This was the first 'Grown up' book I read. I can say it is one of the best books written about The Second Italo-Ethiopian war. Haddis, who was an English and Arithmetic teacher at the time, joined Ras Emeru Haile Silassie 's force (Shire Front) when Italy invaded Ethiopia. He provides a very detailed and well written narration of his journey. It is a very captivating story (I mean, if you have read Fikir Eske Mekabir, you know the guy knows how to write). I remember I found it less captivating after he was taken to Italy as a prisoner of war, but I think that has more to do with my reluctance to accept defeat :)
Bottom line .... It is a great book -read it! We don't talk about the second Italo-Ethiopian war as much as the first one (because we didn't win?), and you will get a good insight from this one. Another reason, it is Haddis Alemayehu's book. Everything he touches is a master piece!