Adwa from Dawn to Twilight - Paperback

by Amare Tegbaru (Author)

At Emperor Menelik II's monument in Addis Ababa, an unusual gathering begins to form around Fekadu Mola-a troubled poet, former student performer and relentless teller of uncomfortable truths.

Dismissed by some as a madman, Fekadu draws students, elders, passers-by and public officials into a spirited retelling of the Battle of Adwa. Through humour, satire, poetry, historical testimony and public debate, the gathering recalls how Ethiopians crossed regional, ethnic and religious boundaries to confront colonial invasion and secure their country's independence in 1896.

Yet Fekadu is not merely recounting the past. He is resisting attempts to diminish, distort or appropriate its meaning. As his improvised performance grows more daring, Adwa becomes a lens through which the characters confront contemporary struggles over historical memory, political power, Ethiopian identity and national unity.

Blending historical fiction with Ethiopia's oral storytelling tradition, Adwa: From Dawn to Twilight moves between comedy and tragedy, apparent madness and moral clarity. At its centre stands an unforgettable character whose fractured mind may perceive truths that others are unwilling-or afraid-to speak.

Written for Ethiopians, the diaspora and international readers alike, this short historical novel presents Adwa not simply as a military victory, but as an enduring African testament to resistance, dignity and collective courage.

Gathering an audience before Emperor Menelik II's monument in Addis Ababa, the troubled poet Fekadu Mola transforms a public square into a stage for remembering the Battle of Adwa. Through satire, poetry and historical testimony, he challenges distortions of the past and reminds his listeners how Ethiopians united to defeat colonial invasion. Blending humour with growing tragedy, Adwa: From Dawn to Twilight explores historical memory, political power, national identity and the dangerous courage required to speak uncomfortable truths.