First published 2020
Addis Ababa presents itself as a harmonious blend where wealthy and impoverished residents coexist peacefully across its sprawling neighborhoods. This facade crumbles in fourteen original stories that probe the shadows beneath the surface. The contributors examine post-revolution trauma, exploring how guilt and vengeance poison relationships in a city still healing from political upheaval. Some tales venture into surreal territory, reflecting a culture where mountain dwellers transform into hyenas and reality bends in unexpected ways. Each story anchors itself in a specific district of the Ethiopian capital, from bustling markets to quiet residential areas. The collection captures characters wrestling with loss and seeking retribution in a metropolis where ancient traditions collide with modern aspirations. These narratives reveal how revolution's aftermath continues to shape individual lives, creating cycles of violence and redemption that echo through generations.
Genres: fiction, short-stories, african-literature, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: cycles-of-violence, redemption, revenge
Setting: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Period: post-revolution
268 pages · Kindle Edition · Akashic Books
Content warnings: violence