Zinzi Clemmons Books in Order

This reading order guide helps you find a complete list of Zinzi Clemmons books in order, from the first to the latest, and is always kept up to date so you won’t miss anything!

About Zinzi Clemmons

Zinzi Clemmons is an accomplished author and editor, widely recognized for her work in fiction. Born and raised in Philadelphia, USA, Clemmons draws inspiration from her diverse heritage, with familial ties to both Trinidad and South Africa. Her academic journey led her to Brown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literary Arts and Critical Theory. She continued her education at Columbia University, obtaining an MFA in Fiction, further honing her writing skills.

Clemmons’ literary works have appeared in prestigious publications like The Paris Review Daily, Zoetrope, The Common, and Transition. She has received substantial support for her writing from fellowships such as Bread Loaf, The MacDowell Colony, and the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, among others. Beyond her writing, Clemmons is a passionate educator, teaching creative writing and literature at Occidental College and The Colburn Conservatory. Additionally, she co-founded The Apogee Journal, a literary magazine, and currently serves as a Contributing Editor at LitHub.com.

Her debut novel, What We Lose, has garnered significant acclaim since its release by Viking in 2017. The novel touches on themes such as identity, family, race, and the immigrant experience, through the life of Thandi, a young woman raised in Pennsylvania but with deep connections to Johannesburg, where her mother grew up. Thandi grapples with the complexities of being neither fully American nor fully African, struggling with societal expectations and her own sense of belonging. The narrative explores her personal journey, from the loss of her mother to finding new relationships and eventually becoming a mother herself. Clemmons’ poignant and emotionally charged writing captures Thandi’s search for identity and love amidst loss.

The novel has been praised for its heartfelt portrayal of grief and self-discovery, with many critics noting its intellectual depth and emotional resonance. What We Lose is seen as a powerful exploration of the intersections of race, culture, and identity, offering a rich, meditative experience for readers. Clemmons’ evocative prose and vivid character development have marked her as a significant new voice in contemporary fiction.

Clemmons’ ability to weave complex themes into an intimate and personal narrative has resonated deeply with readers, particularly those who have experienced loss or struggle with questions of identity. Her work highlights the challenges of navigating both personal and cultural boundaries in a world where race and class often dictate one’s place in society. For anyone interested in literature that delves into the complexities of human experience, Clemmons’ What We Lose is a must-read.

Currently, Clemmons is working on her second novel, which is eagerly anticipated by her growing fanbase. Represented by The Wylie Agency, she continues to build on her success, and her future projects are highly awaited by both readers and critics alike.