I’ve been getting such lovely emails, facebook messages and tweets from readers, that I simply had to share! It’s been absolutely amazing to hear from readers, has made me grin and bounce around. Writing is so solitary and I think everyone thought I went a little mad, chatting about characters and places as though they were real people. And of course to me they were real. And still are. And now that White Knights is published, life has been breathed into the characters and novel. And it’s been divine to hear from readers, who feel passionately about the novel, relate to Emma’s struggles or are coping with the madness of the investment banking lifestyle. I can’t tell you how fabulous its been!

PS: Women24 sent a gorgeous review of White Knights today, and an interview with moi! It is completely divine… quite blushing making, but I simply had to share! Click here for the author interview and click here for the White Knights review.

READER COMMENTS

‘White Knights definitely gets my thumbs up!’

Karabo K, fabulous, gorgeous, chick-about-Jozi (and presenter SAfm Literature Show)

Astrid comment about next post: I just so needed to put this comment in right at the beginning, it came from one of the ladies who attended one of my corporate networking events and made me smile, grin and feel so wonderful. It’s so gorgeous and more than a little embaressing even putting it up here, but I had to! Thank you Adriana, you have made me feel COMPLETELY wonderful & utterly motivated!

‘I began reading your book yesterday afternoon and didn’t speed read a single bit – a first for me in a very long time. I just savoured each page, each paragraph and was enthralled in the way in which you captured the hustle and bustle of New York, the working environment and the development of the characters. Brilliant! You have to be SA’s most promising new writer if not the best at the moment! Your intelligence and humour shines through your characters who spring to life with such immediacy. I loved the way in which you operate on the various levels and have all these themes running through the book. If I were you, I’d drop the chick-lit category and let it just run – the workings of the investment bankers will be sure to grab a large audience. You are so talented – I really feel in my gut that you’re
destined for a great literary career if you continue to write as beautifully as you’ve begun. An international book but proudly South African! Please continue writing forever!’

Adriana, knowledge management officer, Jozi

‘Loved the depth and multiple themes of White Knights. A simple story, almost allegory, with legs. Had me thinking long after the twist was revealed! A difficult story to write but intelligently done! Loved it!’

Sarah, medical doctor, Cape Town

‘The underlying theme of the story is timeless and the novel is immediately engaging. White Knight is well written and has hidden depths. Thoroughly enjoyable!’

Lizzie, teacher, Cape Town

‘Highly readable! Super job of making investment banking understandable (not an easy task, I know).  Loved the new perspectives on NYC: the characters’ lives in the city are different from experiences and locations I’ve read about in other “chick lit” books like Nanny Diaries & Bergdorf Blonds. Great novel!’

Christina, ex-investment banker, New York

‘Mid-twenties angst personified! Readers across a variety of demographics will relate to Emma’s disappointments, confusions, twisted reasoning and deep down optimism. Loved the twist in the tail!’

Leslie, marketing, Jozi

‘Loved White Knights so much I couldn’t put it down. Have been going to bed late every night so I could carry on reading. Astrid should be congratulated on a brilliant first novel. I hope she writes another because I’ll be sure to read it!’

Rachel, tennis coach, Jozi

‘My husband jumped the queue! He finished White Knights in 2 days and said it was spot on re banking and much more than girl’s beach read! Seriously impressive feedback given that he’s such a tough task master! Can’t wait to start reading myself!’

Caroline, stay-at-home mum, London

‘Lucky my husband can look after himself as I didn’t put the book down until I had read it all…  Even my dog didn’t get her walk today…I had to finish the book!’

Gloria, the fabulous assistant behind a lucky man, Jozi

‘Loved White Knights for so many reasons – it made me laugh, I had a heap of aha! moments and it inspired me to stand up for myself. It made me realize I’m not alone and reminded me that dreams are there to be chased!’

Alex, lawyer, San Fran

‘Its 12.57am and I just finished reading White Nights!!! Thank you thank you thank you! I loved every last word!’

Gill, Italian yummy mummy

‘I have to say that I was compelled to keep flicking the pages as I read White Knights. It is racy and leads one on. It confirmed for me all that I do and don’t like about Manhattan and certainly what I do not like about New York bankers! Emma must have had one helluva constitution to be able to absorb so much maltreatment of her eating, drinking and sleeping habits! I enjoyed the inclusion of the Prof and Siddhartha. The contrast of love at a distance, true love, internal needs both short and long term, the challenges of relationships and the distinction between men and women in their approaches to love, were very well posited. The egos of Yuppies et al. It is very impressive as a first novel. Congratulations.’

Ken, fabulously modern man

‘I just have three things to say:

1) I absolutely loved your book  and I’ve recommended it to all my friends. I ended up reading until 4am, cos I could simply not put it down ;o).I can relate to most of Emma’s experiences and it was so refreshing to hear about someone else who is going through similar issues as me.I must say though, I’m highly disturbed the following…When Brad tells Emma – “”In investment banking we look for people that are intelligent, competitive and insecure”". The worst part about reading that line -  is that it’s actually true. I work on average about 80 hours a week and I realised that I’m one of the “”insecure people that Brad is referring to.. cos I’ll work myself to a standstill in order to get approval”". Urgghhhh.. I’m still irritated… just thinking about the fact that someone has played on my insecurities and the worst part is that I’ve fallen for it…

2) Why are women in investment banking so mean? No-one is willing to mentor you or look after you (it’s irrational, given that we are a minority in the industry)?

3) When is your next book coming out? I can’t wait to hear what Emma did after investment banking and how she applied that lessons that she learned from the harsh and cut throat world to her own life?’

Miss G, Jozi suits & stilettos banker chick

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