Mario d'Offizi is a Cape Town based poet and writer. His first book, the autobiography Bless Me Father, was released by Ge'ko Publishing in 2008. His first formal anthology of poems, Banana Crates and Wire Mesh will be released in 2009 by Ge'ko. Mario's work has been critically acclaimed thanks to his unique style of writing and his ability address highly complicated subjects with incredible sensitivity.

Mario currently works as features editor of Sawubona magazine. Visit his web site here.

 "...a searing look at growing up on the other side of the tracks, around the bend and up the wall. I am not easily moved by memoirs, but d'Offizi's story left me reeling on more than one occasion. This is an author who writes from the heart, not the head. And even though it is a heart that is surely covered with layers of scar tissue, it is not a hard heart. Rather, it is a heart full of kindness and compassion. Given the choice of reading Spud or Bless me Father, I would choose d'Offizi's book every time.” - Ben Trovato