Beneath the Lion's Gaze
Beneath the Lion's Gaze
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010
Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia • 1970s
2010
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Beneath the Lion’s Gaze by Maaza Mengiste follows Hailu, a doctor in 1970s Ethiopia, as he grapples with personal and moral dilemmas amid political upheaval and violence. As protests erupt against the Emperor and a brutal neo-Stalinist regime takes over, Hailu's family faces severe trials, highlighting the humanity and struggle during Ethiopia's turbulent decade. The novel contains graphic depictions of torture and violence.
Dark
Challenging
Emotional
Mysterious
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
3,974 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Maaza Mengiste's Beneath the Lion's Gaze has been widely praised for its evocative prose, rich historical detail, and compelling characters, capturing Ethiopia's revolution with emotional intensity. However, some critics note uneven pacing and a heavy-handed narrative at times. Overall, it's celebrated for its powerful, immersive storytelling and deep emotional impact.
Who Should Read Beneath the Lion's Gaze?
Readers who relish captivating historical fiction set in politically tumultuous times will be drawn to Maaza Mengiste's Beneath the Lion's Gaze. Comparable to Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner, it appeals to those intrigued by cultural intricacies and the human saga amidst revolution.
3,974 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia • 1970s
2010
Adult
18+ years
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