![WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT DEATH WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT DEATH](https://cdn.magzter.com/1359122596/1653468997/articles/3669L_r-M1654846778372/WE-NEED-TO-TALK-ABOUT-DEATH.jpg)
CANTANKERCOUS, crabby, combative, quarrelsome Lionel Shriver has been called all these things and more. That's because if there are feathers to be ruffled or sacred cows to be shot, the bestselling American author is usually only too happy to put her hand up for the job.
But not today. Sitting in the lounge of The Vineyard hotel in Cape Town, the author radiates warmth and good cheer as she tells us about the wine she's been sampling, the scenic drive she's just been on, and the hike she's going to be taking on Lion's Head later this afternoon.
There are no withering putdowns, derisive snorts, or strident rants - I must admit, I'm disappointed. Lionel chortles when I tell her this and insists that her prickly reputation is totally unwarranted.
"I mean, the truth is I have a good time most of the time," she says. "I know I sometimes come across as a bit of a misanthrope but I'm enjoying talking to you right now."
This story is from the 2 June 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 2 June 2022 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2448/1926408/b4PQfsNzT1734346103790/ITS-ALL-ABOUT-FAMILY.jpg)
IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY
Lynn and Kairo Forbes invite us into their home as they prepare for their second Christmas without AKA
![DENZEL'S DECADE OF SOBRIETY DENZEL'S DECADE OF SOBRIETY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2448/1926408/S_eSLyuH31734345740203/DENZELS-DECADE-OF-SOBRIETY.jpg)
DENZEL'S DECADE OF SOBRIETY
Expensive wine was his weakness but these days the legendary Hollywood actor is all about clean living
![WE DID IT FOR YOU, DAD WE DID IT FOR YOU, DAD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2448/1926408/azIl9H-QF1734345573956/WE-DID-IT-FOR-YOU-DAD.jpg)
WE DID IT FOR YOU, DAD
It was a dream come true for Jaden and Jordan Hendrikse when they ran out together for the Boks – but it was bittersweet too
![HIP-HOPPING ALONG! HIP-HOPPING ALONG!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2448/1926408/2EGr5KPoo1734345334511/HIPHOPPING-ALONG.jpg)
HIP-HOPPING ALONG!
Moo Deng, the adorable pygmy hippo, is about to become an even bigger star thanks to a catchy new song released in her honour
![IAM NO DIFFERENT IAM NO DIFFERENT](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2448/1926408/XTJ-TaaWC1734344124589/IAM-NO-DIFFERENT.jpg)
IAM NO DIFFERENT
Despite being born without legs, Kanya Sesser truimphs at anything she sets her mind to
![OUR WONDERFUL, WEIRD WORLD OUR WONDERFUL, WEIRD WORLD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2448/1926408/_gwVe2xHX1734343869623/OUR-WONDERFUL-WEIRD-WORLD.jpg)
OUR WONDERFUL, WEIRD WORLD
Bizarre and beautiful spots exist off the well-worn tourist paths that criss-cross our precious planet
![GOD'S INFLUENCER GOD'S INFLUENCER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2448/1926408/c6QR-z1rF1734343427924/GODS-INFLUENCER.jpg)
GOD'S INFLUENCER
After Carlo Acutis died at age 15, he was credited with performing miracles. Now the Italian is about to be canonised as the Catholic Church's first millennial saint. But what did the seemingly ordinary teenager do that was so special?
![RUCK ON! RUCK ON!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2448/1926408/SqSogrX451734341024414/RUCK-ON.jpg)
RUCK ON!
Rucking walking with a weighted rucksack - has gained popularity once again for its ability to improve your heart health, increase your strength and burn kilojoules fast
![MY KIDNEY FOR MY SON MY KIDNEY FOR MY SON](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2448/1926408/-fyYaVi_51734340817440/MY-KIDNEY-FOR-MY-SON.jpg)
MY KIDNEY FOR MY SON
This Cape Town mom is determined to lose 50kg so she can give her boy the gift of life
![A WHOLE NEW WORLD A WHOLE NEW WORLD](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/2448/1926408/-wJgCPF2K1734340328613/A-WHOLE-NEW-WORLD.jpg)
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
She's been deaf since she.was a baby but now Chermelle ;s slowly startmg to hear thanks to a Cochlear Implant