Karen Jennings is a South African author whose literary career spans fiction, poetry, and memoir. Her debut novel, "Finding Soutbek," was shortlisted for the inaugural Etisalat Prize for African Fiction, while her historical mining novel "Upturned Earth" further established her as a distinctive voice in contemporary literature. Jennings gained international recognition when her novel "An Island" was longlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize, marking her debut in the American literary scene. She has also published the short story collection "Away from the Dead" and the poetry collection "Space Inhabited by Echoes."
With a background in academia, Jennings holds advanced degrees in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Cape Town, as well as a PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her work often explores historical and social themes, reflecting her involvement with the "Biography of an Uncharted People" project at Stellenbosch University. Beyond fiction, her memoir "Travels with my Father" offers a personal narrative that complements her broader literary output. Currently residing in Brazil with her husband, Jennings continues to write with the support of organizations like the Miles Morland Foundation.