About The Author…
Nekesa Sepiwe is the author of the "When Rivers Dance Like Promises" and "Seyereh Rising" novel series, numerous short stories, as well as a visual artist. Much like her visual art, her literary style bends, blurs, and stretches the boundaries of our known reality. Though educated in California, her inspirations are derived from her Southern upbringing. She grew up in a time where children were ‘seen but not heard.’ In this era, inquisitive minds flourished, young feet roamed for miles unchecked, unfiltered eyes witnessed wonders and atrocities in equal measure, and ears heard things they never should have, but common sense was applied to never speak of it. However, common sense does not apply to her body of work, as these early experiences have found their way into her writings, in one form or another.
Nekesa Sepiwe's characters are complex in their simplicity, and readers are often challenged to navigate worlds that can harbor an eerie disregard for common times and ordinary places. Her work, inspired by magical realism, explores human experiences with emotional depth and evocative storytelling, making her a unique voice in contemporary African American literature.
Walter Heath - 5.0 out of 5 stars A very satisfying read!
“Seyereh Rising took me on a journey of science-fiction mixed with the human condition that I easily related to. The story, wonderfully character driven, rewarded me with feelings of satisfaction, page after page, for having invested the time spent reading it. At every twist and turn of events, and there are many, Nekesa Sepiwe’s words-eye-view writing throughout, kept the story congruent and cohesive. I heartily recommend it.”
Martine L. Helwig - a book lover, and artist
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful journey of the soul...
“When Rivers Dance Like Promises is a must read for those who are looking for a wonderful story filled with metaphors for lifes' lessons, while exploring some of the mysticism of African culture the connection of the soul's need to discover purpose and the power of love to heal generations in an instant! It is a wonderful story that had me on the edge of my seat at times, meditative at times, emotional at times thinking of my own personal journey as I journey with the characters portrayed in the story. The metaphors are clever and thought provoking, sometimes mini parables...adding a richness that can be applied to one's own life. Worth the read.”
Gloria Emerson - 5.0 out of 5 stars Love it
“As a syfy girl, this hit all the bells and whistles for me. As a woman of color it elevated my narrative. I just gave it to my husband to read to compare notes. ABSOLUTELY beautiful.”
Ernest Mitchell - 5.0 out of 5 stars Be ready for a sensational ride!
“I bought this book anticipating a great adventure, and found myself immersed in an intellectually stimulating and visually provocative story from the very beginning. The world created by the author makes your spirit shudder with the satisfaction that comes with discovery. I’m smiling with every conjured paragraph!”
Bright Eyes - 5.0 out of 5 stars Avid Mystery Buff is Surprised
“I am an avid murder-mystery buff and have been for years. So imagine my surprise when I found out that this novel wasn't my favorite genre, and I still love it. In the world of literature nothing much surprises me, except When Rivers Dance Like Promises. In this most interesting book there are two very easy to follow narrators; one narrator is totally unaware of the other. I found all the characters well developed, and well liked (even the bad seed,Sauda). Although this is a serious tale that can be used as a parable for life, there is just the right amount of comic relief. Just when you think you got it all figured out, Nekesa Sepiwe swings you in a whole new direction. I was absolutely engaged. This is a good story,and well executed. I hated to have it end, but I heard that this is a trilogy, so I can't wait for the next two. That's right, me,the murder-mystery buff. Who knew?!?”
Reviews…
Kristin Barnes - 5.0 out of 5 stars A magical read from cover to cover!
“Nekesa Sepiwe has a masterful gift as a storyteller. Each time I pick up one of her books, including this one, I am mesmerized by the worlds she builds and engrossed in the fates of her characters. I identified deeply with the incessant “calling” that propels Gideon forward and launches him toward new adventures. Nekesa brilliantly weaves deeply spiritual, yet universally human experiences into magical adventures that had me hooked from cover to cover. I eagerly await the next installments of the story.”
