Is this the future of memoirs? 

Johannesburg, South Africa – What if a memoir went beyond words—told not just through writing, but through music, video, design, food, and drink too?

Author and creator Karina Marais is doing exactly that. Upstairs Downstairs, releasing in early 2026, is not just a book—it’s a multi-sensory experience that redefines what a memoir can be.

The pre-launch of this multi-sensory memoir took place on 20 November 2025  at the new Dare2Dream Dome restaurant at Forum Homini in the Cradle of Humankind. This concept restaurant, designed and built for the memoir, offers an eleven-course fun-dining & wine-pairing experience as well as a three-course breakfast inspired by the food brought to life in her book. 

Audio press release: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQUd-T4DKBO/?igsh=MTM3Zm00djVucTlpbA%3D%3D

 Video:  Chapter-by-Chapter Introduction to Upstairs Downstairs

Video: The NEW Dare2Dream Dome Restaurant - A place created to inspire guests to dream again

The beta version of the memoir was signed at the media pre-launch on 20 November 2025 at  Forum Homini Boutique Hotel in the Cradle of Humankind.  

Book website:  https://karinamarais.org

Audiobook: https://open.spotify.com/show/33MJoq8621yJ0U3rAMYvrr?si=_CVRhVxJS3yZnsE4xdBZLQ

The new Dare2Dream Dome Restaurant was built for the Memoir. A place created to inspire guests to dream again. It is a story with a restaurant.

Guests step into a fantasy setting before crossing a bridge to the Dare2Dream dome restaurant for dinner and breakfast,  an experience that engages all five senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch.

Each dish is linked to a moment in the memoir. Each dish is an act, presented as a tale, a song, and a taste.

Welcome to Dare2Dream, where stories are served, and dreams begin again. 

Contact Forum Homini:  +27 11 668 7000