Helpful Score: 1
Brilliant novel by a first time Ethiopian writer. Do not let the fact that this book is "fiction" fool you into thinking these events did not occur in Ethiopia. Being married to an Ethiopian who survived during the military (Derg) coup takeover of the Monarchy in 1974, the back story in this book is not fiction. My husband was able to finally leave Ethiopia about 7 years later and attend college in Sweden. It was almost 25 years before my husband was able to return to his homeland for a visit. The oppressive military regime lasted 13 years before the Derg was ousted but not before they executed over tens of thousands of its own fellow Ethiopians. This book is not for the faint of heart - the torture scenes are tough and heartbreaking, but this story need to be told. The physical descriptions of Addis made me long to return to Ethiopia again - I think I left part of my heart in Ethiopia.....ahhhhh the Peacock Cafe.
Absolutely heart gripping. It is fiction, but so based on truth. The story of this family is pure torture, sad yet rich with love. I hated this revolution, but i loved this novel. I could not put it down.
