Matthee's life journey from Riversdal to her final days in Mosselbaai was marked by creativity, resilience, and a profound connection to the land and its stories. Her unexpected passing on February 20, 2005, left a void in the literary world, but her legacy endures through her works, which continue to inspire and captivate readers across the globe.
Tributes from fellow writers and critics likened her to giants of literature, acknowledging her as a master storyteller whose voice, deeply rooted in the South African experience, spoke to the universal human condition.
Dalene Matthee's contribution to literature and conservation remains a beacon of inspiration.
Her books, transcending language and cultural barriers, serve as a lasting tribute to a woman who not only told stories but lived them, leaving an indelible mark on the world with her words and deeds.
Books Written by Dalene Matthee Fiela se Kind Toorbos Om n Man te Koop Sisters van Eva
n Huis vir Nadia Die Twalfuur-stokkie
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