The Shadow King

The Shadow King presents a lesser known chapter in the story of World War II: the Italian invasion of Ethiopia–more specifically, the role women played in the conflict. Mengiste's story is fully imagined here. Readers can easily identify with Hirut and her intense desire to keep ahold of her gun, a gift from her father. Aster's wishes and desires were less easy to understand. I never quite grasped what she wanted and didn't want, particularly in her relationship with Hirut. All together, this story moves with tremendous writing and a compelling storyline.