UPFRONT
Five minutes with …
JACKIE PHAMOTSE Explore the enchanting Cederberg mountains, the cultural significance of rooibos tea, and thrilling romance in Jackie Phamotse’s new novel, The Tea Merchant. The rugged Cederberg mountains make for a dramatic backdrop! What drew you to this location? The Cederberg is where rooibos has been farmed for over 200 years, and the town of Clanwilliam is even known as the ‘Rooibos Capital’ of South Africa. Really, there’s no better place to set a story about a family trying desperately to save their rooibos farm. The Cederberg is a hidden gem. It’s rich with history and natural beauty. It’s one of my favourite areas, but on the whole, it’s underrated in terms of what South Africa has to offer. With The Tea Merchant, I’m giving it the platform it deserves. Rooibos tea is practically a South African celebrity. Why did you choose it as the heart of the story? Rooibos tea is a staple in households across South Africa. I mean, it’s even the country’s unofficial national drink! It’s flavour is nostalgic. One sip, and we can be transported back decades to that one chilly winter’s day at home, huddled around
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THE PENGUIN POST
the sitting room with the family, the sweet, nutty aroma of rooibos filling the air, clutching our mugs for warmth. It’s also been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, starting with the indigenous Khoisan people of the region. I wanted to honour that heritage and use the novel as a reminder of the tea’s cultural significance. Family secrets can be juicy! How did you create the intricate dynamics between Cameron, his dad John, and his secretive brother Sole? Cameron and John’s relationship reflects the struggle many young men face with their fathers, shaped by a history of emotional coldness. John’s secrets cause immense pain, as he tries to protect one son while hoping the other will be okay. Cameron helps his father, showing that unconditional love can be painful, full of grudges and resentment, but also forgiveness. The family’s journey to reconnect and save their tea farm is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Thrillers and romance, oh my! How did you masterfully blend these genres? Blending thrillers and romance was challenging but exciting. I wanted to create a complex love story against a dramatic backdrop, filled with plot twists and suspense. I enjoy crime thrillers, so incorporating those elements into a love story was natural for me. The goal was to test how love can prevail amidst the chaos, making the story both thrilling and heartwarming. It’s my signature to keep readers in suspense while providing moments of warmth and love. We’re on the edge of our seats for part two! Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s brewing in the next instalment? Part two is just as suspenseful! It’s titled The Advocate, and delves deeper into the life of Sole, Cameron Coal’s twin. We also focus on the Fletchers, revealing their real business, lifestyle, and actions.
The Tea Merchant hits shelves in August.