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A review by clarereadstheworld
Beneath the Lion's Gaze by Maaza Mengiste
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.