Mubanga Kalimamukwento won the 2024 Drue Heinz Literature Prize, which recognizes and supports writers of short fiction, for her collection, Obligations to the Wounded. The University of Pittsburgh Press will publish the book on October 8.
"These thematically linked stories deliver an intricate study of Zambian women living in both Zambia and abroad who are weighing their options of who to love, where to live, where to work," said author Angie Cruz, who chose the winning title. "The author, with a poet's restraint, has written stories that deftly negotiate the challenges and tribulations women face when they feel the pressure and duty to yield to the will of family, community, customs, country, and spiritual beliefs. Obligations to the Wounded is a graceful, touching, and generous collection."
Kalimamukwento commented: "An absolute dream come true to have been named this year's winner of the Drue Heinz Literature Prize, especially by a judge whose work I hold deep respect and admiration for. This is a prize I have been reading and entering for years, so a win is a kind of 'Finally' and 'Thank you, thank you, thank you' moment for me."