Description
When Tim Trevor buys a mysterious belt from an antique shop in London, he doesn’t know that it will take him into the secret caves of the Amalek tribe in Sibiloi, Northern Kenya.
Biologist Dr Martha Watkins breathes and lives to unravel the origin of humanity. When she learns that the little-known Amalek will answer humanity’s biggest question in Sibiloi, she joins Trevor and archaeologists Dr Paul Brando from California, US, and Professor Simiyu from Kenya for an archaeological expedition in Kenya.
Deep in the caves of Sibiloi in Turkana, Kenya, is the answer that has evaded researchers for ages: they found details of human DNA on a cave wall left by beings from antiquity.
But some forces do not want the truth to come out: Sibiloi holds secrets of the genesis of humanity.
Nancy –
The story starts in the UK, somewhere outside London, in a country house. We meet Jim Trevor – anthropologist, Dr. Paul Brando – archeologist, Dr. Martha Watkins – molecular biologist, and Professor Simiyu – archeologist. The four are on a teleconference, discussing a special and unusual item that forms the base of the story. Trevor shares with everyone how he bought an old leather belt from an antique shop in London two years ago. He further explains that the belt is not just an aged shriveled belt, but an item that is symbolic and significant not just to the original community it is from, but also to humanity.
Jim Trevor showed his guests the belt he had bought, a leather belt worn by Amalek medicine men in Northern Kenya. The belt had distinctive features like wavy lines running along its length, inscriptions, and pieces of bones. The group studied the belt and had a discourse about the people. The Amalek community had less than two hundred members and was on the verge of becoming extinct. This belt Jim Trevor bought had been worn by the Amalek head medicine man when conducting special tribal ceremonies years back. They went on about how the belt disappeared from the community years back and found its way to London. The scientists agreed on how and when to get to the Amalek community in Kenya. The journey to northern Kenya is both exciting and disturbing. The belt has secrets, and a mystery is about to be unraveled.
Once the scientists get to Nothern Kenya, they hold talks with the elders of the Amalek community and agree on a few things. The community wishes to have their belt back, but will the scientists give it back with no strings attached? In Sibiloi, the scientists also have to visit the native caves and share their findings. Something else is brewing; two extremist groups are working hard to conceal some truths, truths which bear consequences if revealed. Is Sibiloi the cradle of mankind? And if so, what other revelations are hidden in the belt and the caves in Northern Kenya? Dan Kairo. takes the reader deep into the world of human origin, Archeological science, human conflict, and research as he entertains the reader with engrossing conversations.
“Sibiloi: The Genesis of Humanity?”, is an excellent read because of how gently the story flows. The author smoothly moves the reader from one scene to another, and one setting to another without losing the reader. Every mini-story fits in the main story like a jigsaw puzzle. I appreciate Dan Kairo for the unique plot, the twists and turns in the story, and the flow of the tales. Readers who share interests in archeology, molecular biology, mystery, historical fiction, and stories about human origin will love this work of fiction. Dan Kairo embraces critical literary elements in his book. Readers get to the figurative language used, various settings, symbolism, different themes, and many more.
Dan Kairo’s characters are also charming. I appreciate how Jim Trevor is determined. He is one of the characters that always has a vision. Omar is appreciated for his ability to mobilize. I enjoyed following Professor Simiyu’s storyline, as he is among the sharpest tools, and compassionate too. Other characters readers will love interacting with include Lopez, Chapman, Fazul, Khalid, and Brando. You have to love Brando for his valor, and how he rarely minced his words.
I recommend this book to readers who are enthusiastic about historical fiction, drama, archeology, anthropology, and feel-good stories.