By Chisomo Phiri
Renowned writer and thinker Patrick Tsoka has penned his first book titled ‘The Midnight Sermons’ which delves into themes often shunned in mainstream discourse,mortality, suffering, freedom, and the search for meaning.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with 247 Malawi News, Tsoka described himself as a writer whose work ‘blends philosophy, poetry, and social commentary,’ aiming to confront the fundamental questions of human existence.
He said ‘The Midnight Sermons’ does not offer easy answers, but instead challenges readers to reflect deeply.
“Life is raw, fragile, and often absurd but in wrestling with suffering, in confronting uncomfortable truths, we discover depth, greatness, and authenticity.The book doesn’t preach doctrine; it provokes questions,” said Tsoka.
He said the motivation behind the book was drawn from personal and shared experiences of pain and struggle, particularly those of his mother and a close friend to whom the book is dedicated.
“Too often, books shy away from suffering or dress it in clichés. I wanted to write something honest and confronting, something that reflects both the Malawian and African spirit as well as universal human questions,” he said.
The writer said ‘The Midnight Sermons’ is currently available directly through him and is working toward wider distribution through local bookstores and international platforms such as Amazon.
Asked to comment on the writing industry in the country,Tsoka said he sees a growing hunger for authentic voices and deeper, more reflective writing.
“We have talent, but we need more support in publishing, marketing, and cultivating a reading culture. I see hope and opportunity,” he said.
Tsoka began writing seriously during his university years around 2014–2015.
Although he has penned several unpublished manuscripts, ‘The Midnight Sermons’ marks his first official publication.
