Beneath the Lion’s Gaze
Maaza Mengiste
January 2010
305 pages
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For the FTC: How many times do I have to tell you…I bought this book.
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This is a wonderful book, if you can call a book about a revolution wonderful, particularly since it is quite graphic with scenes of torture, rape and murder. Set in Ethiopia in the 1970s, this is a fictionalized account of the overthrow of Haile Selassie and the establishment of a communist state. Originally, the revolution was instigated by student demonstrations in reaction to severe drought. However, it was soon hijacked by the military, which instituted a totalitarian regime and enlisted aid from the USSR.
The book focuses on one family and their different reactions to and involvement in the revolution. Hailu is a physician who lives in Addis Ababa with his two grown sons. His elder son, Yonas, is a university professor who tends to take the path of least resistance, conforming in order to be safe. Yonas is a family man who does not want any attention drawn to his family. The younger son, Dawit, is more passionate, and gets drawn into the student resistance. Dawit often neglects to consider the effect of his actions on the family. The tension within the family is considerable, as everyone has different opinions on Ethiopia’s troubles and how they can be resolved. In addition to the political tension, the family is also dealing with death and illness, as well as generational conflict. There’s a lot to think about (and discuss, if you’re in need of a book club book).
As the revolution progresses and the military establishes strict rule, cracking down on dissent and free speech, we see the impact on Hailu’s family and their friends. Dawit’s childhood friend, who grows up and joins the army, is perhaps the most compelling story. While Mickey is forced to do things that are abhorrent to him, he goes along with things to save his own skin. This character serves to raise interesting questions…what would you do in order to live? While it’s easy to condemn people’s actions, it’s hard to know what you would do in a similar situation.
While the book illustrates all of the problems of the new regime, it also doesn’t hesitate to show the injustices under Haile Selassie’s rule. There was certainly no easy fix for Ethiopia, and I think the author did a great job in portraying both sides, although at times it does read like a condemnation of communism.
The only other person I know that has read this book is My Friend Amy, and she loved it, too. But this book deserves more than just our raves…you should give it a chance, too.
I have to be in the right mood to read books like this as they are so amazingly depressing. This one does sound intriguing in that the issues it brings forth are important and interesting though.
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Amy’s review earned this a place on my ‘list’ and yours has confirmed it!
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This book sounds incredible! I’ve had it on the wish list for quite some time but haven’t picked it up yet. Maybe soon!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Review: Maria, or The Wrongs of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft =-.
I love books like this and drive Carl crazy when I read them because all I can do is talk about them while I’m reading them. Great review!
This is one I’d like to read. I enjoy learning more about places and events that I don’t know enough about. I’ve been on a bit of a middle eastern role recently so once I get off that maybe I will switch to Africa?
I just don’t know if this is something I want to read … it sounds like I should but I can’t say that I’m frothing at the mouth for it.
.-= Jenners´s last blog ..Reading with the Little One: "Hound from the Pound" by Jessica Swaim and Jill McElmurry =-.
I must have seen this on Amy’s blog because it’s on my tbr list but I don’t know how it got there
Obviously it caught my eye and after seeing it on your blog, I KNOW I’m going to love it.
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This definitely sounds like something I’d like to read – thanks for bringing it to my attention or I probably wouldn’t have heard of it!
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This sounds like a compelling novel. I find that reading about intense political situations and physical/mental abuse difficult to digest, because of the emotional and graphic nature of the story. But, they are always worth it for the awareness you gain and the many facets of humanity they explore.
Great review,
Lydia
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All I know about Haile Selassie is from the little I know about Reggae music (I love it — at least the kind from Bob Marley’s time). Between you and Amy, I see this is don’t-miss book.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..What’s in a Name? 3: Finished =-.
I bought a copy of this book after reading Amy’s review and am so glad you liked it too, Jill. The book sounds so interesting, not to mention like a must read book.
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