The History of Man
by Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu

From 2022 Windham Campbell Prize winner Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu

Book 2 in the City of Kings trilogy, including her multiple award-winning debut novel The Theory of FlightSet in a southern African country that remains unnamed, this evocative narrative portrays human vulnerability with a blend of empathy, generosity, and a gentle narrative approach, offering a deep dive into the psyche of the colonizer.

As we meet Emil Coetzee, a civil servant navigating his fifties, he is seen cleansing his hands of blood as a ceasefire comes into effect. The end of the conflict leaves him, like many others, feeling lost and devoid of a clear purpose, a stark contrast to the identity and resolve the war had bestowed upon him. The reader is compelled to question the circumstances that led Emil on such a divergent path from his parents, who reveled in the joyous rhythms of the Charleston and the foxtrot in their youthful days. A sentiment of nostalgia seeps in as we reminisce about a younger Emil who found solace and wonder in the embracing arms of the singing elephant grass in the savannah.

In this sequel that continues the vibrant tapestry of interconnected narratives initiated in her acclaimed novel, The Theory of Flight, Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu guides us through decades of history witnessed through Emil’s evolving perspectives from childhood to adulthood. It is a journey marked with transformation, where Emil grapples with the profound impacts of love, the voids created by loss, and the transformative experiences of war.

With a narrative rich in sympathy, complexity, and sharp insights, The History of Man delves deep into exploring the essence of individuality, the responsibilities and legacies of fatherhood, and the collective history that shapes a nation.