By Chisomo Phiri
An economist and data analyst at the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA),William Khalipwina Mpina, has released a new book titled ‘Stranger in Her Own Skin’, a collection of stories that explore the human condition.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Mpina said the book, which is currently available online, will be officially launched in November this year.
The author shared the inspiration behind his book.
“I wanted to document the pain, the loss, the happiness, and the sadness that we experience in our daily lives,” he said .
Mpina, who has been writing since 1997,expressed his concerns about the publishing industry in the country, noting that most publishers prioritize textbooks over fiction works.
As a result,the author opted to work with a Zimbabwean publisher for his latest book.
When asked about the writing industry in Malawi, Mpina said:”The writing industry is thriving, but the publishing industry needs to catch up.”
He said he has hope that his work will contribute to a growing recognition of the value of writing in Malawi.
Mpina is the co-editor of ‘Walking the Battlefield (2020)’, a bilingual poetry collection reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic, and the author of ‘Mooning the Morning (2022)’, a poetry collection published by Montfort Media.
Additionally, he authored ‘Kamwala Kodabwitsa (2024)’, a children’s book created for the Invisible Child Project, funded by PEN International.
Mpina also serves as a judge for the 2024 IHRAM SADC Literary Prize in Poetry, the Treasurer General for the Malawi Union of Academic and Nonfiction Authors, and an Executive Committee member of PEN Malawi, a local center of PEN International.
His work exemplifies a unique blend of analytical expertise and creative expression, contributing significantly to both the literary and academic communities in Malawi and beyond.
