Addis Ababa Noir

Exploring the complexities of life in Ethiopia's capital

Maaza Mengiste editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Cassava Republic Press

Published:20th Jul '21

Should be back in stock very soon

Addis Ababa Noir cover

A powerful collection of noir stories that explore the complexities of life in Addis Ababa, revealing its dark edges and multifaceted characters.

In Addis Ababa Noir, readers are invited into a collection of compelling noir stories that delve into the intricate realities of Ethiopia's capital. Set against the backdrop of a city rich with history, myth, and memory, these narratives explore the contrasts that define life in Addis Ababa. The stories unfold in a place where the past weighs heavily on the present, creating a complex tapestry of human experience that is both captivating and disorienting.

These tales are not for the faint-hearted; they venture into the darker aspects of humanity, revealing the fraught terrain of the human heart. The characters are multidimensional, challenging our perceptions and judgments as they navigate their own tumultuous lives. Each writer brings a unique voice to the collection, compelling readers to engage deeply while grappling with the unsettling truths presented within. The stories push boundaries and invite contemplation, making it clear that the essence of Addis Ababa cannot be easily contained in a single volume.

Addis Ababa Noir features the work of some of Ethiopia's most talented authors, both local and expatriate. They skillfully weave together myth and reality, exploring the shadows that linger in their homeland. Through these narratives, readers gain insight into the complexities of a city in flux, where each story reflects the rich and often painful history that shapes its identity.

What I found when I wanted to read the next short story in this anthology, was that I had to take a rest. The stories in Addis Ababa Noir are that powerful. The finished story was good. Ergo, I wanted to read the next one.
Not all the stories involve crime, but the anthology contains many gems and all hold a mirror to life and death in a country riven by civil warfare, notably one by Mengiste herself where experts from Argentina are called in to identify bodies of ‘disappeared’ Ethiopians. On the lighter side there is a wonderful piece of social observation in Bewketu Seyoum’s Under the Minibus Ceiling which follows the random thoughts and conversations of passengers on a bus, which range from the price of berbere (a blend of hot spices integral to Ethiopian cooking), how to confuse the Prophet Isiah with the President of Eritrea and who, exactly, is Angelina Jolie?

ISBN: 9781913175191

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

256 pages

International