Winner of the Penguin Prize for African Writing, Patchwork tells the story of Pumpkin, a young girl growing up in Lusaka with her glamorous but troubled mother. Through vivid, intimate storytelling, Ellen Banda-Aaku explores childhood, family dysfunction, and the search for belonging — weaving a narrative that is both deeply personal and socially resonant.
A beautifully written coming-of-age tale that captures the complexities of family and identity with an authentic Zambian voice. Celebrated in literary circles for its nuanced portrayal of women's lives.
Perfect for fans of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Purple Hibiscus and Tsitsi Dangarembga's Nervous Conditions. A natural fit for an African Voices of Girlhood reading set.
