Date of Birth: June 15, 1971
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Biography
Petina Gappah is a Zimbabwean writer and lawyer known for her insightful portrayals of modern African life. Born in 1971 in Zambia and raised in Zimbabwe, Gappah has established herself as a prominent voice in contemporary African literature. She holds a law degree from the University of Zimbabwe and furthered her studies with an international law degree from the University of Graz in Austria and a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge. Gappah’s debut collection of short stories, “An Elegy for Easterly,” won the Guardian First Book Award in 2009 and was also shortlisted for the Frank O’Connor International Short Story Award. Her work spans various genres, including short stories, novels, and essays, and is celebrated for its wit, empathy, and keen social commentary. In addition to her literary career, Gappah has worked as an international trade lawyer with the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Her legal background often informs her writing, adding layers of complexity and authenticity to her narratives.
5 Interesting Facts about Petina Gappah
1. Petina Gappah’s first book, “An Elegy for Easterly,” won the Guardian First Book Award in 2009.
2. She has a law degree from the University of Zimbabwe and a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge.
3. Gappah has worked as an international trade lawyer for the World Trade Organization in Geneva.
4. Her novel “The Book of Memory” was longlisted for the 2016 Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction.
5. Petina Gappah writes in both English and her native Shona language.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Petina Gappah
1. “Writing is a way of processing our place in the world and how we relate to it.”
2. “Stories have the power to create empathy and understanding between people.”
3. “I write to explore the complexities and contradictions of life in Zimbabwe.”
4. “Our history is not just written in books but lived in the everyday experiences of people.”
5. “To be a writer is to be a student of human nature and society.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
As of the latest estimates, Petina Gappah’s net worth is approximately $1-2 million, accumulated through her literary works and legal career.
Children
Petina Gappah has one son, named Kush Makoni.
Relevant Links
2. [Petina Gappah – Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2800258.Petina_Gappah
4. [Petina Gappah at PEN America](https://pen.org/user/petinagappah/
5. [Petina Gappah on Writing and Law – BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34347882
