Daniel Mengara was born in Minvoul, Gabon, in 1967. He holds a BA from Omar Bongo University in Gabon, an MA from Illinois State University, and a PhD and MA from the University of Nice, France.
Mengara has published several articles in the areas of francophone, post-colonial, and African studies. Mema is his debut novel. He is also founder of the Bongo Doit Partir, a political organisation which sets itself in opposition to the Omar Bongo regime and which promotes democracy in Gabon.
He currently works as Professor of World Languages and Cultures at Montclair State University and is the Executive Director of SORAC (Society of Research on African Cultures).

In this debut novella, Daniel Mengara captures the incredible story of a Gabonese mother who resists the unjust pressures of her village. At its core, Mema is an unforgettable tale about resilience and a culture in transition.
Told through the eyes of her son, Mema's story is an unforgettable one. A powerful woman in her village, her sharp tongue and stubborn principles frequently provoke outrage. So when the unthinkable happens and her husband turns violent, her neighbours choose to blame her.
Matters take a turn for the worse when her husband is unexpectedly found dead - and Mema is the main suspect. It quickly becomes clear that she must fight to be believed or she risks losing custody over her children for good.
In this profound and touching tale, Daniel Mengara brings to life the changing customs and beliefs of a rural Gabonese village, interweaving prose with traditional oral storytelling.