A review by blessing_aj
Beneath the Lion's Gaze by Maaza Mengiste

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book is incredibly soulful, deeply poetic and slowly paced, perhaps because Mengiste wanted the reader to see and feel every moment so that we can discover like the Ethiopians did in 1974, that we are collectively responsible for saving ourselves and if we fail, then we are all in for it.

This book was the first I ever read that highlights the role of Russia and Cuba in the military junta in Ethiopia in 1964, as well in the war between Ethiopia and Somalia and between Ethiopia and Eritrea. It messed with my emotions, a lot but she hit every mark and I am so glad I dared to read it again.