by Maaza Mengiste
Here we find sad descriptions of the events taking place in Addis Ababa in 1974 during the communist revolution in the life of Hailu, a doctor, his family and friends. One of the alternating narratives is about the presumed last tragic days and thoughts of the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie. The emperor and those who fought Italian colonialism are now considered the “Enemy of the People.” As with many revolutions, this one was also followed by a reign of terror and we observe the atrocities committed by the new rulers supported by other communist regimes. Gradually, properties and privileges are taken away from the Hailu and others. People are sent to jail and do not come back, no one is immune from arrest and suspicion while neighbors are afraid of each other. During this upheaval, the love and bonding between father and sons, mothers and children, friend’s betrayal, and the dignity of an ancient kingdom, are revealed. It is a painful story but enlightening about this African nation.
Here we find sad descriptions of the events taking place in Addis Ababa in 1974 during the communist revolution in the life of Hailu, a doctor, his family and friends. One of the alternating narratives is about the presumed last tragic days and thoughts of the Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie. The emperor and those who fought Italian colonialism are now considered the “Enemy of the People.” As with many revolutions, this one was also followed by a reign of terror and we observe the atrocities committed by the new rulers supported by other communist regimes. Gradually, properties and privileges are taken away from the Hailu and others. People are sent to jail and do not come back, no one is immune from arrest and suspicion while neighbors are afraid of each other. During this upheaval, the love and bonding between father and sons, mothers and children, friend’s betrayal, and the dignity of an ancient kingdom, are revealed. It is a painful story but enlightening about this African nation.
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