[identity profile] seabookmonger.livejournal.com
Greetings,

My first post here and a shout out of thanks to the list member who visited the indie bookstore where I work and told me about this community. I've enjoyed reading the posts, revisiting some of the books I've enjoyed and finding new ones to read and recommend. Thank you.

Beneath the Lion's Gaze, a debut novel by Maaza Mengiste, has just been published by WW Norton. I can't recommend this novel highly enough. Set in Ethiopia during the last days of Haile Selassie and the beginning of the Derg government (about 1974) this is the story of a physician and his two adult children during a time of terrible violence and tumult, and not just in their country. Some of the scenes in this novel are horrific but, at least in my opinion, not in that distancing, "how could those people do that" way. Instead, we're lead to think about the reasons why people make the choices that they do and the possible turning points along the way. She's no apologist, though, and I appreciate that. I also thought about our own government's participation in these sorts of things.

That said, I fell in love with these characters and read this book in 2 sittings. I'm going to have to read it again. Maaza Mengiste is currently on tour and if you have a chance to see her, please do.

People may compare this novel to Dinaw Mengistu's novel, The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears but please not that while Dinaw's book is set primarily in the US, Maaza's book is set in Ethiopia. Both are wonderful but very different books.
[identity profile] pene.livejournal.com
I don't remember the last time I reviewed a book. But anyway. Take a deep breath and start reviewing...

1. Held At A Distance, Rebecca Haile

In the wake of a military coup deposing the Emperor, Rebecca Haile moved with her family from Ethiopia to the United States. Twenty five years later Haile is the first in her family to return to Ethiopia. The book is a memoir of her extended family and a travelogue of that trip.

excerpt and review with no real spoilers )

2. Samira and Samir, Siba Shakib

When Samira is born, she is not the son her commander father expected. Mortified, and wanting to save his position and protect his family, her father decides to bring Samira up as a boy.

excerpt and review with no real spoilers )

3. Always and Forever, Beverly Jenkins

Our heroine, Grace Atwood, is a pulled-together banker leading a wagon train of potential brides to a town out West. Our hero, Jackson Blake, is rugged and charming and maddening, but perfect for the job of wagonmaster. So Grace commissions Jackson for the difficult journey.

review with no real spoilers )

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