The Hidden

The author (Ted) spent nearly a year in Ethiopia between 2013 and 2014 - the birthplace of the human species - living amongst the Ethiopians as a volunteer, and much of what is written is based on his experiences, his travels around the country, his personal perspective of the ways and attitudes of Ethiopians and the friendships he made and difficulties he faced. The book may perhaps be crudely describable as an adventure novel that incorporates Ethiopia's fascinating history, a travel-diary and the author's personal views on life in Ethiopia as well as reflections on his childhood. The places mentioned are real, as are most of the people though precise locations, the timings and the names of people have in certain cases been altered for reasons that will become apparent to the reader. The personal recollections of the author's childhood are also true as is the self-analysis of his past and his pursuit to understand himself.
The reader can check on many of the facts that are presented and the beliefs of the Ethiopians: the Ark of the Covenant and its preservation in Axum, having been brought there by Menelik I the son of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon; the right arm of the True Cross on which Christ was crucified being buried in Gishen Mariam Monastery after being given to Ethiopia by Queen Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, who discovered it; the visit of the Virgin Mary and Christ to the monastery on the island of Tana Qirqos on Lake Tana, when they fled Herod in Israel; and the claim that the Three Wise Men were all Ethiopians. Far-fetched? - No! True? - Possibly! The author leaves you to make up your own mind.
As for The Hidden: whether three thousand years of hiding and preserving has been worthwhile; and whether continuing to hide it is the correct approach?..... Again, the reader is left to make up his or her own mind as to the truth and its significance for mankind. The author would not be drawn on providing more definitive proof or deeper insight. He would only say that the keepers of The Hidden have approved the content of the book and he would not speak further on the subject other than saying that time will tell whether Man proves worthy or finds The Hidden inspiring when, if ever, it is revealed in full.