In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Oloo and Aloo were guided to go forth and fill the earth, giving rise to our diversity as brothers and sisters in the world today.
Many generations later, jo luwo rech, better known as the people who follow fish, found themselves at Nam Lolwe – Lake Victoria, as the source of this abundant supply.
This book traces the historical journey of the Luo from the Garden of Eden to the land of Kush and describes the life of a member of the community from birth to rebirth in the circle of life.
Inspired by stories from the author’s grandmother, it is a representation of her answers to his many questions on the ways of his forefathers and enables the descendants of Kush to understand how they found themselves where they are and the ancestors they have in common with the Dinka, Maasai, Kalenjin, Samburu, and Turkana.
John Akello –
There is a Swahili saying that states, “Mwacha mila ni mtumwa”, which means a person who absconds their culture is nothing but a messenger.
This sets the premise of the book, which takes an indepth analysis into Luo culture from the time you were born until you transcended into the Ancestral realm.
Having been brought up in a more Metropolitan environment, away from my traditional Luo ways, there was an Innate yearning to satisfy the curiosity underlying my rich traditional culture.
This book vividly depicts that with every turn of the page, the elaborate depiction and articulation of events and genealogy will leave you curious for more.
Great Job Tony Olang’ keep up the great penmanship.
Atieno –
I remembered my grandmother my late grandmother so fondly while reading this book.
I came across names of clans in luo land that I’d hear my grandmother mentioning in her conversations.
It was such an easy and captivating read. Thank you for this gift, Tony
Ssanyu –
Tony Olang’s ‘From the Cradle to the Cradle’ is a profound journey through the rich tapestry of African culture, specifically illuminating the story of the Luo nation. As a non-Luo reader, I found this book to be an enlightening exploration of the historical and cultural pathways that have shaped a significant part of East African heritage. The narrative, inspired by the author’s grandmother, offers a unique perspective on the Luo people’s origins, their migration, and their way of life from birth to rebirth in the circle of life.
A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the depth and breadth of African culture beyond stereotypes and surface-level knowledge.
Arthur Kitoloh –
A beautifully written story that represents a celebration of African History, and Luo culture in particular. Well done.