Patricia Schonstein

Patricia Schonstein, also known as Patricia Schonstein-Pinnock, is a novelist, poet, memoirist, children's author, and anthology curator of South African-Italian heritage. Born in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and of Jewish descent, she now resides in South Africa. Her novels are noted for their use of magical realism, meta-fiction, and narrative fiction, often drawing inspiration from her childhood in Central Africa and significant historical events such as the Inquisition, the Holocaust, the Rhodesian War, and apartheid. Schonstein's writing frequently pays tribute to child victims of war and refugees, merging stark realities with mythical and magical elements. Her literary output has been translated into numerous languages, including Afrikaans, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish. Schonstein holds a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Cape Town, where her work was supervised by Nobel laureate J. M. Coetzee. Her poetry has received endorsement from Archbishop Desmond Tutu. She has also been involved in literary committees and served as deputy editor for the poetry quarterly, Stanzas.

Patricia Schonstein's novels are recognized for their distinctive blend of magical realism, meta-fiction, and narrative fiction. Her work is deeply informed by her personal experiences, particularly her upbringing in Central Africa, and by significant historical events. These include the traumas of the Inquisition, the Holocaust, the Rhodesian War, and the era of apartheid. A recurring theme in her writing is the remembrance and honoring of child victims of war and refugees. Schonstein masterfully weaves together harsh realities with elements of myth and magic, creating narratives that are both grounded and transcendent. This unique approach allows her to explore profound human experiences through a lens that incorporates the fantastical alongside the factual.

Schonstein's literary contributions have garnered international recognition, with her works being translated into at least eight languages: Afrikaans, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish. Her debut novel, Skyline, received significant acclaim, including the French Prix du Marais in 2005, the Percy FitzPatrick Award in 2002, and a second-place finish in the South African Sunday Times Fiction Award in 2001. It was also long-listed for the International Dublin Literary Award in 2002 and recognized in South African and Swedish literary lists. Her novel A Time of Angels also achieved notable success, securing second place in the South African Sunday Times Fiction Award in 2004 and being short-listed for the Booksellers’ Choice Award in the same year. Her other works, including The Apothecary’s Daughter and Banquet at Brabazan, have also received accolades and recognition in literary circles.

Patricia Schonstein holds a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Cape Town, where her academic work was guided by J. M. Coetzee, the 2003 Nobel Literature Laureate, who has offered endorsements for much of her writing. The impact of her poetry has also been recognized by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the 1984 Nobel Peace Laureate. Schonstein has actively participated in literary communities, serving on the Poetry in McGregor committee and presenting the annual ‘Patricia Schonstein – Poetry in McGregor Award’. She has also held a position as deputy editor of the poetry quarterly, Stanzas, from 2015 to 2020, and has been an honorary member of Southern African Friendship and Aid Network Sweden (SAFRAN) since 2008.