Author: Aida Edemariam
publisher name: HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780007459629
The Wife's Tale" by Aida Edemariam is the extraordinary story of a resilient 95-year-old woman, Yetemegnu, set against the backdrop of Ethiopia's tumultuous history. Born in Gondar a century ago, Yetemegnu's life unfolds through dramatic changes in her country. Married at a young age to an ambitious poet-priest, she witnesses events such as Fascist invasion, Allied bombardment, exile from her city, the rise and fall of Emperor Haile Selassie, revolution, and civil war.
Aida Edemariam, Yetemegnu's granddaughter, narrates this intimate memoir, offering a unique perspective on both a personal life and a nation's history. The prose is immersed in Yetemegnu's distinctive voice, recounting her childhood surrounded by priests and soldiers, her husband's imprisonment, and her fight for justice. The narrative is interwoven with the ancient cycle of festivals and the rhythms of the seasons, providing a rich tapestry of Ethiopian culture.
The book introduces a diverse cast of characters, including emperors, empresses, scholars, nuns, Marxist revolutionaries, and wartime double agents, offering readers a deep dive into the complex landscape and culture of Ethiopia.
