Author Archives: 21wschmitz

The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste focuses on the bloody Italian invasion of Ethiopia. A realistic depiction of war, the novel includes scenes of brutal violence against men, women, and children—soldiers and civilians. One character specifically, Kidane, is personally forced to grapple with the horrors and consequences of the war.   Although most of the characters in Maaza Mengiste’s The Shadow King come … Continue reading →