Literary Fiction
Date Published: May 14, 2026
Publisher: Manhattan Book Group
A moving literary novel about friendship, identity, belonging, and the
search for home in a divided America.
In the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial reckoning of 2020, two
unlikely friends are forced to confront what home really means.
A young Black man and a middle-aged White man meet through the Indianapolis
tech company where they both work. Though separated by age, race, and life
experience, they discover a powerful connection through music, poetry, and the
emotional landscapes that have shaped them. What begins as an unusual
friendship becomes something deeper as both men find themselves questioning
the world around them—and their place within it.
Disillusioned by their state’s response to the pandemic and shaken by
the racial strife unfolding across the country, the two men leave Indianapolis
on a transformative journey. Against the eerie backdrop of a fractured
America, they face isolation, grief, uncertainty, and the complicated truths
that define love, loyalty, friendship, and identity.
As the road carries them away from everything familiar, they begin to
reevaluate their beliefs, their histories, and the meaning of belonging.
Through shared adversity, conversation, art, and memory, they forge a bond
that challenges them to see themselves—and each other—with greater
honesty and compassion.
The Edge of Motherland by Michael Leppert is a moving work of cultural
heritage fiction for readers who appreciate character-driven literary fiction,
contemporary historical fiction, stories of unlikely friendship, and novels
that explore race, resilience, connection, and hope during uncertain times.
“Motherland is a poignant story about love, friendship,
identity—and the music, poetry, and places that shape us.”
—Lesley
Weidenbener, Managing Editor, Indianapolis Business Journal
Review
Michael Leppert has written an emotionally resonant novel that captures the complexity of modern America without losing sight of the individuals living within it.
The Edge of Motherland shines brightest in its portrayal of friendship, showing how connection can survive even when beliefs and experiences collide.
Every character feels fully realized, and their personal journeys toward acceptance and belonging are both moving and believable.
About the Author
Michael Leppert is an award-winning lecturer, columnist, essayist, and author
based in Indianapolis, Indiana. A longtime communicator, public affairs
professional, and educator, Leppert brings decades of experience in
government, policy, business, and storytelling to his work.
He teaches speech and writing at Indiana University’s Kelley School of
Business and serves as an adjunct professor at IU’s O’Neill School
of Public and Environmental Affairs. He earned his B.S. in Public Affairs from
Indiana University and his M.S. in Communication from Northwestern University,
building a career rooted in the two fields that have shaped his life:
government and communication.
Before entering academia and writing, Leppert spent thirteen years in public
service for the State of Indiana. His career began at the Indiana Boys School,
where he worked for five years and later served as program manager in the
Intensive Treatment Unit. He then spent eight years at the Indiana Utility
Regulatory Commission, ultimately serving as Executive Director of the IURC.
In that role, he became known for his ability to explain complex and often
controversial issues with clarity, insight, and accessibility.
After leaving state government in 2002, Leppert spent two decades as a
private-sector lobbyist, public affairs consultant, and communications
advisor, working with corporations, nonprofits, government leaders, community
organizations, and business executives to help advance strategic priorities.
His experience with public policy, political systems, and institutional
decision-making has deeply informed his fiction and nonfiction writing.
Leppert began writing a weekly column in 2014, with his work appearing in
newspapers throughout Indiana. His first book, Contrary to Popular Belief: A
Chronicle of a Progressive in Indiana, was published in 2016. His novel
Flipping the Circle, published by Greenleaf Book Group in 2021, is a political
thriller that draws from his deep knowledge of Indiana politics, lobbying, and
government culture. His fiction explores power, corruption, identity,
morality, and the complicated human stories behind public life.
At the heart of Leppert’s work is a passion for helping people
understand complicated ideas through story. Whether in the classroom, in
public commentary, or on the page, he is driven by the belief that
storytelling can bring clarity, challenge assumptions, and create meaningful
connection.
Michael lives in a historic neighborhood in downtown Indianapolis with his
wife, Amy Levander, and their rescue dog, Birdie. He has two adult children,
Alex and Jack. He and Amy are competitive golfers, beach walkers, and
enthusiastic lovers of live music, comedy, and theater.
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