Mubanga Kalimamukwento, hailing from Mounds View, Minnesota, has won the esteemed 2024 Drue Heinz Literature Prize, as announced by Pitt Writing Program Director Angie Cruz. Kalimamukwento’s collection of short stories, titled “Obligations to the Wounded,” is slated for publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press on October 8.
In her assessment, Cruz lauded the thematic depth of Kalimamukwento’s work, describing it as an intricate exploration of Zambian women grappling with complex decisions related to love, location, and livelihoods, both within their homeland and abroad. Cruz, also an associate professor and author, praised the author’s ability to navigate the challenges faced by women under societal, familial, and cultural expectations with a poetic finesse.
“Obligations to the Wounded” delves into the lives of Zambian women through a series of interconnected stories, drawing on proverbs and cultural nuances to illuminate the struggles and sacrifices inherent in womanhood. The narratives traverse themes of religious obligation, migration, language loss, grief, domestic violence, and racial prejudice, presenting a poignant portrayal of feminine experiences.
For Kalimamukwento, winning the Drue Heinz Literature Prize represents a culmination of years of dedication to her craft. As a Zambian attorney and writer, she adds this accolade to her list of literary achievements, which includes winning the 2022 Tusculum Review Poetry Chapbook Contest, the 2019 Dinaane Debut Fiction Award, and the 2019 Kalemba Short Story Prize. Her works have been featured in esteemed publications such as adda, Aster(ix), and Overland.
Established to recognize and uplift writers of short fiction, the Drue Heinz Literature Prize has a rich legacy of honoring exceptional talent. Previous recipients include renowned authors like Stewart O’Nan, Elizabeth Graver, and Caroline Kim. Manuscripts for the prize are evaluated anonymously by distinguished writers, with past judges including literary luminaries such as Joyce Carol Oates and Margaret Atwood.
The accolade comes with a cash prize of $15,000, publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press, and comprehensive support for nationwide promotion, reaffirming the significance of Kalimamukwento’s literary contribution. Jane McCafferty serves as the managing editor for the Drue Heinz Prize, overseeing the selection process and ensuring the continued celebration of outstanding literary talent.
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