The Shadow King

Name: The Shadow King
Brand: Allen & Unwin
SKU: 9781838851170
Price: 30.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

By Maaza Mengiste

0.0 (0 reviews)

3.66

( 14,725 ratings, 2,001 reviews)

Summary

The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste is a gripping historical fiction novel set during Italy's invasion of Ethiopia in the 1930s. It delves into the often-overlooked contributions of Ethiopian women to their nation's resistance. The story centres on a young servant girl who transforms into a courageous warrior, her journey intertwining with themes of memory, identity, and resilience against oppression.
Read More

Format: Paperback / softback

$30⁰⁰

Elsewhere:

~~$32⁹⁹~~

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

The Shadow King

$30⁰⁰

Elsewhere:

~~$32⁹⁹~~

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're captivated by historical fiction that explores the complexities of war through a fresh perspective. Set during Italy's invasion of Ethiopia in 1935, it delves into themes of courage and the often-overlooked role of female fighters. With its rich storytelling and vivid character portrayal, it offers a gripping portrayal of resilience and resistance.

Shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2020, this is an utterly captivating novel about female strength. Set during Mussolini's 1935 invasion of Ethiopia, The Shadow King casts a light on the women soldiers written out of African history.

Description

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2020

"DEVASTATING" – Marlon James, "A MODERN CLASSIC" – Andrew Sean Greer, "BRILLIANT" – Salman Rushdie, "MAGNIFICENT" – Aminatta Forna, "EPIC" – Mary Morris, "WONDERFUL" – Laila Lalami, "UNFORGETTABLE" – The Times, "REMARKABLE" – New York Times, "A MASTERPIECE" – Washington Post

ETHIOPIA. 1935.

With the threat of Mussolini's army looming, recently orphaned Hirut struggles to adapt to her new life as a maid. Her new employer, Kidane, an officer in Emperor Haile Selassie's army, rushes to mobilise his strongest men before the Italians invade.

Hirut and the other women long to do more than care for the wounded and bury the dead. When Emperor Haile Selassie goes into exile and Ethiopia quickly loses hope, it is Hirut who offers a plan to maintain morale. She helps disguise a gentle peasant as the emperor and soon becomes his guard, inspiring other women to take up arms. But how could she have predicted her own personal war, still to come, as a prisoner of one of Italy's most vicious officers?

The Shadow King is a gorgeously crafted and unputdownable exploration of female power, and what it means to be a woman at war.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste is praised for its powerful portrayal of women in wartime, blending beauty with devastation. Reviewers highlight its lyrical and remarkable narrative, calling it unforgettable and deeply moving, with a protagonist, Hirut, who stands out as a compelling hero. The novel is celebrated for its epic scope and haunting elegance, earning it the status of a modern classic.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781838851170

Publisher: Canongate Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 August 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Canongate Books

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 27.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 297g

Pages: 448

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Maaza Mengiste

About the Author

Maaza Mengiste was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A Fulbright Scholar and professor in the MFA in Creative Writing & Literary Translation programme at Queens College, she is the author of The Shadow King, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and the HWA Gold Crown, and Beneath the Lion's Gaze, named one of the Guardian's Ten Best Contemporary African Books. Her work can be found in the New Yorker, Granta and the New York Times, among other publications. She lives in New York City.
@MaazaMengiste | maazamengiste.com