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Historical Fiction· Ethiopia

Beneath the Lion's Gaze

by Maaza Mengiste
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 2010English
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About This Book

Maaza Mengiste's Beneath the Lion's Gaze (2010) stands as one of the most significant works of historical fiction of its era. Set during the Ethiopian Revolution of 1974, Beneath the Lion's Gaze is a gripping tale of a family caught in the turmoil of political change. Mengiste's novel provides a vivid depiction of the revolution's impact on ordinary lives, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience. The book is acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and its insightful portrayal of a pivotal moment in Ethiopian history. Themes of revolution, family, sacrifice run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorMaaza Mengiste
Published2010
Country of Origin🇪🇹 Ethiopia
LanguageEnglish
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780393338399
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇪🇹 Ethiopia

This book is part of Ethiopia's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Ethiopia →

Editorial Assessment

Maaza Mengiste published Beneath the Lion's Gaze in 2010, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of historical fiction from Ethiopia. The book's treatment of revolution, family, sacrifice, resilience accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Beneath the Lion's Gaze among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to Beneath the Lion's Gaze for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of revolution, family, sacrifice, resilience is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within Ethiopia's literary landscape, Maaza Mengiste occupies a significant position. Beneath the Lion's Gaze is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
list · global
20100
✍️
About the Author
Maaza Mengiste
Ethiopia
View Author →

Maaza Mengiste is a Ethiopia author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beneath the Lion's Gaze about?

Set during the Ethiopian Revolution of 1974, Beneath the Lion's Gaze is a gripping tale of a family caught in the turmoil of political change. Mengiste's novel provides a vivid depiction of the revolution's impact on ordinary lives, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and resilience. The book is acclaimed for its powerful storytelling and its insightful portrayal of a pivotal moment in Ethiopian history.

Who wrote Beneath the Lion's Gaze?

Beneath the Lion's Gaze was written by Maaza Mengiste, from Ethiopia. First published in 2010.

What awards has Beneath the Lion's Gaze won?

Beneath the Lion's Gaze has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Beneath the Lion's Gaze worth reading?

Beneath the Lion's Gaze is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in revolution, family, sacrifice.

Where can I buy Beneath the Lion's Gaze?

You can buy Beneath the Lion's Gaze on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Beneath the Lion's Gaze?

Beneath the Lion's Gaze is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is Beneath the Lion's Gaze from?

Beneath the Lion's Gaze originates from Ethiopia's literary tradition. Explore more books from Ethiopia on our country page.

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