Plot Summary

Beneath the Lion's Gaze

Maaza Mengiste
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Beneath the Lion's Gaze

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010

Book Brief

Maaza Mengiste

Beneath the Lion's Gaze

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia • 1970s

Theme
Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

4.2

3,974 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.2

3,974 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Beneath the Lion's Gaze is Maaza Mengiste's debut novel and it was published in 2010, drawing attention for its vivid portrayal of characters during the Ethiopian Revolution.

The author, Maaza Mengiste, was inspired to write the novel partly based on her own family's experiences and stories during the tumultuous period in Ethiopia's history.

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Beneath the Lion's Gaze was selected by various publications as one of the best books of the year upon its release, highlighting its impact and significance in contemporary literature.

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Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia • 1970s

Theme
Publication Year

2010

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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