In 2013, working in a complex cave system in South Africa, paleoanthropologist, Lee Berger, and his team attempted to uncover information about human’s ancestry. Deep within the caves, they discovered several fossils, including a previously unknown human ancestor with a smaller brain. Dubbing the ancestor Naledi, this species is believed to have wandered the earth around the same time as homosapiens. Part narrative, part science Lee Berger recounts his harrowing experiences, explanations for different actions. the evidence they came face to face with, and what they learned about humans.

Narrated by the author, Lee Berger, his pacing and intonations work well with his story. Engaging and informative, he adds authority and experience to his narration of the work. The novel’s narrative is engaging and draws the reader into the book. The science is fascinating, unique, and easy to understand. Included are primary sources, secondary sources, appendices, photos, and an index. Recommended for readers who enjoy narrative non-fiction, ancient history, and science. Recommended for most library collections.

Please Note: A copy of this audiobook was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. No other compensation was received.

The book is engaging, especially for a non-fiction work. Often when an author reads their own book, I tend to cringe. This author was excellent reading his book, he managed to convey the tone of what was occurring beautifully. The discoveries were well presented and the excitement would engage me enough to draw me in. I only have basic college courses in past discoveries dated by at least 30 years and still found this an interesting read/listen.

This was like Indiana Jones meets Richard Leakey. It is a truly fascinating tale. The first third of the book sets the stage by discussing recent discoveries in paleoanthropology and their effects on our understanding of the hominid family tree. Then the excitement and adventure kick in. Even if only a fraction of the speculations and implications in the last few chapters are supported by future studies, it will still be an amazing discovery. I gasped out loud while listening to the audio version of the book and even shed a few tears! Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of the audio version of this book.

I don't read much nonfiction. I know. I know. I really need to add more to my literary diet, but I get so swept away into stories that it's hard to stay grounded in reality. That is not the case with this novel. I devoured it and I feel like I learned so much! For example, did you know that humans are only species to fully comprehend death? It's a uniquely human trait to know that one day we will die and we prepare for it. Other species can recognize death... but not truly comprehend it and all it entails. And this was just one of the nuggets I picked out of this novel to share. There was so much learning, but it read like an Indiana Jones saga.

I also learned so much about the Rising Star Cave finds. This discovery was shattering for many reasons, but the main one is that it proved different species of Homo co-existed: Homo Naledi and early Homo Sapiens.

Berger is awe-inspiring. What a commitment to get in shape enough to brave the cave system... and then to find all that he found while there!

If you need an action-packed and thoroughly educational nonfiction read -> this is it!

(We are watching Indiana Jones this year and I will be recommending this novel to everyone!!)

watched the netflix special about this expedition and am so glad to have found the book! so much more detail and depth in the book to enhance what was presented in the show. Bergers passion and knowledge come through every page. it’s exciting! i’m struck that there isn’t more public noise around these discoveries. i hope expéditions continue and other team members get to share their experiences from time within the cave.

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It is read by one of the authors (Lee Berger) and describes his research of the Homo naledi at the Rising Star Cave System in South Africa. To me this book was a great combination of adventure and science. Berger worked with a group of cavers who explored the caves while documenting and collecting bones buried deep within. Because of the narrow passages, Berger himself had never gone to the site in the caves where these bones were found. It took losing 50 lbs before Berger could attempt the arduous journey himself. What he saw completely changed his understanding of the caves and shed new light on the Naledi. The caves and the research are carefully described, the findings on the Naledi are fascinating and potentially re-write our understanding of 'human' evolution, but what elevates this book is the first hand account and the excitement of the author. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.