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I Hope You Find What You're Looking For
A radiant, highly anticipated debut from the Well–Read Black Girl Books series, delving into the secret lives of three women on the eve of Eritrean independence.
The year is 1991. Eritrea is on the verge of liberation from Ethiopian rule and in Washington, D.C.’s tight–knit Eritrean community, change is in the air. Thirteen–year–old Lydia and her family are grappling with what peace—after decades of war—might mean for their future, just as they welcome a new relative into their Berekhet, a cousin newly arrived from Ethiopia to attend medical school. Berekhet encourages Lydia to confront a barrage of new ideas for the first time, about nationhood, family, and what it means to be truly free. Meanwhile, her mother, Elsa, a former rebel fighter, and the family matriarch, Mama Zewdi, contend with regrets and secrets long–buried—secrets that the emboldened Lydia is determined to uncover, including the truth about her martyred father. Written with warmth and sharp humor, Bsrat Mezghebe’s mesmerizing debut novel is a loving ode to an immigrant community on the cusp of a new age.
The year is 1991. Eritrea is on the verge of liberation from Ethiopian rule and in Washington, D.C.’s tight–knit Eritrean community, change is in the air. Thirteen–year–old Lydia and her family are grappling with what peace—after decades of war—might mean for their future, just as they welcome a new relative into their Berekhet, a cousin newly arrived from Ethiopia to attend medical school. Berekhet encourages Lydia to confront a barrage of new ideas for the first time, about nationhood, family, and what it means to be truly free. Meanwhile, her mother, Elsa, a former rebel fighter, and the family matriarch, Mama Zewdi, contend with regrets and secrets long–buried—secrets that the emboldened Lydia is determined to uncover, including the truth about her martyred father. Written with warmth and sharp humor, Bsrat Mezghebe’s mesmerizing debut novel is a loving ode to an immigrant community on the cusp of a new age.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
April 26, 2026
manifesting!
there is a truly insane amount going on in this book — multiple protagonists, multiple perspectives, multiple timelines, multiple settings — as we follow a cast of eritrean women living in DC on the cusp of their home's independence.
this normally drives me crazy, because there is almost always a best (and therefore a worst) pov/time/place, but beyond having some issues placing myself and some frustrations with what felt lik overly cut-and-dry plot points and emotions...
bottom line: i really enjoyed this.
(thanks to libro.fm for the alc)
there is a truly insane amount going on in this book — multiple protagonists, multiple perspectives, multiple timelines, multiple settings — as we follow a cast of eritrean women living in DC on the cusp of their home's independence.
this normally drives me crazy, because there is almost always a best (and therefore a worst) pov/time/place, but beyond having some issues placing myself and some frustrations with what felt lik overly cut-and-dry plot points and emotions...
bottom line: i really enjoyed this.
(thanks to libro.fm for the alc)
March 31, 2026
This book contained interesting themes about intergenerational trauma and family, following your passion versus the pressure of making it financially and “practically,” and immigration and debt in the United States. I also appreciated learning more about the Eritrean War of Independence. Unfortunately, I didn’t love the writing style; it wasn’t engaging to me and took me out of the story. Still, a book with an intriguing and important premise.
November 23, 2025
Our protagonists are two sister-like distant relatives of Eritrean origin, living in Washington, DC, in 1991 and raising the daughter of one of them after escaping the devastating civil war in their home country. The book follows their struggles with daily life in the present while revealing glimpses of the past surrounding the daughter’s birth in the middle of a bloody conflict. At its core, the story explores the meaning of dreams and family in a world increasingly unlike the traditional one they left behind, forcing them to re-evaluate what they hold dear and confront long-buried secrets.
The writing is superb and richly infused with Eritrean culture and cuisine. The dilemmas and emotions shaping the older generation are distinctly non-Western, made starker when set against those of the younger generation raised in relative peace and a different societal context. The story feels deeply genuine—the characters are lifelike, their dialogues are convincing, and the events ring true.
My only issue is that the main plot twist is telegraphed too clearly; the seeds are scattered so widely that the reveal loses some of its potential impact. Greater ambiguity would have allowed the tension to build more effectively. I also found the overall experience just shy of great—slightly less polished than expected, and at times a bit too American in tone. Something indefinable felt missing, leaving the book less memorable than I had hoped.
Still, it is strongly recommended for readers interested in stories of immigrant communities in the West, particularly Eritrean refugees. I learned a great deal from the book, and I expect most readers will as well.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in return for an honest review.
The writing is superb and richly infused with Eritrean culture and cuisine. The dilemmas and emotions shaping the older generation are distinctly non-Western, made starker when set against those of the younger generation raised in relative peace and a different societal context. The story feels deeply genuine—the characters are lifelike, their dialogues are convincing, and the events ring true.
My only issue is that the main plot twist is telegraphed too clearly; the seeds are scattered so widely that the reveal loses some of its potential impact. Greater ambiguity would have allowed the tension to build more effectively. I also found the overall experience just shy of great—slightly less polished than expected, and at times a bit too American in tone. Something indefinable felt missing, leaving the book less memorable than I had hoped.
Still, it is strongly recommended for readers interested in stories of immigrant communities in the West, particularly Eritrean refugees. I learned a great deal from the book, and I expect most readers will as well.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in return for an honest review.
February 26, 2026
The stories we inherit and the ones we choose to tell.
In 1991, while Eritrea stands on the brink of independence, in Washington D.C.'s close-knit Eritrean community, one family's reckoning mirrors that of their homeland. Thirteen-year-old Lydia is caught between worlds: American adolescence on the one hand, and an inherited legacy of revolution on the other. Her mother, Elsa, a former rebel fighter, carries the ghosts of war; her grandmother, Mama Zewdi, holds their community together with love, injera, and hard-won wisdom. When Berekhet, a distant cousin newly arrived from Ethiopia, enters their lives, buried secrets begin to surface, forcing all three generations to confront the truths they've long avoided.
In her debut novel, Bsrat Mezghebe crafts a luminous, multigenerational story set at the intersection of memory, identity, and the meaning of freedom. Her writing is rich and evocative, deeply infused with Eritrean culture, cuisine, and history.
While the main twist is telegraphed a little too clearly, lessening its emotional impact, the novel's strength lies elsewhere: in its emotional honesty, its compassionate characterization, and its deep understanding of how personal and national histories intertwine. Additionally, the intergenerational tensions between those who fought for freedom and those growing up within it are rendered with nuance and compassion.
The audiobook, narrated by Délé Ogundiran, is a triumph. Her performance is warm, lyrical, and deeply expressive, embodying each character's emotional landscape and giving the story the cadence of oral history. Her voice grounds the novel's themes of loss and belonging in something beautiful.
Filled with the contradictions of exile and the aching question of what it means to belong both to a place and to a people, I Hope You Find What You're Looking For is not only a story of liberation but of inheritance -the burdens we carry, the silences we keep, and the courage it takes to tell our stories anew. Moving and immersive, it's a journey worth taking in every sense.
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for providing me with an audiobook copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"I Hope You Find What You're Looking For" was published on February 10, 2026, and is available now.
In 1991, while Eritrea stands on the brink of independence, in Washington D.C.'s close-knit Eritrean community, one family's reckoning mirrors that of their homeland. Thirteen-year-old Lydia is caught between worlds: American adolescence on the one hand, and an inherited legacy of revolution on the other. Her mother, Elsa, a former rebel fighter, carries the ghosts of war; her grandmother, Mama Zewdi, holds their community together with love, injera, and hard-won wisdom. When Berekhet, a distant cousin newly arrived from Ethiopia, enters their lives, buried secrets begin to surface, forcing all three generations to confront the truths they've long avoided.
In her debut novel, Bsrat Mezghebe crafts a luminous, multigenerational story set at the intersection of memory, identity, and the meaning of freedom. Her writing is rich and evocative, deeply infused with Eritrean culture, cuisine, and history.
While the main twist is telegraphed a little too clearly, lessening its emotional impact, the novel's strength lies elsewhere: in its emotional honesty, its compassionate characterization, and its deep understanding of how personal and national histories intertwine. Additionally, the intergenerational tensions between those who fought for freedom and those growing up within it are rendered with nuance and compassion.
The audiobook, narrated by Délé Ogundiran, is a triumph. Her performance is warm, lyrical, and deeply expressive, embodying each character's emotional landscape and giving the story the cadence of oral history. Her voice grounds the novel's themes of loss and belonging in something beautiful.
Filled with the contradictions of exile and the aching question of what it means to belong both to a place and to a people, I Hope You Find What You're Looking For is not only a story of liberation but of inheritance -the burdens we carry, the silences we keep, and the courage it takes to tell our stories anew. Moving and immersive, it's a journey worth taking in every sense.
Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for providing me with an audiobook copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"I Hope You Find What You're Looking For" was published on February 10, 2026, and is available now.
April 21, 2026
A lovely, 4 star, well written look at the lives of various Eritrean people living in Washington D.C. in the 1990s. The narrator really sold this read for me, her voice was beautiful and really helped me to hear the voices and feelings of the characters.
I love a book where I get to know women like friends, watching them interact and show me their lives and stores while also learning so much about something I knew very little about. I came in with only basic knowledge of Eritrea's independence and finished the book with so much more.
The stories of Mama Zewdi (my favourite), Elsa and Lydia resonated with me and made me sad to leave them when the book finished. Their struggles of being adults who still have ties and connections to their past lives in another country, another entire experience contrasted with the struggles of the younger generation, raised in a very different country, away from experiences that the older generation faced is shown so well. I really felt these characters were so well formed, like people I now know vs fictional characters.
The plot was interesting and there are a few mysteries that you are meant to tease out the answers to and I found that interesting and engaging but honestly that was secondary for me to the characters I was getting to know.
Would highly recommend the audiobook version! Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the Advanced Audiobook Copy.
I hope you give this book a read to see if you can find what you're looking for!
I love a book where I get to know women like friends, watching them interact and show me their lives and stores while also learning so much about something I knew very little about. I came in with only basic knowledge of Eritrea's independence and finished the book with so much more.
The stories of Mama Zewdi (my favourite), Elsa and Lydia resonated with me and made me sad to leave them when the book finished. Their struggles of being adults who still have ties and connections to their past lives in another country, another entire experience contrasted with the struggles of the younger generation, raised in a very different country, away from experiences that the older generation faced is shown so well. I really felt these characters were so well formed, like people I now know vs fictional characters.
The plot was interesting and there are a few mysteries that you are meant to tease out the answers to and I found that interesting and engaging but honestly that was secondary for me to the characters I was getting to know.
Would highly recommend the audiobook version! Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the Advanced Audiobook Copy.
I hope you give this book a read to see if you can find what you're looking for!
March 30, 2026
I picked this novel up because the author was scheduled to attend Booktopia, a bookish event held in Vermont every year. I'm disappointed to know that the author can no longer attend the event but overjoyed I started the novel before the schedule change was reported. This book is absolutely incredible. I'm ashamed to admit I knew absolutely nothing about the war that ravaged Eritrea but I'm so grateful to have learned as I read. Mezghebe allows the reader to slowly learn about the war as they get to know each of the characters. Each character is thoughtfully written and as a reader you can't help but root for each of them. I'm so glad I read this novel and recommend it to anyone who loves to learn about new places, enjoys dynamic characters that change and grow as you read, and adores beautiful sentences to read over and over.
February 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐
Thanks to NetGalley, W. W. Norton and Company (eARC) and Dreamscape Media (ALC) for providing me with advanced copies.
I'm glad I read this book because I had never heard about the Eritrean War Of Independence before. The story itself was weaved in well with this historical event. Unfortunately something about the writing style didn't work for me -- I found it a little disjoint (likely just a personal preference). That took me out of the story every so often. The different women's PoVs were interesting to read about -- especially the cultural difference. Some of them were honestly relatable despite being from very different countries. The plot twist was kind of expected but I did like the way the emotional response to that was described. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book set in/about the Eritrean War.
The narrator did a great job with the book. The audiobook definitely helped me with the pronunciations which made it feel more authentic.
Thanks to NetGalley, W. W. Norton and Company (eARC) and Dreamscape Media (ALC) for providing me with advanced copies.
I'm glad I read this book because I had never heard about the Eritrean War Of Independence before. The story itself was weaved in well with this historical event. Unfortunately something about the writing style didn't work for me -- I found it a little disjoint (likely just a personal preference). That took me out of the story every so often. The different women's PoVs were interesting to read about -- especially the cultural difference. Some of them were honestly relatable despite being from very different countries. The plot twist was kind of expected but I did like the way the emotional response to that was described. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book set in/about the Eritrean War.
The narrator did a great job with the book. The audiobook definitely helped me with the pronunciations which made it feel more authentic.
March 6, 2026
This book took me places I have never been before, namely Eritrea and it's population and its conflicts. All I knew about Eritrea was that it is a country in Africa. I had to look up more while reading this.
It's a story of a family of three females who have moved to Washington D.C. but the story looks back at their experiences in their native country. Some of the names were unfamiliar to me which at times made it difficult for me to keep track, but it didn't affect my understanding of the story.
It's a story of a family of three females who have moved to Washington D.C. but the story looks back at their experiences in their native country. Some of the names were unfamiliar to me which at times made it difficult for me to keep track, but it didn't affect my understanding of the story.
March 22, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ daaamn, what a ride! Amazing story, three incredible women. I could feel transported to their universe everytime they were having a meal! All very well-rounded characters, incredible plot. Loved the interweaving of present and past. I was dead set on 5 stars until the last 5%… the ending felt rushed and I have questions about the last few sentences… Is there a hidden message behind it or am I reading too much into it?
February 10, 2026
Wow — while this book is a bit of a slow burn, the payoff is absolutely worth it. It is equal parts heartbreaking, beautiful, and empowering. I initially requested this audiobook simply because I was craving something different and hoped to learn something new. I’m always humbled when a book I pick up casually ends up having such a profound emotional impact.
Before reading, I had very little knowledge of this specific war, beyond a general awareness that many African countries have endured periods of conflict and violence. Although this is a work of fiction, its foundation in real historical events is unmistakable. The story offers meaningful insight into that time and place while still remaining engaging and accessible for the reader.
Délé Ogundiran does a fabulous job with the narration. While her accent is not one I hear every day, I had no difficulty understanding the prose. Her voice is rich and expressive, beautifully supporting the emotional weight of the story and bringing the characters to life. I highly recommend experiencing this book in audio format.
In the end, this was a moving and eye-opening read that stayed with me long after the final chapter. It reminded me how powerful storytelling can be when it sheds light on history, resilience, and the human spirit. While it may take its time to unfold, the journey is deeply rewarding — and one I’m truly grateful I chose to take.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Dreamscape Select via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
Before reading, I had very little knowledge of this specific war, beyond a general awareness that many African countries have endured periods of conflict and violence. Although this is a work of fiction, its foundation in real historical events is unmistakable. The story offers meaningful insight into that time and place while still remaining engaging and accessible for the reader.
Délé Ogundiran does a fabulous job with the narration. While her accent is not one I hear every day, I had no difficulty understanding the prose. Her voice is rich and expressive, beautifully supporting the emotional weight of the story and bringing the characters to life. I highly recommend experiencing this book in audio format.
In the end, this was a moving and eye-opening read that stayed with me long after the final chapter. It reminded me how powerful storytelling can be when it sheds light on history, resilience, and the human spirit. While it may take its time to unfold, the journey is deeply rewarding — and one I’m truly grateful I chose to take.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Dreamscape Select via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
February 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️ (ish vibes… but emotionally complicated 😅)
This one makes me a bit sad to write because I really wanted to love it. The premise? Gorgeous. The cultural and historical backdrop? Fascinating. The kind of book that sounds like it should absolutely sweep me away. But sadly… it just didn’t quite happen for me.
It wasn’t bad, not at all. It just never fully clicked. I kept waiting for that moment where I’d suddenly feel hooked, where the characters would grab my heart or the story would properly pull me in… and it never quite landed.
I did appreciate learning about the Eritrean history and perspectives, that part genuinely interested me, but the pacing and style felt a little distant for my taste. Instead of being immersed, I often felt like I was observing from the sidelines. And you KNOW I like to be emotionally wrecked by a book, not politely nodding at it.
There are definitely readers who will connect with this more than I did, especially if you love slower, reflective historical fiction with multiple viewpoints. Sadly, my reader heart just wasn’t fully in it this time.
Not every book is for every reader… and that’s ok.
Thank you #netgalley for the ALC
This one makes me a bit sad to write because I really wanted to love it. The premise? Gorgeous. The cultural and historical backdrop? Fascinating. The kind of book that sounds like it should absolutely sweep me away. But sadly… it just didn’t quite happen for me.
It wasn’t bad, not at all. It just never fully clicked. I kept waiting for that moment where I’d suddenly feel hooked, where the characters would grab my heart or the story would properly pull me in… and it never quite landed.
I did appreciate learning about the Eritrean history and perspectives, that part genuinely interested me, but the pacing and style felt a little distant for my taste. Instead of being immersed, I often felt like I was observing from the sidelines. And you KNOW I like to be emotionally wrecked by a book, not politely nodding at it.
There are definitely readers who will connect with this more than I did, especially if you love slower, reflective historical fiction with multiple viewpoints. Sadly, my reader heart just wasn’t fully in it this time.
Not every book is for every reader… and that’s ok.
Thank you #netgalley for the ALC
Did Not Finish
February 6, 2026DNF @ 12%
The pace, verbiage, and narrator of the audio version are collectively creating an aversion to continuing this novel. I’m sure others will enjoy it, but it’s not for me at the moment.
The pace, verbiage, and narrator of the audio version are collectively creating an aversion to continuing this novel. I’m sure others will enjoy it, but it’s not for me at the moment.
March 7, 2026
I loved this! Set in DC, we follow several women from the Eritrean community, in particular 13 year old Lydia who lives with her mum Elsa, and close neighbour and friend Zewdi. Elsa was a freedom fighter in Eritrea in the 70s, and now, in the 1990s, Lydia is wondering why her mum is being so secretive and cagey about her past and her father.
The end felt a bit rushed, and predictable, but I loved the writing, learned a lot about the recent history of Eritrea and Ethiopia, and I loved the characters, Zwedi in particular. Would definitely recommend this short novel (just below 300 pages).
Free copy sent by Netgalley.
The end felt a bit rushed, and predictable, but I loved the writing, learned a lot about the recent history of Eritrea and Ethiopia, and I loved the characters, Zwedi in particular. Would definitely recommend this short novel (just below 300 pages).
Free copy sent by Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The main characters are 3 Eritrean women living in the USA, having fled Eretria during the War of Liberation. Centering the lives of Elsa and her daughter Lydia as well as mama Zewdi who came to be Lydia's second mother. The women's stories are inspiring. Elsa was a soldier during the liberation struggle before she had Lydia and kept Lydia's father's side of the family a secret. Lydia as one would expect grew increasingly curious about her father's family. Mama Zewdi's character was my favourite. She is a hardworking, loving and inspiring woman. Their narratives are all told as fully as possible and with much love and care.
March 10, 2026
I liked the daily, small picture of life stuff more than the Big Plot, which seemed unnecessarily contrived and secretive
April 25, 2026
Between this and Baalu Girma's *Oromay*, I've recently found myself immersed in stories from that part of the world, and concerning the same period of time: Ethiopia's attempts to suppress what they considered a rebellion by those fighting for Eritrea's independence, in the 1970s. Unlike *Oromay*, however, *I Hope You Find What You're Looking For* is a story about a family—how it's made, how it keeps secrets, and how those secrets won’t stay hidden forever.
It's a tale well told, well paced, and full of softness. It switches between the points of view of two women and a girl, the family of this novel: the young girl just starting to figure out her identity; her complicated and unforthcoming mother who carries heavy and painful secrets; and her other “mother” who just wants the best for her family, but who also finally has a chance to make her own dreams come true.
Elsa’s a hero on at least two levels: a former freedom fighter, she’s overcome so much to raise her daughter, including leaving a country at war to make a new life as a migrant. Her recollections, when they finally come, of how she went to war are a compelling part of the story. I enjoyed, too, how Mezghebe weaves a narrative that normalises what the world would see as a "non-traditional" family, even as one of the characters expresses her received wisdom about what family should be—that a man should be in charge, or at least present. While Mezghebe doesn't explore this idea fully—a tendency in the novel, as she only lightly touches on more difficult subjects—she shows that family is so much more: that it's love, support and community, no matter what shape this takes.
I feel, on some level, that I must defend this book regarding the softness I describe above. It's no longer in fashion to enjoy simple, happy, earnest stories, and the ending here may seem a little too happy to be true, a little trite. It's a hard, mean world, and we've mostly developed a grimly ironic response to it. This novel feels like it harkens back to a wholesomeness we secretly still wish for, but can never admit to. Simply put, this is a **nice** story where everything gets tied up neatly, and that makes me happy.
... Which is not to say this is a novel without tension—between the girl's two mothers, between mother and daughter, and others; between the past and present; memory and protectiveness; wanting more, and making the safe choice. All of these elements are present, and give weight to the story.
And Mezghebe immerses the reader into Eritrean history and Eritrea's immigrant community in the US, with its rhythms and customs—good, less good, and hilarious. The warmth of her perspective will stay with me, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Thank you to W. W. Norton and Edelweiss for a DRC.
It's a tale well told, well paced, and full of softness. It switches between the points of view of two women and a girl, the family of this novel: the young girl just starting to figure out her identity; her complicated and unforthcoming mother who carries heavy and painful secrets; and her other “mother” who just wants the best for her family, but who also finally has a chance to make her own dreams come true.
Elsa’s a hero on at least two levels: a former freedom fighter, she’s overcome so much to raise her daughter, including leaving a country at war to make a new life as a migrant. Her recollections, when they finally come, of how she went to war are a compelling part of the story. I enjoyed, too, how Mezghebe weaves a narrative that normalises what the world would see as a "non-traditional" family, even as one of the characters expresses her received wisdom about what family should be—that a man should be in charge, or at least present. While Mezghebe doesn't explore this idea fully—a tendency in the novel, as she only lightly touches on more difficult subjects—she shows that family is so much more: that it's love, support and community, no matter what shape this takes.
I feel, on some level, that I must defend this book regarding the softness I describe above. It's no longer in fashion to enjoy simple, happy, earnest stories, and the ending here may seem a little too happy to be true, a little trite. It's a hard, mean world, and we've mostly developed a grimly ironic response to it. This novel feels like it harkens back to a wholesomeness we secretly still wish for, but can never admit to. Simply put, this is a **nice** story where everything gets tied up neatly, and that makes me happy.
... Which is not to say this is a novel without tension—between the girl's two mothers, between mother and daughter, and others; between the past and present; memory and protectiveness; wanting more, and making the safe choice. All of these elements are present, and give weight to the story.
And Mezghebe immerses the reader into Eritrean history and Eritrea's immigrant community in the US, with its rhythms and customs—good, less good, and hilarious. The warmth of her perspective will stay with me, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Thank you to W. W. Norton and Edelweiss for a DRC.
March 29, 2026
I still don’t know what to call this genre but this is one of my favorite types of books, a fictional story with a little bit of mystery/intrigue that also serves to educate and share political history. This is a story about three Eritrean women living in the U.S. at the verge of Eritrean independence. I knew about the Amharic Empire and the Derg in Ethiopia but I didn’t know a damn thing about Ethiopia’s violent military occupation of Eritrea so I learned a lot from this book. I thought the three women were very well developed as characters and I loved the glimpses into Elsa’s past as a freedom fighter. I also really liked Zewdi and her exploration of herself and her desires and what she really wants in life. I think I just really like stories about bad-ass women who are fighting back against capitalism and the patriarchy, hehe.
March 10, 2026
I listened to the audio version, and I just want to start out with saying that the voice narrator was amazing! I generally prefer reading physical books, and this wasn't an exception. It was also a bit confusing with the different POVs and timelines... But it worked. And the narrator really made the characters come to life.
I like character-driven stories, and this one leaned very heavily on it's characters. I will admit though, I was often lost on where this was going and at times I just kept on listening to the audio book in anticipation for something to happen... If you like plot-driven stories, I have a feeling you will find this quite slow and boring. There's some mystery to the mother, Elsa, which is intriguing enough, but it's told in a very straight forward way, and I would have preferred a bit more tension and build-up. Now it almost never takes its time to make me curious, eager or excited about something before the answer is provided. Which makes the story feel a bit... rigid? Stale?
But apart from that, this is a very good and nuanced portrayal of what it can be like to run from a war and trying to settle down in a new country, from a few different perspectives. There's an event at the end that mostly felt like a literary device instead of something I actually believed was necessary, but apart from that it felt genuine and earnest. They had their traumas and their problems, but nothing felt exaggerated or inserted for shock-value alone. There's also a twist by the end that I though was quite clever.
Sure, I would have liked if this was told in a more engaging way, but I really love the story of these people. It took me some time to get through it, but some books just deserves to be slow. Is "slow" always a bad thing? I don't think so! I think there's a beauty to letting some things take some time.
I'm happy I gave this book the time and patience that I did.
I like character-driven stories, and this one leaned very heavily on it's characters. I will admit though, I was often lost on where this was going and at times I just kept on listening to the audio book in anticipation for something to happen... If you like plot-driven stories, I have a feeling you will find this quite slow and boring. There's some mystery to the mother, Elsa, which is intriguing enough, but it's told in a very straight forward way, and I would have preferred a bit more tension and build-up. Now it almost never takes its time to make me curious, eager or excited about something before the answer is provided. Which makes the story feel a bit... rigid? Stale?
But apart from that, this is a very good and nuanced portrayal of what it can be like to run from a war and trying to settle down in a new country, from a few different perspectives. There's an event at the end that mostly felt like a literary device instead of something I actually believed was necessary, but apart from that it felt genuine and earnest. They had their traumas and their problems, but nothing felt exaggerated or inserted for shock-value alone. There's also a twist by the end that I though was quite clever.
Sure, I would have liked if this was told in a more engaging way, but I really love the story of these people. It took me some time to get through it, but some books just deserves to be slow. Is "slow" always a bad thing? I don't think so! I think there's a beauty to letting some things take some time.
I'm happy I gave this book the time and patience that I did.
March 25, 2026
This was one of the most breathtakingly beautiful books I have read. I loved the way time was measured in different ways through out the book, and how chapter titles (or lack there of) helped orient you in both place and time. I didn’t know much about this time in history and enjoyed spending time immersed in it. A perfect book.
March 17, 2026
This book takes a bit to get going but I am so glad I stuck with it.
Past mistakes have been made, war torn history, chosen family, close tight knit communities and finding out how to communicate. Plus enjoying really good food.
I made the clove tea and it is delicious.
Cannot wait to read the next novel.
Past mistakes have been made, war torn history, chosen family, close tight knit communities and finding out how to communicate. Plus enjoying really good food.
I made the clove tea and it is delicious.
Cannot wait to read the next novel.
March 1, 2026
In her debut novel, Well Read Black Girl author Bsrat Mezghebe delivers a richly layered story told through the interconnected experiences of thirteen year-old Lydia, her mother Elsa, a former Eritrean freedom fighter, and the family matriarch Mama Zewdi. Set in a tight-knit Eritrean immigrant community in Washington D.C., the story opens in 1991, with the arrival of a distant male cousin Berekhet who has been sent from Ethiopia to attend medical school. His arrival stirs up memories from the past, and emboldens Lydia to try to uncover more about her martyred father. Elsa and Mama Zewdi's journeys are shared in flashbacks and provide the reader with historical and cultural context about Eritrea, the war, and the region. When a friend introduces Mama Zewdi to a possible husband, she must confront within herself if the dreams of her past are still her hopes for the future. Poignant, at times funny, and ultimately hopeful, Mezghebe masterfully explores themes of cultural identity, feminism, family, and belonging. The audiobook is expertly read by Délé Ogundiran.
March 2, 2026
A great debut novel. Set in Washington, DC in 1991 when Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia (well, the 30 years of war ended, full independence came 2 years later). It is a story of a mother who was a freedom fighter, living with her teenage daughter in the same apartment building as another family member. The whole complex is full of Eritrean refugees, some who long to go back home and others who realize there is no going home. So well-written, I was completely invested in these characters as they navigate the United States while trying not to forget their Eritrean ways. I will meet the author in May and cannot wait to hear her speak about this book! 4 1/2 stars!
February 11, 2026
Thank you to W.W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Since visiting Ethiopia (including a trip to the Eritrean border) in the early 2000s, I have been fascinated by the region’s cultures and history. We learn little, if anything, about Africa in our schools and through our media; it was wonderful to find a book with this focus.
Engaging and beautifully written. It was a multi-perspective, dual-timeline book with both an entertaining present and mysterious past. It was a captivating, fast read. The characters were relatable and heartfelt, but also surprising. The author successfully brought them all - whether main, secondary, or supporting - to life in a realistic way. No dialogue seemed forced. Likewise, Mezghebe wasn’t afraid to leave some things unsaid.
It was both entertaining and educational. I especially appreciate books that push me to want to learn more.
Note: My only nitpick was the mention of Princess Diana. Chapter 20 states that Charles and Diana married the year before Lydia’s birth. This doesn’t work with the story’s timeline. Lydia was born in 1978, while that wedding took place in 1981.
Since visiting Ethiopia (including a trip to the Eritrean border) in the early 2000s, I have been fascinated by the region’s cultures and history. We learn little, if anything, about Africa in our schools and through our media; it was wonderful to find a book with this focus.
Engaging and beautifully written. It was a multi-perspective, dual-timeline book with both an entertaining present and mysterious past. It was a captivating, fast read. The characters were relatable and heartfelt, but also surprising. The author successfully brought them all - whether main, secondary, or supporting - to life in a realistic way. No dialogue seemed forced. Likewise, Mezghebe wasn’t afraid to leave some things unsaid.
It was both entertaining and educational. I especially appreciate books that push me to want to learn more.
Note: My only nitpick was the mention of Princess Diana. Chapter 20 states that Charles and Diana married the year before Lydia’s birth. This doesn’t work with the story’s timeline. Lydia was born in 1978, while that wedding took place in 1981.
November 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Following three Eritrean characters in Washington, DC in the 90s, this book is about family both by blood and by choice, as well as what it means to live a life beyond just survival but a life of passion. I'm ashamed to say that I hadn't heard of the Eritrean Ethiopian conflict, and I am grateful for the book's approach in giving the reader the basics first and then adding more nuance as the book goes on.
One thing I really loved about this book was the way the different plots were interwoven, including backstory. Everything was easy to follow, and while I was reading one plot, I always had the others in my head. The way the characters worked together and their motivations created tension made this book hard to put down.
I appreciate the research that went into making this book historically accurate, and also the Eritrean representation, especially of Eritreans living in America. Overall, this book was well written, well thought out, and has opened my worldview.
Following three Eritrean characters in Washington, DC in the 90s, this book is about family both by blood and by choice, as well as what it means to live a life beyond just survival but a life of passion. I'm ashamed to say that I hadn't heard of the Eritrean Ethiopian conflict, and I am grateful for the book's approach in giving the reader the basics first and then adding more nuance as the book goes on.
One thing I really loved about this book was the way the different plots were interwoven, including backstory. Everything was easy to follow, and while I was reading one plot, I always had the others in my head. The way the characters worked together and their motivations created tension made this book hard to put down.
I appreciate the research that went into making this book historically accurate, and also the Eritrean representation, especially of Eritreans living in America. Overall, this book was well written, well thought out, and has opened my worldview.
March 13, 2026
Audio was not the right format for this book (for me at least). I struggled with keeping the characters and timelines straight. I may have loved this book in print format.
Still, I learned about the Eritrean conflict and their diaspora. I liked those parts best, absolutely.
Still, I learned about the Eritrean conflict and their diaspora. I liked those parts best, absolutely.
April 15, 2026
I loved this book. I loved the focus on three generations of women and how each of them were impacted by immigration, defined independence, and searched for their own identity amidst a strong cultural identity. I also love any book based in DC! The flashbacks worked extremely well to build Elsa’s backstory while still maintaining anticipation as the story unfolded. While it portrayed very real and immensely difficult struggles, Bsrat Mezghebe brought levity with humor, warmth, and love.
April 12, 2026
3.75 stars
May 1, 2026
Really enjoyed reading this book. The voice and the type of writing, going from present to past as the author unveils character development and relevant information, is beautifully well done. There’s some humor and lots of truth to these characters. Relatable but also giving voices to a group of people in the 1990’s and their life as immigrants and the struggle of wanting to be home but staying away from a war torn country.
May 4, 2026
4.5/5 or 9/10
May 7, 2026
Ok loved this book and it was just a random pick from the library. Generational story of a matriarchal family and their journey through Eritrean independence from east Africa to DC.
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