Penny Haw

I am a writer. Previously, of articles and columns for newspapers and magazines. I’ve written for Business Day, Sunday Times, Financial Mail, Sunday Independent, The Weekender and many others I’ve forgotten and you might not recognise.

Now, I am the author of books featuring strong, interesting and independent women. My writing also illustrates my love for animals and the outdoors, and explores the interconnectedness of all living things.

Early in 2024, I was honoured to receive the 2024 Philida Literary Award.  The award celebrates the life of renowned South African author, André Brink and is presented annually to a writer mid-career for an oeuvre of between three to five books of any genre.

My debut historical fiction, The Invincible Miss Cust tells the story of Britain and Ireland’s first woman veterinary surgeon, Aleen Cust. Find it at a bookstore near you here or order it online here. My second work of historical fiction, The Woman at the Wheel is based on the life of Bertha Benz, wife of the ‘Father of the Automobile’, Carl Benz. You can order it here.

Follow Me to Africa is inspired by the life of distinguished paleoanthropologist, Mary Leakey. Order it from a bookstore near you here or order it online here. My fourth work of biographical historical fiction, The Woman and Her Stars is about the world’s first paid woman astronomer, Caroline Herschel. It will be released on March 3, 2026 and can be pre-ordered here.

My first book, Nicko—The Tale of a Vervet Monkey on an African Farm is a children’s book, which was published in 2017. My inaugural novel for adults, The Wilderness Between Us was published by Köehler Books in 2021 and is available in all formats on Amazon here. You can locate it via Indie Bound here and find out more about it on Goodreads here.

In South Africa, as part of a distribution agreement with Karavan Press, wholesale/trade orders of The Wilderness Between Us and Nicko can be made from Booksite Afrika on (021) 950 5900. The Invincible Miss Cust, The Woman at the Wheel, Follow Me to Africa and The Woman and Her Stars are distributed in South Africa by Penguin Random House South Africa.

I live on the slopes of a mountain near the sea not far from Cape Town in South Africa, where I walk my dogs with my husband, run and read when I’m not at my keyboard. You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook.