"African Europeans: An Untold History" by Olivette Otele is a revelatory exploration of a history that has long been overlooked. Otele masterfully dismantles the misconception that Africans are a recent presence in Europe, unveiling a rich tapestry of stories spanning centuries. With meticulous research and engaging narration, she brings to light both the well-known figures and the lesser-known narratives, painting a vivid picture of the intricate interactions between Africans and Europeans throughout history. This book is a significant contribution to the understanding of Europe's diverse past, showcasing the undeniable influence of Africans on the continent's development. Olivette Otele's work is a must-read for those seeking a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on this integral part of European history. With its eye-opening revelations and thoughtful analysis, "African Europeans" deserves its place as a four-star historical gem that challenges and enriches our understanding of the past.

This book is exactly what you expect from the title and it's great.
Otélé explores in great detail the relations between African and European countries over centuries and how different our current views on race are when it comes to our history. From different countries to different social statuses, we get an array of opinions supported by quotes and footnotes divided into several chapters to paint a full picture.
Through known historical figures, we get an insight into what their life must have been like and Otélé explains the complicated and contradicting views people had during those times. The political and economic situations are well explained and strengthen her narrative as she truly shatters the notion that "black people did not exist in Europe".

The argument that certain people did not exist in history, simply because there are few accounts of them, is a tired one and Olivette Otele tackles that specifically in her comprehensive history, African Europeans. I really enjoyed this book which covered people of African-origin from Ancient Rome to the present. It was educational and full of historical figures and stories I had, sadly, never heard of. My only complaint, if I had one, is that I wanted more! Hopefully Otele will continue to publish on this subject (and others).

I was really excited for this book because it focused on a subject I knew very little about. However, the story was disjointed and kept jumping around which made it hard for me to follow. This, it would have been better if it was told in a more linear format. I still recommend this book because of the subject matter. However, I did like the narrator. I thought it was well-performed.

If you have studied British or global history at university or in the media, you will know that Africans have made significant contributions to the European story. However, while covering individual experiences of Africans in Europe, this important book also discusses theories and concepts of 'othering' from early times through the nineteenth century to modern day politics, with the fears and hatred of the extreme right. This is an excellent book that I will refer to frequently.

2 stars for audio production, 4 stars for book.

This is a pretty great book, but it's an absolutely terrible audiobook. I knew I would be missing out because of not seeing some pictures and maps and stuff, but even more than that, it was like listening to a really dull keynote....recorded. Even dull keynotes are interesting live, because they have visual aids, or asides, or jokes, or reactions from the audience, but this was just....long. So long. Such a worthwhile subject, but not well executed.

The answer to every person who's ever tried to argue that Black people appearing in European period dramas is anachronistic. It's not. People of African descent have been living in European (sometimes by choice, sometimes not) since ancient times. From musicians to soldiers and everything in between, African Europeans have played an important role in the history of Europe. But they have often been either forgotten or willfully erased by those (usually white and male) writing the history books. Otele sets the record straight.

I learned about a number of historical figures I'd either never heard of (Joseph Bologne, French composer almost erased from history by Napoleon) or didn't realize were of African descent (Alexander Pushkin). Maybe too dry for reluctant non-fiction readers but I'm very glad to have read it and learned quite a bit. And the audiobook, narrated by Otele herself, is especially interesting. I always love hearing an author narrator their own book, particularly in non-fiction, if they have the voice and talent to do so well. And Otele certainly does.

Traditionally, when most of us think of Europe, we don't picture how people of color impacted the creation of society or their presence as part of it. The new book African Europeans works to dispel some myths and legends, as well as give attention to prominent figures like Alessandro de Medici , Saint Maurice, and Alexander Pushkin.  Historian Olivette Otele does an incredible job with research and presentation in this book, and she also narrates her own audiobook, which means she puts the emphasis exactly where she wants it. 

African Europeans is a fascinating book and definitely an interesting audiobook to have on hand, whether you're running errands or trying to get a deeper understanding of people of color in European settings. I highly recommend this book and wish this history was taught more readily.

The item was archived the same day I was approved so I was not able to download it. I had waited months to get it. Hopefully one day I can read it. Thanks for trying to get it to me. It looks like something I would really like.

DNF at 7%

This is not a reflection on the content of this book, but unfortunately I just couldn't get through the audiobook. The narration is choppy with oddly placed pauses and emphasis which, in combination with the academic style of the prose, makes it very difficult to follow. The premise of the book, looking at the history of Africans in Europes is an interesting and important one. Perhaps I will return to the material via the physical book at some point in the future, but the audio just isn't going to work for me and that is what I currently have available. I received an audio review copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.