Shaun Johnson (1959-2020) was South African, and an international award-winning author, in 1994 he published Strange Days Indeed, the bestselling book on South Africa’s transition, which was introduced by Nelson Mandela. In 2007 his first novel, The Native Commissioner, published by Penguin books, won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book in Africa, the MNet Literary Award, and the Nielsen Booksellers’ Choice Book of the Year.
Shaun spent his early years in the Transkei, a rural area of South Africa, and was later educated at Hyde Park High School in Johannesburg, Rhodes University in Grahamstown, and at the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar (South-Africa-At-Large, 1982). He won academic and sporting awards at both universities, but did not complete his doctorate. In 2004 he was awarded the Centenary Old Rhodian Award by Rhodes University.
Shaun Johnson (1959-2020) was South African, and an international award-winning author, in 1994 he published Strange Days Indeed, the bestselling book on South Africa’s transition, which was introduced by Nelson Mandela. In 2007 his first novel, The Native Commissioner, published by Penguin books, won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book in Africa, the MNet Literary Award, and the Nielsen Booksellers’ Choice Book of the Year.
Shaun spent his early years in the Transkei, a rural area of South Africa, and was later educated at Hyde Park High School in Johannesburg, Rhodes University in Grahamstown, and at the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar (South-Africa-At-Large, 1982). He won academic and sporting awards at both universities, but did not complete his doctorate. In 2004 he was awarded the Centenary Old Rhodian Award by Rhodes University.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.