Petina Gappah

About the Author

Petina Gappah is an acclaimed Zimbabwean author, lawyer, and international trade expert whose incisive prose illuminates the complexities of African history and identity. Born in Zimbabwe, she studied law at the University of Zimbabwe and the University of Cambridge, later working as an international trade lawyer in Geneva. Gappah's writing draws deeply from her experiences, blending sharp wit, cultural insight, and unflinching social commentary to explore themes of colonialism, displacement, and resilience. Her debut collection, An Elegy for Easterly, won the Guardian First Book Award, while her novels have garnered widespread praise for their narrative innovation and emotional depth. A frequent contributor to global publications, Gappah continues to advocate for literature as a tool for understanding and empathy in a divided world.