Company Announcement - Internationally renowned author Jodi Picoult made her way to South Africa recently to promote her latest offering ‘Leaving Time’. No stranger to our shores, Jodi admits that South Africa is one of her favourite destinations-so much so, that her new book is set in our diverse country. “One of the biggest reasons I chose South Africa as a setting, is because I absolutely love this country and its people so much. In fact I am sure I am the one author who probably stops at your shores the most whenever I am on a book tour,” she said.

Her latest book tour saw the multi-best-selling author jet off across America, Canada, South Africa and concluding in United Kingdom. She has visited South Africa before and during her previous visits, she said she was pleasantly surprised by the number of fans she had here. This resulted in more South African tour dates being added to her schedule. The South African leg of her tour culminated at the Orion’s Hotel Devonshire in Braamfontein. General Manager for the hotel Kevin Le Roux said he was ecstatic to host the best-selling author’s latest tour. “When I heard that she was coming to Hotel Devonshire, I immediately rounded up my team and made sure that each of them knew the magnitude of hosting such a well-known author.  I was told that she wanted a view of the city so we prepped our 17th floor Function venue and waited for night fall and the rest is history. Nothing compares to a night-time view of the pioneering city of Johannesburg!” he said.

On Friday, 23 January, the last day of her South African visit took place and saw more than 200 of her die-hard fans fill up the functions venue at the Hotel Devonshire. 

The event is testimony to the fact that Johannesburg’s Braamfontein Precinct is once again attracting attention from investors, tourists and corporates alike. The dramatic revival of the area has resulted in interest and investment from brands such as Richard Branson’s Centre of Entrepreneurship, the World Wildlife Fund and Puma International. Nightlife in the area is also thriving. With improved security and the many entertainment outlets to choose from, Johannesburg’s trendy movers and shakers can finally boast having a taste of the big city.

Hotel Devonshire General Manager Kevin Le Roux added that he has personally seen a rise in the interest that people have for Johannesburg’s latest trendy precinct. The Braamfontein precinct as well as the inner city is attracting far more visitors which is great for businesses. Projects like the upliftment district, Arts on Main as well as the Neighbour Goods Market have really helped create awareness for the possibility that is the Braamfontein Precinct,” he concluded. Jodi’s latest book revolves around a woman who disappears and the daughter who was with her on the evening when she went missing can’t remember what transpired.

What is worse, a long period goes by with absolutely no answers. The book is different from Jodi’s previous novels as it has an intriguing mystery combined with a distinct South African Flavour.v This will undoubtedly be her new best seller.
For more information on her latest book please visit: www.jodipicoult.com