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figgy_pudding's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Brutal and harrowing and incredible.
There were some odd switches to 1st person from 3rd person that didn't really work for ne very occasionally which is why it's not 5 stars
There were some odd switches to 1st person from 3rd person that didn't really work for ne very occasionally which is why it's not 5 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Self harm, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, and Medical trauma
amyjo25's review
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
lisagray68's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
missnicolerose's review against another edition
5.0
An extremely graphic portrayal of the war and devastation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the 1970s, particularly as it affects the various members of one affluent family.
As a white American, I grew up with images of starving Ethiopian children on infomercials, and parents trying to get us to finish dinner by saying "There are starving kids in Ethiopia!". Unfortunately, it seems as if it became a cultural euphemism for excessively skinny body types in my region. Furthermore, I was never actually informed (in school or otherwise) as to the cause of this famine in Ethiopia nor the nationwide war and humanitarian crisis Ethiopians were facing.
Seeing each fictional family member's perspective and how it evolves throughout the conflict is particularly appealing. Mengiste has provided a range of political views and illustrates how a family and friends can either slowly be torn apart or alternately unite, when facing such a crisis.
As a white American, I grew up with images of starving Ethiopian children on infomercials, and parents trying to get us to finish dinner by saying "There are starving kids in Ethiopia!". Unfortunately, it seems as if it became a cultural euphemism for excessively skinny body types in my region. Furthermore, I was never actually informed (in school or otherwise) as to the cause of this famine in Ethiopia nor the nationwide war and humanitarian crisis Ethiopians were facing.
Seeing each fictional family member's perspective and how it evolves throughout the conflict is particularly appealing. Mengiste has provided a range of political views and illustrates how a family and friends can either slowly be torn apart or alternately unite, when facing such a crisis.
kristy_102's review against another edition
4.0
The book follows a surgeon and his family through the overthrow of the Ethiopian monarchy and its aftermath. It is well-written, with characters who are complex enough that you understand all of their (often vastly different) perspectives and can sympathise with even those you might not expect. It is a fantastic commentary on the ways in which a regime or an idea can become more powerful than- and sometimes counter- the intentions of the people involved in it, and the ways in which both oppressors and oppressed can be similarly fighting for survival. It's certainly a page-turner, and at times a very gruesome one, but the author has a talent for balancing the horror of reality with a profound (but much more gentle) insight into the parallel reality they experience in unconsciousness.
It is fictional, but based on true events. Overall I think it offers good (and surprisingly objective) insight into a war I knew nothing about, while respecting the humanity of everyone involved enough not to pass judgement, which seems very gracious to me.
It is fictional, but based on true events. Overall I think it offers good (and surprisingly objective) insight into a war I knew nothing about, while respecting the humanity of everyone involved enough not to pass judgement, which seems very gracious to me.
dawncasters's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I really enjoyed this fictionalized account of the Ethiopian revolution and the overthrow of the monastic government in turn for a faux-Marxist military regime. I read Mengiste’s latest book, The Shadow King, before I read this and while I enjoyed that book it was definitely more brutal and slower to work through. This book captivated me in her beautiful prose and her meticulous historial research. I’ve really been interested in reading novels that depict radical history within Third World nations and this book stood out for her dedication to expanding on the rise of the Derg. I think historical fiction can oftentimes do a better job of conveying the multiple perspectives and emotions that arise during a people’s revolution. As someone who sees himself as an anti-imperialist and burgeoning communist, I value books that came place me into key moments where history was in the making. Especially on the African continent in instances where people strove for liberation for colonialist powers. I hesitated to give this book a five because I think there were some moments where the plot was lost. But I really enjoyed the characters and the historical account of this moment in the Horn of Africa. I recommend it to people aware of the history but interested in exploring it more.
soonerlit22's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
clarereadstheworld's review against another edition
4.5
There are some books which you read, then put down and move on from. Then there are the books which move you, and stay with you for a long time after. Beneath the Lion’s Gaze is definitely the latter. This is a beautiful, tragic, haunting story I'm not about to forget.
The story follows one family, and their local community throughout the early stages of the Ethiopian revolution which began in 1974. While the author makes it clear that this is a work of fiction, Mengiste also carried out extensive historical research before writing, and while historical facts and events may have been altered or condensed, the essence of this novel was very much the reality for Ethiopians during the 1974 revolution, and the following years under Derg's violent rule. (There are no official figures, but Amnesty International estimates the death doll could be hundreds of thousands.)
I think the narrative displayed the strength and courage of the Ethiopian people, who seemed powerless against their cruel government, but still tried to mount a resistance well. I really enjoyed the portrayal of the characters, who were all flawed in the own ways, and just trying to do the right thing in circumstances where it is not always easy to tell right from wrong. There are a lot of grey areas explored, and complex moral questions. I liked how the narrative switched between characters, so you really got to know the whole community. I grew to know these characters so well, and I really felt their pain.
The ending is left very open and uncertain. Of course I would have preferred a happily ever after style ending, but at the same time the book is more authentic in this way. Some Ethiopian families may have got a happily ever after ending, but for so many other families this was not this case, and it wouldn't be fair to portray it as such.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you're interested in Ethiopian history, or if you enjoy stories about revolutions, and their impact on the population. The writing is beautiful and compassionate.
The story follows one family, and their local community throughout the early stages of the Ethiopian revolution which began in 1974. While the author makes it clear that this is a work of fiction, Mengiste also carried out extensive historical research before writing, and while historical facts and events may have been altered or condensed, the essence of this novel was very much the reality for Ethiopians during the 1974 revolution, and the following years under Derg's violent rule. (There are no official figures, but Amnesty International estimates the death doll could be hundreds of thousands.)
I think the narrative displayed the strength and courage of the Ethiopian people, who seemed powerless against their cruel government, but still tried to mount a resistance well. I really enjoyed the portrayal of the characters, who were all flawed in the own ways, and just trying to do the right thing in circumstances where it is not always easy to tell right from wrong. There are a lot of grey areas explored, and complex moral questions. I liked how the narrative switched between characters, so you really got to know the whole community. I grew to know these characters so well, and I really felt their pain.
The ending is left very open and uncertain. Of course I would have preferred a happily ever after style ending, but at the same time the book is more authentic in this way. Some Ethiopian families may have got a happily ever after ending, but for so many other families this was not this case, and it wouldn't be fair to portray it as such.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you're interested in Ethiopian history, or if you enjoy stories about revolutions, and their impact on the population. The writing is beautiful and compassionate.
rhodaj's review against another edition
4.0
This was my read the world selection for Ethiopia.
In Addis Ababa in 1974, as the country is on the brink of a revolution, Hailu is a doctor who is losing his wife to illness. As chaos and bloodshed descend, Hailu’s two sons respond in very different ways. Yonas, the older son retreats to the prayer room and pleads for an end to the violence. Dawit, the younger son responds by joining an underground resistance movement.
When Hailu helps a victim of state-sanctioned torture to die, he is ordered to report to jail and conflict escalates both inside and outside of his family and they are forced to examine the bonds of family and friendship.
There is not a lot of plot to this story and it is more an examination and experience of the conflict from the perspective of several family members. This is an interesting way to learn about history, despite this being a work of fiction.
Although I liked the characters, I didn’t feel fully engaged with them until a long way into the book and even then, I can’t say they really leapt off the page for me. I did find this book interesting (and rather gruesome at times), but I never felt as emotionally connected to it as I would have liked to have been. Despite this, the author has a lovely writing style that I enjoyed reading and although it’s more a 3.75 rating for me, I’m rounding it up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.
In Addis Ababa in 1974, as the country is on the brink of a revolution, Hailu is a doctor who is losing his wife to illness. As chaos and bloodshed descend, Hailu’s two sons respond in very different ways. Yonas, the older son retreats to the prayer room and pleads for an end to the violence. Dawit, the younger son responds by joining an underground resistance movement.
When Hailu helps a victim of state-sanctioned torture to die, he is ordered to report to jail and conflict escalates both inside and outside of his family and they are forced to examine the bonds of family and friendship.
There is not a lot of plot to this story and it is more an examination and experience of the conflict from the perspective of several family members. This is an interesting way to learn about history, despite this being a work of fiction.
Although I liked the characters, I didn’t feel fully engaged with them until a long way into the book and even then, I can’t say they really leapt off the page for me. I did find this book interesting (and rather gruesome at times), but I never felt as emotionally connected to it as I would have liked to have been. Despite this, the author has a lovely writing style that I enjoyed reading and although it’s more a 3.75 rating for me, I’m rounding it up to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5.