Motherland - by Luke Pepera (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Historian, archaeologist, and anthropologist Luke Pepera takes us on a personal journey discovering 500,000 years of African history and cultures in order to reclaim and reconnect with this extraordinary heritage. He tackles the question many people of African descent ask - Who are we? Where do we come from? What defines us? And it explores how knowledge of this deeper history might affect current understandings of African identity. Through thematically-linked chapters that explore aspects of African identity from nomadic culture and matriarchal society to beliefs about the afterlife and the tradition of oral storytelling, and interwoven with Luke's own experiences of exploring his Ghanaian family history and his personal questions of identity, this is a comprehensive, relevant and beautifully told new history of Africa, and how it has shaped the world we know today."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A groundbreaking exploration of 500,000 years of African history, cultures and identity.

Historian, archaeologist, and anthropologist Luke Pepera takes us on a personal journey discovering 500,000 years of African history and cultures in order to reclaim and reconnect with this extraordinary heritage. He tackles the question many people of African descent ask - Who are we? Where do we come from? What defines us? And it explores how knowledge of this deeper history might affect current understandings of African identity.

Through thematically-linked chapters that explore aspects of African identity from nomadic culture and matriarchal society to beliefs about the afterlife and the tradition of oral storytelling, and interwoven with Luke's own experiences of exploring his Ghanaian family history and his personal questions of identity, this is a comprehensive, relevant and beautifully told new history of Africa, and how it has shaped the world we know today.

Review Quotes

"Africa is often read and understood through the twin lenses of colonization and the transatlantic slave trade. While these painful stories are crucial for understanding Africa's history, as well as the world's, Motherland reminds readers that these account for only a few hundred years out of the millennia-long history of the African continent. In this engaging book, Ghanaian historian and anthropologist Pepera highlights a few of the incalculably many histories and cultures that have risen, fallen, and survived throughout Africa. Pepera's accessible recounting of history and straightforward writing style offer space for readers new to African history to find avenues for further exploration. A sprawling, eclectic celebration of Africa's vast and varied history."--Booklist

"Motherland is a colorful, crisply narrated journey through the history of the continent that made mankind. Luke Pepera folds together political, cultural and spiritual history, dancing deftly between centuries and traditions. Motherland is a splendid, clear-eyed, compelling debut from a brilliant new historian. "-- "Dan Jones, New York Times bestselling author of Henry V"

"A beautiful, engaging, informative and deeply readable exploration of the multitude of African identities. Motherland gently meanders through stories of past and present, introducing us not only to the cultures and history of a continent's peoples, but to the individuals themselves. Pepera proves that history is a record of personal experiences. Marvellous!" -- "Hallie Rubenhold, bestselling author of The Five"

"African pasts and cultural understandings are vital to the present. 'We have a warped understanding of Africa's past, ' writes Pepera at the outset of his capacious history. To unlearn misconceptions, he invites readers on a sweeping, eclectic trip across time and space. A stirring, optimistic portrait of African identities and meaning making, past and present."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"An extraordinary achievement showcasing Pepera's skills as both a writer and a scholar. From the continent's role as the midwife of humanity, to the profound global influence of people of African descent, Motherland leads us expertly through age after age of astoundingly rich history and culture. An enlightening read that is sure to top many awards lists." -- "Lindsey Fitzharrism New York Times Bestselling author of The Facemaker"

"Historian Pepera debuts with a sprawling account of African cultures. Noting that historical literature tends to perceive Africa through the lens of the Transatlantic slave trade at the 'expense of everything that came before, ' and that as a result 'historical chronologies are not how many African peoples' relate to their past, Pepera endeavors to bridge the gap. Rendered in charming, conversational prose, this edifies."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"I loved and learnt on every page. A brilliant gift of truth."-- "Bettany Hughes, bestselling author of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World"

"Simultaneously capacious and personal, this achieves what might have been thought impossible: to give the reader 500,000 years of history, spanning an entire continent, without ever becoming reductive. A masterful achievement." -- "Tom Holland, host of The Rest is History and Sunday Times bestselling author of Dominion "

"Vivid, compelling and powerful, this groundbreaking book masterfully intertwines sweeping history with personal insights. The people, events and places from Africa's rich history and culture featured in the narrative are as illuminating as they are thought-provoking. Few books can lay claim to changing their readers' perceptions so profoundly. A stunning debut." -- "Tracy Borman, author of Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I "

"Wonderful and illuminating: a historical and personal journey through 500,000 years of African history, power and culture, with a fascinating cast of African leaders and artists, from imperial conquerors and warrior queens to rappers, activists and migrants, from prehistory to the 21st century. An essential read."-- "Simon Sebag Montefiore, New York Times bestselling author"

About the Author

Luke Pepera is a writer, broadcaster, historian, and anthropologist dedicated to sharing his passion for African history and cultures. He was born in Ghana and has a degree from St. Peter's College, Oxford, where he read Archaeology & Anthropology and studied ancient and medieval African history. Since graduating he has worked at the Pitt Rivers Museum, The Times, and Tatler, and has written and presented Africa: Written Out of History, a documentary for Dan Snow's History Hit.