Author explores ‘origins of Africans’

Nicole Maturure

BUDDING author Steven James Danda has launched a book titled “Orsello”, which he hopes will give readers an “insight” into some of the theories of evolution.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail Society, the aspiring author said the book discusses topics that have confounded many for years.

The writer takes a fictional approach in his bid to tackle controversial issues.

“I was inspired to write ‘Orsello’ to give a novel narrative of our origin as a species. Since I feared sharp criticism, I decided to present my story in fictional form and occurring in an unknown world,” said Danda.

“The novel has names and places that are unknown on earth, which I consider a success on my part.

“I was also able to get the book published in the United Kingdom by Author House, online on Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).”

The writer said he felt it was his duty to share crucial information about the Africans’ origins.

“I have presented what is possibly the first science fiction narrative written by an African. Much of African literature has been limited and subjected to common themes and perspectives.

“However, it is vital to note that our society is changing and that we exist in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment, which means literature must match social transformation,” said the budding writer.

He said his works seek to bring a difference across the globe.

“I think I have provided a new perspective on extra-terrestrial life and the possibility of sentient and intelligent life existing on other planets besides Earth. The fact that the book discusses something as strange as extra-terrestrial life suffices to titillate social interest. People inherently love the unknown and the strange,” reckons Danda.

He added that people are more inspired by what they do not know than what they know.

Some readers, he said, consider him to be treading the same path that was traversed by legendary authors like the late Charles Mungoshi, Dambudzo Marechera and Stephen King.

In “Orsello”, the author shares ideas on the rudiments of religious growth and social unity.

“The book offers invaluable insights into how socio-political and economic developments are linked to cultural integration. The book also explains what we can expect in the future event of encountering alien entities.

“It explains why we should be united in spite of our vastly different backgrounds. The solutions to aggression, diversion and diversity — which the book proffers — are inextricably linked to religion and social harmony.

“In a way, the book provides an explanation of, and solutions to, the adversity emanating from our perceived diversity,” said the writer.

The writer is inspired by several authors, among them Erich von Däniken and Zecharia Sitchin, who have both discussed the other worldly origins.

Danda recently published three other books — “Orseca”, “Orselin” and “Phoenix Rising” — which are also available on Amazon and KDP.