Dalene Matthee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dalene Matthee
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Matthee
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Dalene Scott
13 October 1938 Riversdale, Western Cape
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| Died | 20 February 2005 (aged 66) Mossel Bay, Western Cape
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Dalene Matthee (born October 13, 1938 – died February 20, 2005) was a famous writer from South Africa. She was best known for her four "Forest Novels." These books were set in and around the beautiful Knysna Forest. Her stories were very popular!
Her books have been translated into fourteen different languages. These include English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian. More than a million copies of her books have been sold all over the world.
Contents
About Dalene Matthee
Dalene Matthee was born Dalena Scott in Riversdale, which was then part of the Cape Province. This was in 1938. After finishing high school in 1957, she studied music. She went to a music school in Oudtshoorn and also to the Holy Cross Convent in Graaff-Reinet.
Her First Books
Dalene Matthee's very first book was a story for children. It was called Die Twaalfuurstokkie, which means "The Twelve-o'-clock Stick." This book was published in 1970. Later, in 1982, she released a collection of short stories. This collection was named Die Judasbok, or "The Judas Goat."
Before she became famous for her "Forest Novels," she wrote other stories. She wrote for magazines and also published two popular novels. These were ’n Huis vir Nadia (A House for Nadia) in 1982 and Petronella van Aarde, Burgemeester (Petronella van Aarde, Mayor) in 1983.
The Famous Forest Novels
Her first "Forest Novel" was Kringe in ’n Bos (Circles in a Forest). This book came out in 1984. It told the story of the Knysna elephants and the woodcutters in the Knysna Forest. This novel became a huge success around the world.
Two more very popular "Forest Novels" followed. These were Fiela se Kind (Fiela's Child) in 1985 and Moerbeibos (The Mulberry Forest) in 1987. Her fourth and final "Forest Novel" was Toorbos (Dream Forest), published in 2003.
Other Works and Achievements
Besides her forest stories, Dalene Matthee wrote other novels. Brug van die Esels (Bridge of the Mules) was published in 1993. Then came Susters van Eva (Sisters of Eve) in 1995. In 2000, she published Pieternella van die Kaap (Pieternella from the Cape). Her last book, Die Uitgespoeldes (Driftwood), came out in 2005.
Dalene Matthee won many awards for her writing. Two of her most famous books were even made into movies. These were Fiela's Child and Circles in a Forest.
Dalene Matthee passed away in Mossel Bay, South Africa, in 2005. She had been ill with heart failure. She is survived by her three daughters. Her husband, Larius, had passed away in 2003.
Dalene Matthee's Books
Here is a list of Dalene Matthee's most well-known books:
The Forest Novels
- Kringe in 'n bos (Circles in a Forest) (1984)
- Fiela se Kind (Fiela's Child) (1985)
- Moerbeibos (The Mulberry Forest) (1987)
- Toorbos (Dream Forest) (2003)
Other Novels and Stories
- Die twaalfuurstokkie (The twelve-o'-clock stick) (1970)
- ’n Huis vir Nadia (A House for Nadia) (1982)
- Petronella van Aarde, Burgemeester (Petronella van Aarde, Mayor) (1983)
- Brug van die esels (The Bridge of Mules) (1992)
- Susters van Eva (Sisters of Eve) (1995)
- Pieternella van die Kaap (Pieternella of the Cape) (2000)
- Die Uitgespoeldes (Driftwood) (2005)
Her Legacy
Dalene Matthee's ashes were scattered at Krisjan-se-Nek. This was one of her favorite spots in the Knysna Forest. In 2008, a special memorial was built there to remember her. A very old Yellowwood tree at that spot, which is 800 years old, was renamed. It is now called the Dalene Matthee Big Tree. The hiking trail that starts at Krisjan-se-Nek is also named after her book. It is now called the Circles in a Forest Trail.
See also
In Spanish: Dalene Matthee para niños
