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
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.
confusedvicky's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
hannia222's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lipglossmaffia's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
generalalarm's review against another edition
4.0
Heavy and difficult, but insightful and enriching. This book takes you into the hearts and minds of the people who are part of Ethiopia's 1974 coup d'etat, either by choice, or by unlucky accident. The book is truly agonizing. It doesn't flinch from difficult topics or pull its punches in any ways. Perhaps because of this, it works well both as a character study and an examination of an entire family caught up in the revolution, each of whom must make hard choices about their personal beliefs and values in the face of danger.
summernajjar's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
nkfanning's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0