Ethiopia is a nation that needs no introduction when it comes to coffee culture. The country’s love affair with coffee has been perfected over centuries, and its rich aroma fills the air in every corner. But did you know that Ethiopia is more than just a haven for coffee lovers? With a population of 117 million people, making it the 12th most populous country in the world and the 2nd in Africa, it borders several countries including Eritrea, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, and Djibouti.
For those eager to explore this vibrant nation further, there’s no better way than immersing oneself in its culture through travel. However, for many of us, traveling may not be a feasible option. That’s where books come in – a wonderful way to learn about Ethiopia without leaving your doorstep. We’ve curated a list of 19 Ethiopian books that cater to both children and adults, featuring a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles, including award-winning works.
Let’s delve into this fascinating collection and discover the beauty of Ethiopia through its written word.
Children’s Ethiopian Books
The Lion’s Whiskers: An Ethiopian Folk Tale by Nancy Raines Day, illustrated by Ann Grifalconi
To win the confidence of her stepson, an Ethiopian stepmother embarks on a remarkable journey by plucking three whiskers from a lion’s chin. This bold move not only earns the trust of the mighty beast but also inspires her to develop a stronger bond with her own stepson.
The Story Of Coffee by Sultan Mohamed
The heartwarming tale revolves around a young Ethiopian shepherd who returns home with a batch of beans. Initially, the beans’ bitterness renders them unpalatable for consumption. However, his mother’s culinary expertise transforms their flavor profile by roasting them. As they savor the roasted beans together, they uncover the delightful experience of enjoying a rich and wonderful beverage.
The Best Beekeeper Of Lalibela by Christina Kessler, illustrated by Leonard Jenkins
In the heart of Ethiopia’s mountains lies the village of Lalibela, where tradition and innovation coexist in intricate harmony. Against this backdrop, Alma, a spirited young girl, dares to challenge the societal norms that confine her to predetermined roles. Her bold dream is to become a beekeeper, a profession typically reserved for men.
With unwavering determination, Alma seeks to shatter the glass ceiling, paving the way for future generations of women to take on this once male-dominated vocation.
Andromeda, Princess Of Ethiopia by Various, translated by Alem Beyene and Woubeshet Ayenew
Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage is marked by stories of remarkable individuals who have left a lasting impact on history. One such legend is that of Princess Andromeda, whose beauty was so renowned that it sparked the jealousy of Poseidon, god of the sea. According to myth, Poseidon sent a fearsome sea monster to attack Andromeda, but her would-be killer was thwarted by the heroic Perseus.
Today, we can still see the constellations of Andromeda and Perseus in the Ethiopian sky, a testament to the enduring power of these ancient tales. This edition of the story is presented in both English and Amharic, allowing readers to appreciate the cultural significance of this legendary tale.
The Shadowed Road by W. L. Liberman, illustrated by Janine Carrington
Selome, the protagonist of this captivating book, harbors a dream to become a teacher despite her father’s insistence that she marry a local goat herder instead. In a bold move defying tradition, Selome assumes a male disguise and flees to the capital city. This Ethiopian-inspired graphic novel thoughtfully explores the significance of education as a fundamental right, offering readers multiple endings to choose from and immerse themselves in.
Letter From A Plow Nation: From Ethiopia With Love In Amharic And English by Worku Mulat, illustrated by Daniel Getahun
In this latest iteration, the book is presented in both English and Amharic, as well as other Ethiopian languages. This publication serves as a heartfelt tribute to Ethiopia, a nation blessed with an abundance of natural resources that have faced numerous challenges throughout its history. The pages are brought to life with vibrant illustrations showcasing the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.
The Big Buna Bash by Sara C. Arnold, illustrated by Roberta Malasomma
Alma’s school experience is marred by classmates’ teasing, stemming from a minor blunder. However, what exacerbates the situation is their misinterpretation of Ethiopian cultural norms. Frustrated with the ridicule, Alma takes a proactive approach and organizes a grand Buna Bash to introduce her culture to her peers, hoping it will foster acceptance and understanding.
Ethiopian Novels
Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese
As Ethiopia teeters on the cusp of revolution, two lives are poised to intersect in a dramatic convergence. Twins Marion and Shiva Stone, born of a clandestine union between an Indian nun and a vanished British surgeon, are navigating the complexities of adolescence. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a continent-spanning drama, bridging Africa and America with its sweeping family saga. Notably, the author is also the creative force behind the memoir My Own Country: A Doctor’s Story.
The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste
As you scroll through this list, you’ll notice that Mengiste’s work features prominently, not just because she is an incredible author, but also because her stories resonate deeply. In a literary landscape often dominated by male-centric portrayals of war, Mengiste shines a light on the experiences of women at war, offering a refreshingly unique perspective. Case in point: The Shadow King, which takes readers back to 1935 and the Italian invasion of Ethiopia.
This powerful novel earned a spot on the 2020 Booker Prize shortlist, and for good reason – it’s a masterful exploration of what it means to be a woman at war.
The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by Dinaw Mengestu
In his debut novel, the author delves into the life of Sepha Stephanos, an Ethiopian emigrant who fled the country’s revolution 17 years prior. This poignant story explores themes of immigration, belonging, and the resilience required to establish new roots and create a sense of home in a foreign land.
Open My Eyes, That I May See Marvellous Things by Alice Allan
In the vibrant city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, a poignant tale unfolds through the eyes of Mariam, a dedicated midwife who finds herself entwined in a heart-wrenching journey to protect an abandoned baby. As she navigates this complex situation, Mariam is compelled to confront her own unresolved past, grappling with the scars of abandonment that have haunted her for so long. This powerful narrative went on to win the prestigious 2018-19 People’s Book Prize For Fiction.
Beneath The Lion’s Gaze by Maaza Mengiste
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of Addis Ababa in 1974, just as the revolutionary tide was about to reshape Ethiopia’s destiny. The novel ‘Beneath The Lion’s Gaze’ weaves a poignant narrative that explores the power of friendship amidst the ravages of war and social upheaval. With masterful storytelling, Mengiste masterfully conveys the complexities of this pivotal moment in Ethiopian history, making her debut novel a gripping and informative read.
Addis Ababa Noir by Various
This anthology, edited by Maaza Mengiste, brings together 14 short stories penned by Ethiopian writers, a diverse group comprising both those living in Ethiopia and others based abroad. The contributors include Adam Reta, Mahtem Shiferraw, Linda Yohannes, Sulaiman Addonia, Lelissa Girma, and Rebecca Fisseha. Through these varied voices, the collection pays tribute to the city of Addis Ababa, its rich history, and the enduring myths that surround it.
Nonfiction Ethiopian Books
The Wife’s Tale by Aida Edemariam
In this memoir, Aida Edemariam delves into the life story of her 95-year-old grandmother, weaving together a rich tapestry that explores modern Ethiopia’s transformation from feudalism to democracy over the course of a century. The narrative seamlessly blends the personal and the historical, offering an intimate portrayal of the cultural and sociological landscape of this nation.
Through her grandmother’s experiences, Edemariam masterfully conveys the intricate connections between individual lives and the larger societal shifts that have shaped Ethiopia’s complex history.
Shallow Graves: A Memoir of the Ethiopia-Eritrea War by Richard Reid
The Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict, which raged from 1998 to 2000, serves as the backdrop for Shallow Graves, a deeply personal account that delves into the war’s complexities through a series of firsthand reports and interviews with local eyewitnesses, offering a nuanced analysis of the events both during and outside of the conflict.
I Want To Die With A Flag. Ethiopia: My Delusions and Disillusionment by Vartkes Nalbandian
The memoir’s author, Vartkes Nalbandian, recounts his personal experiences living through three regime changes in Ethiopia. The narrative is interspersed with stories of Armenians in the country, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of Armenian-Ethiopian relations, which are not widely recognized globally.
Held At A Distance: A Rediscovery Of Ethiopia by Rebecca G. Haile
The narrative of this book is shaped by the author’s unique cultural heritage, as she navigates her dual identity as both Ethiopian and American. Through her writing, she invites readers to transcend common misconceptions and clichés about the country, instead offering a nuanced and multifaceted portrayal that delves beyond surface-level headlines.
Rebecca’s personal story serves as a testament to this endeavour, as she recounts her experiences leaving Ethiopia at the tender age of 11 in exile, only to return as an adult with a deeper understanding of her heritage. The book also provides a thought-provoking exploration of the country’s evolution over time, juxtaposing its past and present in a manner that is both insightful and engaging.
No One’s Son by Tewodros Fekadu
In a poignant tale of resilience and perseverance, a young boy is born amidst the chaos of the Ethiopian-Eritrean war. Abandoned by his poverty-stricken mother and ignored by his wealthy father, this child’s life takes on a tumultuous path. The narrative spans from his formative years to adulthood, where he faces the daunting task of securing a visa to Australia and seeking a sense of belonging.
Notes From The Hyena’s Belly: An Ethiopian Boyhood by Nega Mezlekia
This book provides a unique portrayal of Ethiopia and Africa during the tumultuous era of civil war in the 1980s and 1990s. The narrative seamlessly blends reality with myth, offering a refreshingly nuanced perspective on the country that diverges from the often-pedestrian stereotypes perpetuated by the media. The writing is so vivid it’s almost as if you’re reading fiction.
Interestingly, the author has also penned a novel, ‘The God Who Begat A Jackal’, which is definitely worth exploring further. If you’re interested in delving deeper into African literature, our archives offer a treasure trove of information on the subject. For more insight, we drew inspiration from esteemed sources such as the Ethiopian Embassy and Nations Encyclopedia.