Janet Levine

Janet Levine is an award-nominated author of historical fiction and narrative nonfiction, and a

journalist whose work explores South African history, human rights, and the enduring power

of literature. She is widely recognized for writing that blends rigorous social history with

compelling storytelling, appealing to both literary fiction readers and serious nonfiction

audiences.

Her latest novel, LIV’S SECRETS, nominated for the 2023 National Book Awards, is a Jewish

historical fiction family saga set in South Africa between the 1880s and 1960s. The novel traces

the life of Liv Weisz against the backdrop of apartheid-era South Africa, weaving a

multigenerational historical narrative that brings personal identity, political change, and intimate

human relationships into sharp focus. The book follows Inside Apartheid (1988), her best-selling

and critically acclaimed nonfiction work that remains a key text on 20th-century South African

history.

Levine is also the author of influential nonfiction, including READING MATTERS: How Literature

Influences Life, a widely praised work of literary nonfiction that examines how books shape

thinking, empathy, and personal growth. Her nonfiction writing is frequently cited by educators,

lifelong readers, and cultural commentators.

A respected voice in literary and cultural discourse, Levine has been interviewed on NPR’s Fresh

Air with Terry Gross and is a reviewer for the New York Journal of Books. Her work has

reached international readers, and she is known for writing that resonates with book clubs,

history enthusiasts, and intellectually curious readers.

Born in South Africa, Janet Levine later immigrated to the United States. She is currently working

on a memoir. More information about her books, essays, and ongoing work can be found on her

website and Wikipedia author page.