Editors’ Pick
Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feelby Peter Burchardt — on emotions, evolution & the science of feeling
View on Amazon →
Cover of Patchwork
Literary Fiction· Zambia

Patchwork

by Ellen Banda-Aaku
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
penguin-prize-african-writing
Published 2011English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Patchwork by Ellen Banda-Aaku is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 2011. Patchwork is a coming-of-age story set in Zambia, following the life of a young girl named Pumpkin. Through her eyes, readers experience the complexities of family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal growth. Ellen Banda-Aaku's novel is noted for its vivid portrayal of Zambian culture and its exploration of themes such as identity and belonging. Themes of family, identity, belonging run through the work. The book has received recognition from Penguin Prize for African Writing 2010.

Book Details

AuthorEllen Banda-Aaku
Published2011
Country of Origin🇿🇲 Zambia
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781770098880
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇿🇲 Zambia

This book is part of Zambia's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Zambia →

Awards & Recognition

penguin-prize-african-writing
winner · regional
20100
✍️
About the Author
Ellen Banda-Aaku
Zambia
View Author →
Happy Children
The Parenting Companion
Happy Children
What Evolution Actually Built Your Child’s Emotions For
Your child’s emotions are not the problem. They are the operating system.
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

What to Read Next

Cover of Midnight's Children
literary-fiction

Midnight's Children

Salman Rushdie· 1981
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The God of Small Things
literary-fiction

The God of Small Things

Arundhati Roy· 1997
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Remains of the Day
literary-fiction

The Remains of the Day

Kazuo Ishiguro· 1989
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The White Tiger
literary-fiction

The White Tiger

Aravind Adiga· 2008
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of The Road
literary-fiction

The Road

Cormac McCarthy· 2007
★Pulitzer Prize★Hugo Award
Editorial Score100/100
Cover of Wolf Hall
historical-fiction

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel· 2009
★Booker Prize★Costa Book Award
Editorial Score100/100

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Patchwork about?

Patchwork is a coming-of-age story set in Zambia, following the life of a young girl named Pumpkin. Through her eyes, readers experience the complexities of family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal growth. Ellen Banda-Aaku's novel is noted for its vivid portrayal of Zambian culture and its exploration of themes such as identity and belonging.

Who wrote Patchwork?

Patchwork was written by Ellen Banda-Aaku, from Zambia. First published in 2011.

What awards has Patchwork won?

Patchwork has received the following recognition: Penguin Prize for African Writing 2010.

Is Patchwork worth reading?

Patchwork is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in family, identity, belonging.

Where can I buy Patchwork?

You can buy Patchwork on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Patchwork?

Patchwork is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Patchwork from?

Patchwork originates from Zambia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Zambia on our country page.

Popular on 50 Best Books

Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides

Explore More

📖More Literary FictionBrowse all Literary Fiction books🇿🇲Books from Zambia🇿🇲 Zambia literature📅2010s BooksPublished in the 2010s🏆Top 50 RankingsThe greatest books of all time