Deon Meyer, Margie Orford and Henrietta Rose-Innes all braved volcanic-ash-related disruption to appear at events across London in April as part of the London Book Fair's South African market focus.

All three were at Notting Hill's Travel Bookshop, with Henrietta Rose-Innes reading from her forthcoming novel alongside fellow Caine Prize winner Brian Chikwava, and Deon Meyer and Margie Orford, the 'king' and 'queen' of South African crime, in conversation discussing their work. At the fair itself both Rose-Innes and Meyer appeared on panels and at seminars discussing all aspects of the South African literary landscape.

Despite the travel disruption that resulted in large numbers of publishers, authors and agents not being able to get to London (including Blake Friedmann clients Imraan Coovadia, Achmat Dangor, Mike van Graan, Etienne van Heerden, Zakes Mda, Marlene van Niekerk, Jonny Steinberg, Ivan Vladislavic and Marita van der Vyver), there was an awareness that 'the show must go on' and Deon Meyer and Henrietta Rose-Innes saved the day on the 'Why Buy South African Content?' panel, as last-minute replacements for Etienne van Heerden and Niq Mhlongo.

In another late change, Jonny Steinberg joined Deon Meyer on a panel discussing crime writing in South Africa on BBC Radio 3 arts and culture programme Night Waves.  Unfortunately though, events at the fair and around London had to be cancelled, including the hotly anticipated South Africa vs England author football match.

Back in South Africa the 'Not the London Book Fair' event at Cape Town independent bookshop, Book Lounge, saw many of those who couldn't make it to London gather for readings, wine and good cheer. Blake Friedmann clients Imraan Coovadia and Etienne van Heerden were both in attendance with Coovadia reading from a new short story, and joining Victor Dlamini in discussing humour in South African fiction. A clip of his reading is available here, and his conversation with Victor Dlamini here. Footage of the evening was shown at the book fair the following day, along with a number of messages of support from the missing authors. Etienne van Heerden's message can be viewed here, and Imraan Coovadia's here.

Despite not being in London there was continuous contact between the South African contingent in London and those unable to make it through the Read SA website and Facebook page, where roving reporter Henrietta Rose-Innes posted photos from the many South African events that took place in defiance of the volcano.

For more on the Read SA 'Not the London Book Fair' event, including photos and videos click here or visit the Book SA Facebook page.

A round-up of South African events at the Book Fair and beyond can be seen here