Ellen Banda-Aaku Knihy

Winner of the Penguin Prize for African Writing 2010 (fiction). Destined from birth to inhabit two very different worlds - that of her father, the wealthy Joseph Sakavungo, and that of her mother, his mistress - this emotive tale takes us to the heart of a young girl's attempts to come to terms with her own identity and fashion a future for herself from the patchwork of the life she was born into. Beautifully constructed, warm and wise, this is a novel that will transport the reader to a world in which we can all become more of the sum of our parts.

The narrative centers on two final-year students from contrasting social backgrounds who collaborate on a science project. As they navigate their academic responsibilities, the story delves into their home lives, evolving emotions, and the dynamics of their relationship, highlighting themes of friendship, understanding, and personal growth.

Set in a Lusaka suburb, this engaging story follows a young girl as she navigates the challenges of adolescence. Through her journey, themes of growth and self-discovery are explored, capturing the essence of coming-of-age experiences. Ellen Banda-Aaku's debut work, which garnered the prestigious Macmillan Writer's Prize for Africa in 2004, offers a poignant look at the struggles and triumphs of youth.