Author launches heartfelt memoir in Century City

Blloubergstrand author Beverley Dankers-Kotze launched her memoir, 33 Doors, at Life Changers Church in Century City earlier this month.

The gathering, which took place on Saturday, November 15, drew family, friends, and readers, all eager to hear the story behind a book that traces her life through the 33 homes she has lived in across several countries.

Each guest received a creatively decorated biscuit shaped like a miniature door, a gesture that tied into the theme of the event.

She was interviewed by her close friend and author of And God Says, Taryn Little-Viglino of Bloubergstrand.

Ms Dankers-Kotze said the idea for the memoir began while she was studying counselling. 

“I learnt how trauma and life events can shape our emotional wellbeing, and that helped me understand my own journey,” she said.

Returning to her journals, she pieced together the story of the many places she had lived, eventually realising the significance of the number. 

“When I discovered that my last home was number 33, the symbolism of doors representing transitions just made sense,” she said.

Her experiences living in Texas and Eswatini also helped her understand resilience more deeply, she said.

She recalled how adapting to unfamiliar cultures taught her to lean on both inner strength and community support.

One moment she will never forget features in the book: a day in a round thatched house in Eswatini when she and her teenage son had to sweep an Egyptian cobra out from under their door. "It took some calm thinking and quick teamwork, but we managed. That memory stays with me,” said Ms Dankers-Kotze.

Writing the memoir often intersected with her work in student development, as her own experience as a mature student helped her relate strongly to those returning to study later in life. 

She said this understanding has shaped her leadership in her career for more than a decade, particularly in supporting students through emotional and personal challenges.

 The writing process, however, was not always easy. “Some chapters were light, but others were emotionally heavy to revisit,” she said.

She also said that she chose to leave out certain moments to protect the privacy of those involved.

Ms Dankers-Kotze hopes readers find encouragement in her story.

 “I want people to know that even if they feel stuck, there are always doors of opportunity waiting to be opened,” she said. 

She also hopes readers dealing with loss or hardship will allow themselves space to heal and rediscover joy.

She is currently preparing a reprint of her Wellness Journal, originally released in 2023, and is working on a devo-journal and her first novel, Animal Instincts, a thriller set partly in the Kruger National Park. 

Printed copies of 33 Doors can be ordered via her website or by emailing booksbybeverley@gmail.com, with digital versions available on Amazon.