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Oromay (Amharic Edition): ኦሮማይ
A journalist finds himself embroiled in a disastrous government campaign as well as a sweeping romance in this landmark English translation of Ethiopia’s most famous novel.
An engrossing political thriller and a tale of love and war for readers of John Le Carré and Philip Kerr.
December 1981, Ethiopia. Tsegaye Hailemaryam, a well-known journalist for the state-run media, has just landed in Asmara. He is on assignment as the head of propaganda for the Red Star campaign, a massive effort by the Ethiopian government to end the Eritrean insurgency. There, amid the city’s bars and coffeehouses buzzing with spies and government agents, he juggles the demands of his superiors while trying to reassure his fiancée back home that he’s not straying with Asmara’s famed beauties.
As Tsegaye falls in love with Asmara—and, in spite of his promises, with dazzling, enigmatic local woman Fiammetta—his misgivings about the campaign grow. Tsegaye confronts the horror of war when he is sent with an elite army unit to attack the insurgents’ mountain stronghold. In the aftermath, he encounters betrayals that shake his faith in both the regime and human nature.
Oromay became an instant sensation when first published in 1983 and was swiftly banned for its frank depiction of the regime. The author vanished soon thereafter; the consensus is that he was murdered in retaliation for Oromay. A sweeping and timeless story about power and betrayal in love and war, the novel remains Girma’s masterpiece.
An engrossing political thriller and a tale of love and war for readers of John Le Carré and Philip Kerr.
December 1981, Ethiopia. Tsegaye Hailemaryam, a well-known journalist for the state-run media, has just landed in Asmara. He is on assignment as the head of propaganda for the Red Star campaign, a massive effort by the Ethiopian government to end the Eritrean insurgency. There, amid the city’s bars and coffeehouses buzzing with spies and government agents, he juggles the demands of his superiors while trying to reassure his fiancée back home that he’s not straying with Asmara’s famed beauties.
As Tsegaye falls in love with Asmara—and, in spite of his promises, with dazzling, enigmatic local woman Fiammetta—his misgivings about the campaign grow. Tsegaye confronts the horror of war when he is sent with an elite army unit to attack the insurgents’ mountain stronghold. In the aftermath, he encounters betrayals that shake his faith in both the regime and human nature.
Oromay became an instant sensation when first published in 1983 and was swiftly banned for its frank depiction of the regime. The author vanished soon thereafter; the consensus is that he was murdered in retaliation for Oromay. A sweeping and timeless story about power and betrayal in love and war, the novel remains Girma’s masterpiece.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 16, 2020
This book is about a TV journalist called Tsegaye who goes to Eritrea to report on a campaign (called Oromay) which was organized by the Derg government to wage an organized offensive against the force of Sha’biya (ሻብያ) with the aim of eliminating them for once and for all. Derg was the Provisional Military Government of Ethiopia from 1974 to 1987. Sha’biya was a military organization which was fighting for the independence of Eritrea. It was led by the current President of Eritrea Isayas Afeworki .
Tsegaye joined the Oromay campaign as an organizer and leader of the journalist crew which were assigned to work there for a brief period of time. Besides the historic aspect, the book has a romantic story which I don’t want to mention and spoil it to whomever is reading this.
Although the book was fiction, it vividly describes the historical record of what the then Eritrea looked like under the Ethiopian federation. It also talks a lot about the Derg government and the historical events took place during this campaign led by President (dictator) Mengistu Hailemariam. Reading this book, I was amazed by how the author was able to create such a fantastic story; then blend it with a historical reality and present it.
I read the book in Dec. 2020 right after the intense fighting between the Ethiopian Federal government led by PM Abiy Ahmed and TPLF was concluded. This recent war has a lot in common with the Oromay campaign which the book described in detail. We Ethiopians have a lot to learn from this book. This is one of the best amharic novels I read. I highly recommend it!
Tsegaye joined the Oromay campaign as an organizer and leader of the journalist crew which were assigned to work there for a brief period of time. Besides the historic aspect, the book has a romantic story which I don’t want to mention and spoil it to whomever is reading this.
Although the book was fiction, it vividly describes the historical record of what the then Eritrea looked like under the Ethiopian federation. It also talks a lot about the Derg government and the historical events took place during this campaign led by President (dictator) Mengistu Hailemariam. Reading this book, I was amazed by how the author was able to create such a fantastic story; then blend it with a historical reality and present it.
I read the book in Dec. 2020 right after the intense fighting between the Ethiopian Federal government led by PM Abiy Ahmed and TPLF was concluded. This recent war has a lot in common with the Oromay campaign which the book described in detail. We Ethiopians have a lot to learn from this book. This is one of the best amharic novels I read. I highly recommend it!
February 8, 2025
In the landscape of African literature, few novels have achieved the legendary status of Oromay. Published in Ethiopia in 1983, Baalu Girma's masterpiece caused such a stir that it was banned within days, and the author disappeared six months later – presumably murdered by the very regime he dared to criticize. Now, forty years later, this powerful work finally reaches English readers through a masterful translation by David DeGusta and Mesfin Felleke Yirgu.
The Story: Where Personal and Political Collide
Set against the backdrop of Ethiopia's 1981-82 Red Star Campaign to quell the Eritrean insurgency, Oromay follows Tsegaye Hailemaryam, a state journalist tasked with heading propaganda efforts in Asmara. What begins as a seemingly straightforward assignment evolves into a complex web of love, loyalty, and betrayal that challenges everything Tsegaye believes about both his country and himself.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Girma's prose is remarkable for its ability to shift seamlessly between intimate personal moments and sweeping political drama. His writing style combines journalistic precision with poetic flourishes, creating a narrative voice that feels both immediate and timeless. The author demonstrates particular skill in using weather and landscape as metaphors for the political climate:
"
The novel is structured in five parts, each building tension while peeling back layers of deception. Girma employs multiple perspectives, though primarily following Tsegaye, and occasionally breaks the fourth wall with an omniscient narrator who identifies as "the author." This technique, while potentially jarring in less skilled hands, adds depth to the story's exploration of truth and perspective.
Character Development and Relationships
Tsegaye Hailemaryam
The protagonist's journey from confident government propagandist to disillusioned witness of war's horrors is masterfully rendered. His character development feels organic, driven by both external events and internal conflicts, particularly in his relationships with:
- Roman Hiletework: His fiancée in Addis Ababa, representing stability and tradition
- Fiammetta Gilay: The captivating Asmara woman who challenges his worldview
- Colonel Wolday: A childhood friend whose fate becomes entwined with larger themes of loyalty and sacrifice
Supporting Characters
The novel's secondary characters are equally well-drawn, from the manipulative Silay Berahi to the complex Director Betru Tessema. Each brings their own motivations and secrets to the story, creating a rich tapestry of human nature under pressure.
Themes and Symbolism
Love and Betrayal
The central romance between Tsegaye and Fiammetta serves as a microcosm for the larger political conflicts. Their relationship highlights how personal and political betrayals mirror each other, while questioning whether true loyalty is possible in a world of shifting allegiances.
Truth and Propaganda
Girma's background in journalism shines through in his exploration of truth versus narrative. The novel constantly questions who controls the story and how "facts" can be manipulated for political ends.
Identity and Belonging
Through its exploration of the Eritrean conflict, the novel delves deep into questions of national and personal identity. Characters struggle with competing loyalties to region, nation, ideology, and personal relationships.
Historical Context and Relevance
While firmly rooted in 1980s Ethiopia, Oromay resonates with contemporary readers through its exploration of universal themes. The novel's depiction of government propaganda and media manipulation feels particularly relevant in our era of "fake news" and information warfare.
Critical Analysis
Strengths
- Masterful integration of personal and political narratives
- Complex, believable characters
- Rich atmospheric detail of Asmara
- Nuanced exploration of war's moral complexities
- Sophisticated use of multiple narrative techniques
Areas for Improvement
- The omniscient narrator device occasionally breaks immersion
- Some political discussions can feel didactic
- Certain minor characters could be more fully developed
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally lags
Translation Quality
DeGusta and Yirgu deserve high praise for their translation work. They successfully capture both the lyricism of Girma's prose and the complexity of his political discourse, while maintaining readability for English-speaking audiences. Their careful handling of Amharic and Italian phrases adds authenticity without confusion.
Impact and Legacy
The tragic circumstances surrounding Oromay's publication and Girma's subsequent disappearance have certainly contributed to its legendary status in Ethiopian literature. However, the novel's enduring power comes from its artistic merit rather than its historical significance. It stands as both a crucial document of its time and a timeless exploration of human nature under pressure.
Final Verdict
Oromay deserves its reputation as Ethiopia's greatest novel. Despite some minor flaws, it succeeds brilliantly as both a political thriller and a profound meditation on love, loyalty, and truth. The English translation finally allows a wider audience to appreciate this masterpiece of African literature.
The Story: Where Personal and Political Collide
Set against the backdrop of Ethiopia's 1981-82 Red Star Campaign to quell the Eritrean insurgency, Oromay follows Tsegaye Hailemaryam, a state journalist tasked with heading propaganda efforts in Asmara. What begins as a seemingly straightforward assignment evolves into a complex web of love, loyalty, and betrayal that challenges everything Tsegaye believes about both his country and himself.
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Girma's prose is remarkable for its ability to shift seamlessly between intimate personal moments and sweeping political drama. His writing style combines journalistic precision with poetic flourishes, creating a narrative voice that feels both immediate and timeless. The author demonstrates particular skill in using weather and landscape as metaphors for the political climate:
"
The palm fronds sway in the wind, their sound a dirge:
"A mother's children
Driven apart by
Misunderstandings and mistakes
The peacekeepers are gone
only madmen remain"
The novel is structured in five parts, each building tension while peeling back layers of deception. Girma employs multiple perspectives, though primarily following Tsegaye, and occasionally breaks the fourth wall with an omniscient narrator who identifies as "the author." This technique, while potentially jarring in less skilled hands, adds depth to the story's exploration of truth and perspective.
Character Development and Relationships
Tsegaye Hailemaryam
The protagonist's journey from confident government propagandist to disillusioned witness of war's horrors is masterfully rendered. His character development feels organic, driven by both external events and internal conflicts, particularly in his relationships with:
- Roman Hiletework: His fiancée in Addis Ababa, representing stability and tradition
- Fiammetta Gilay: The captivating Asmara woman who challenges his worldview
- Colonel Wolday: A childhood friend whose fate becomes entwined with larger themes of loyalty and sacrifice
Supporting Characters
The novel's secondary characters are equally well-drawn, from the manipulative Silay Berahi to the complex Director Betru Tessema. Each brings their own motivations and secrets to the story, creating a rich tapestry of human nature under pressure.
Themes and Symbolism
Love and Betrayal
The central romance between Tsegaye and Fiammetta serves as a microcosm for the larger political conflicts. Their relationship highlights how personal and political betrayals mirror each other, while questioning whether true loyalty is possible in a world of shifting allegiances.
Truth and Propaganda
Girma's background in journalism shines through in his exploration of truth versus narrative. The novel constantly questions who controls the story and how "facts" can be manipulated for political ends.
Identity and Belonging
Through its exploration of the Eritrean conflict, the novel delves deep into questions of national and personal identity. Characters struggle with competing loyalties to region, nation, ideology, and personal relationships.
Historical Context and Relevance
While firmly rooted in 1980s Ethiopia, Oromay resonates with contemporary readers through its exploration of universal themes. The novel's depiction of government propaganda and media manipulation feels particularly relevant in our era of "fake news" and information warfare.
Critical Analysis
Strengths
- Masterful integration of personal and political narratives
- Complex, believable characters
- Rich atmospheric detail of Asmara
- Nuanced exploration of war's moral complexities
- Sophisticated use of multiple narrative techniques
Areas for Improvement
- The omniscient narrator device occasionally breaks immersion
- Some political discussions can feel didactic
- Certain minor characters could be more fully developed
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally lags
Translation Quality
DeGusta and Yirgu deserve high praise for their translation work. They successfully capture both the lyricism of Girma's prose and the complexity of his political discourse, while maintaining readability for English-speaking audiences. Their careful handling of Amharic and Italian phrases adds authenticity without confusion.
Impact and Legacy
The tragic circumstances surrounding Oromay's publication and Girma's subsequent disappearance have certainly contributed to its legendary status in Ethiopian literature. However, the novel's enduring power comes from its artistic merit rather than its historical significance. It stands as both a crucial document of its time and a timeless exploration of human nature under pressure.
Final Verdict
Oromay deserves its reputation as Ethiopia's greatest novel. Despite some minor flaws, it succeeds brilliantly as both a political thriller and a profound meditation on love, loyalty, and truth. The English translation finally allows a wider audience to appreciate this masterpiece of African literature.
May 6, 2025
African novel that doesn’t have anything to do with Heart of Darkness. Exciting battle scenes, political intrigue, and love affairs.
May 27, 2026
It is a wonder to me that this book is not more widely acclaimed and well known to an international readership and I consider myself blessed and lucky to have randomly picked it up in a Waterstones. It manages to deliver a thrilling and yet contemplative story, based in the period of Derg Communist rule in which war has broken out between the aspiring Eritrean independence movement and the Ethiopian government. We take the perspective of Tsegaye, a surprisingly compassionate, self aware and humble member of the Derg media establishment on his through the war in Asmara.
The author himself, was a member of the Derg establishment who served in a similar role to Tsegaye, and he was killed for his work by the government. As with Egyptian literature which is politically subversive and obviously based on the life experiences of the author: one is left to wonder to what degree the work is fictional.
Irrespective of this however, the story is deeply profound, containing meditations on love, a contemplation on the savagery and brutality of war and conflict, an examination Ethiopian and Eritrean politics. It also is in many ways, a spy thriller which is written compelling and presents a series of fascinating characters.
For someone like me who is fascinated by the beauty of Ethiopian and Eritrean culture, it also increased my yearning to visit this beautiful land and see the churches, the coffee ceremonies and maybe even the bars. However, sadly, as in the time of the book which was written in the 80s, this region is still engulfed in the brutality of war between brothers and sisters, encouraged by regional and international powers.
The author himself, was a member of the Derg establishment who served in a similar role to Tsegaye, and he was killed for his work by the government. As with Egyptian literature which is politically subversive and obviously based on the life experiences of the author: one is left to wonder to what degree the work is fictional.
Irrespective of this however, the story is deeply profound, containing meditations on love, a contemplation on the savagery and brutality of war and conflict, an examination Ethiopian and Eritrean politics. It also is in many ways, a spy thriller which is written compelling and presents a series of fascinating characters.
For someone like me who is fascinated by the beauty of Ethiopian and Eritrean culture, it also increased my yearning to visit this beautiful land and see the churches, the coffee ceremonies and maybe even the bars. However, sadly, as in the time of the book which was written in the 80s, this region is still engulfed in the brutality of war between brothers and sisters, encouraged by regional and international powers.
June 16, 2025
review to come
June 16, 2025
Oromay is not “an engrossing political thriller and a tale of love and war for readers of John Le Carré and Philip Kerr“. It is a beautifully written ode to (then) Ethiopia (more precisely Eritrea, even more precisely Asmara) and its people. It is a criticism of war, inefficient government and the nature of power. For me, this book is a mood, a feeling. A feeling of dread, of joy and wonder, a feeling of sea breeze and warmth. Pain and love, hope and fear.
More at Cheap Thrills, Guilty Pleasures.
More at Cheap Thrills, Guilty Pleasures.
April 23, 2026
This was billed a piece of dissident fiction, but tbh I don't know what The Derg were thinking getting so upset about it, they come across as pretty good guys.
Oromay helped me realise that what is best in life is drinking whisky in hotel bars, the forward march of socialism, and sacred Ethiopian unity.
Oromay helped me realise that what is best in life is drinking whisky in hotel bars, the forward march of socialism, and sacred Ethiopian unity.
April 11, 2026
The book didn’t go where it seemed it would at the beginning and at points it felt like you were willing it to. But I enjoyed this, particularly the descriptions of Asmara and the Nakfa mountains. The chapter of the battle has stuck with me - written so emotionally and short in contrast to the rest of the book. Also introduced me to Ethiopia and Eritrea’s recent history which I knew nothing about.
March 23, 2025
I noticed this book in the "new fiction" section at my local library, but when I picked it up and read the blurb, I realized it is not new; it is newly translated into English from Amharic. Girma was an Ethiopian writer and the book was written in 1983.
This is a very intense and disturbing portrayal of the Red Star campaign by the Ethiopian government to end the Eritrean insurgency in 1981. It is told by Tsegaye Hailyemaryam, a journalist who is in charge of propaganda for the Ethiopian government. He is sent to Asmara in Eritrea with other government workers and agents for what is supposed to be a 3 month campaign. Tsegaye believes in the cause for a united Ethiopia but soon finds himself embroiled in bureaucracy, corruption, double agents, assassinations and the horrors of war. Plus he falls in love with an Eritrean woman which makes everything more complex. Just a few months after arriving in Eritrea, he is a broken man.
When the book was published in 1983, it was immediately banned by the ruling Derg dictatorship. Within a year, Girmu was "disappeared." It is presumed that he was kidnapped and murdered by the regime. Reading this on the book's cover is what compelled me to take the book home. I am not sorry that I did. I opened the book with very little knowledge of the history of these 2 countries or Eritrea's fight for independence. Now I know a little more especially after googling. Like any good piece of historical fiction, I was able to think about other historical events (such as the Vietnam War and Alexei Navalny) and even views of current events.
This is not an easy read, and it was made more difficult because all the characters have Ethiopian names that were so unfamiliar to me. After reading the first 50 pages (in which many characters are introduced), I made myself a cheat sheet which listed them with their roles. This definitely helped.
I am glad I discovered this "new book." Historical fiction has always been a favorite and this one took me someplace I had never been before.
This is a very intense and disturbing portrayal of the Red Star campaign by the Ethiopian government to end the Eritrean insurgency in 1981. It is told by Tsegaye Hailyemaryam, a journalist who is in charge of propaganda for the Ethiopian government. He is sent to Asmara in Eritrea with other government workers and agents for what is supposed to be a 3 month campaign. Tsegaye believes in the cause for a united Ethiopia but soon finds himself embroiled in bureaucracy, corruption, double agents, assassinations and the horrors of war. Plus he falls in love with an Eritrean woman which makes everything more complex. Just a few months after arriving in Eritrea, he is a broken man.
When the book was published in 1983, it was immediately banned by the ruling Derg dictatorship. Within a year, Girmu was "disappeared." It is presumed that he was kidnapped and murdered by the regime. Reading this on the book's cover is what compelled me to take the book home. I am not sorry that I did. I opened the book with very little knowledge of the history of these 2 countries or Eritrea's fight for independence. Now I know a little more especially after googling. Like any good piece of historical fiction, I was able to think about other historical events (such as the Vietnam War and Alexei Navalny) and even views of current events.
This is not an easy read, and it was made more difficult because all the characters have Ethiopian names that were so unfamiliar to me. After reading the first 50 pages (in which many characters are introduced), I made myself a cheat sheet which listed them with their roles. This definitely helped.
I am glad I discovered this "new book." Historical fiction has always been a favorite and this one took me someplace I had never been before.
Read
June 3, 2025This story is so impactful, especially after I learned about what happened to Baalu Girma and what is assumed about his disappearance. His bravery and dedication to writing and publishing Oromay is profound and reminds me how important writing is, in spite of consequences. I wonder how this reading experience would affect me if I read Omar El Akkad's novel One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This next or in conjunction with Oromay.
My biggest annoyance was how the male characters/culture promotes loving a woman only based on her beauty alone. Perhaps this is an aspect that is "of-its-time," but it still annoyed me. At least it didn't describe the landscape like a woman's body as David Diop's narrator does in At Night All Blood is Black, which also annoyed me. Now I'm just complaining, so let's get back to Girma's novel.
If you're unaware of Ethiopia and Eritrea's 30-year war (1961-1991) during which Eritrea was fighting for independence from Ethiopia, then this fictionalized account of the war in 1981 will provide you with some insight about what happened. I'm ashamed to admit that prior to reading this novel I didn't know anything about the Eritrean-Ethiopian War. The writing in the novel isn't lyrical, and I get the impression that the Girma's original version in Amharic was lyrical but that the translaion wasn't able to capture Girma's lyricism. Of course, that's me speculating. If anyone has any insight about the writing and/or the translation, I'd love to hear from you.
If you're interested in the history of the Eritrean-Ethiopian War, historical fiction, translated fiction based on real events, and/or reading controversial texts, then this could be for you!
I read the hardcover and listened to the audiobook at the same time (both from the library), and it was a fantastic reading experience!
My biggest annoyance was how the male characters/culture promotes loving a woman only based on her beauty alone. Perhaps this is an aspect that is "of-its-time," but it still annoyed me. At least it didn't describe the landscape like a woman's body as David Diop's narrator does in At Night All Blood is Black, which also annoyed me. Now I'm just complaining, so let's get back to Girma's novel.
If you're unaware of Ethiopia and Eritrea's 30-year war (1961-1991) during which Eritrea was fighting for independence from Ethiopia, then this fictionalized account of the war in 1981 will provide you with some insight about what happened. I'm ashamed to admit that prior to reading this novel I didn't know anything about the Eritrean-Ethiopian War. The writing in the novel isn't lyrical, and I get the impression that the Girma's original version in Amharic was lyrical but that the translaion wasn't able to capture Girma's lyricism. Of course, that's me speculating. If anyone has any insight about the writing and/or the translation, I'd love to hear from you.
If you're interested in the history of the Eritrean-Ethiopian War, historical fiction, translated fiction based on real events, and/or reading controversial texts, then this could be for you!
I read the hardcover and listened to the audiobook at the same time (both from the library), and it was a fantastic reading experience!
May 18, 2026
tbh giving it less than that when the author disappeared in mysterious circumstances soon after publication would be a crime in itself
November 28, 2025
When I figured out this book had a translation available I instantly ordered this book. Oromay’s main plot point is about complex nuanced relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and the insurgency rising within Eritrea. It follows Tsegaye Hailemariam a journalist within the Derg regime and is role during a secret covert mission called Oromay. Reading this book and learning just a little more about my parents/grandparents life during the Derg regime was all I wanted but I left with so much more reading this book. Such an important book and even more impactful learning that Bailuu Girma was abducted by the Derg and presumed dead after writing Oromay.
June 1, 2025
Do you really suppose history will remember him, this foot soldier? Not really. Yes, battles will be chronicled, and from that history will be written. It will be in the news, on television and even in books. People will talk about it in bars and coffeehouses. However, the focus will be on the progress of the war, the strategy and tactics, with maybe a mention or two of the commanding officer and how bravely, courageously and strategically he coordinated his troops to wage the battle. But when it comes to the regular people, the foot soldiers, it is a different story. For them, history is unforgiving and merciless.
I stumbled across this at the library, and it really intrigued me. Admittedly, I've been trying to avoid war-themed books for the last couple of months, but I had to make an exception for this. And I'm glad I did.
While I can't exactly compare with the actual original text, I really enjoyed this translation. I could tell there was a lot of hard work behind it, and interest in the story and its author. As for the story itself, I really, really liked it. I'm admittedly not too familiar with Ethiopian and Eritrean history, so this was interesting both for the story and for its historical context.
Even without the proper background knowledge, this was a funny yet devastating satire that really does deserve a spot with the big political satires on the international top lists.
I stumbled across this at the library, and it really intrigued me. Admittedly, I've been trying to avoid war-themed books for the last couple of months, but I had to make an exception for this. And I'm glad I did.
While I can't exactly compare with the actual original text, I really enjoyed this translation. I could tell there was a lot of hard work behind it, and interest in the story and its author. As for the story itself, I really, really liked it. I'm admittedly not too familiar with Ethiopian and Eritrean history, so this was interesting both for the story and for its historical context.
Even without the proper background knowledge, this was a funny yet devastating satire that really does deserve a spot with the big political satires on the international top lists.
February 2, 2026
4.5 stars!! Truly delightful cover and contents of the book great too lol! I liked the juxtaposition of politics and war with the live stories. A really interesting insight into another topic that I don’t know so much about (my Eritrea knowledge is mostly post revolution). I thought it was v clever how the book was seemingly giving the propaganda message but then exposing it at the same time (not sure how to describe this literary device sorry). Translation really good which I imagine is no easy feat from Amharic. Small pet peeve that the female characters were quite one dimensional but it was written in the 80s I guess.
Side note is it bad to say that the book was better knowing that the author got killed by the govt after writing it? #resistance
Side note is it bad to say that the book was better knowing that the author got killed by the govt after writing it? #resistance
August 2, 2020
It was well written with a good story line and exposes a lot about ethiopian and eritrean politics during that specific time but too political for my taste and found it hard to keep up and follow the story through but overall an ok book.
May 10, 2026
4.5 stars (Absolutely solid, and a stunning depiction of the war sequences towards the end - but man do those sequences HURT.)
Sitting here now, 43 years after the fact, and having read this story after first reading the front jacket blurb and the opening “translator’s note,” it is a little hard to put together the entirety of this story with the real-life actions that were to follow. I mean, maybe it raises some questions towards the end? - because, for the most part, it seems like our pro-campaign protagonist is exactly the type of hero the government would absolutely endorse. Sure, things change a bit in him after the war sequences - the 1-2 parts of this book completely break our protagonist emotionally and make him a shell of a man, but none of it really seems to come across entirely as anti-Derg. (I will admit, I came into this with no knowledge about the Ethiopian history described here, so clearly I may be missing something.) Even at the end, when he’s broken and this 2-3 month span has completely shredded his faith in humanity (because war is, in fact, horrible), he never seems to have lost faith in the campaign. Hell, if anything, he seems even more certain that the insurgents need to be put down (see his angry retort in the airplane on the way back). … I guess maybe the issue was with the idea that he had lost faith in humanity?
Our story mostly follows Tsegaye, a journalist who is the “head of propaganda” (not subtle) for the Red Star campaign, a campaign by the relatively new post-revolution government to end the Eritrean insurgency. He joins a ton of the big names in the government, all of whom are sent to the city of Asmara to undertake these actions - end the insurgency, combine Ethiopia into 1, and, in his case, record these events and broadcast them to the entire country to show them the progress.
Most of the story is focused on this - Tsegaye falling in love with the city and falling in love with a woman in the city (despite his assurances to his fiancée back home that it wouldn’t happen), while being in the backdrop of this campaign. His superiors are demanding, this equipment is delayed, there are concerns about numerous traitors in the mix, and war is just around the corner - but even as he deals with this, and seems to forget his fiancée, he can’t help but fall in love with everything. His enthusiasm for the campaign in unwavering (probably important for someone heading propaganda). This all happens over the span of like 1-2 months - the campaign is very aggressive.
It is only about 70% into the novel when the story shifts - they get called to the warfront for actual battles against the insurgents and Tsegaye, eager for his go at entrenched journalism, demands to be placed with one of the most dangerous missions. It is here that he, first-hand, sees victory, the agony of loss, and then the apparent futility of sacrifice (including his over-eager colleague).
This is what breaks him. He went in eager, a believer, even proud of those willing to lay down their lives for this war to unite Ethiopia - but to see his colleague, and so many soldiers, sacrifice themselves for them to earn a victory, only to learn a few days later that they would be retreating against the rebounding insurgency attacks because of lack of reinforcements, just shatters the glass world he’s been living in. I mean, we saw shades earlier - right after his colleague was killed, he lost it at the soldiers who were being good humans to the injured insurgents around, and he has to be talked off the cliff (paraphrased: they were just trying to kill you and now you’re being nice to them?) and reminded that even these insurgents are people who are just following orders of their commanders. But this, this retreat - he’s forced to go, but the army stays behind, refusing to retreat - shows him what he now views as the truth of humanity, and it is not a pleasant one. All these sacrifices, seemingly for nothing. There’s also a throwaway line later, seemingly glossed over, when someone is talking about this campaign to gain Nakfa - which to this point was ’THE’ victory they needed to quell the insurgents, which is why he demanded to be there, to record this historical moment - and this person is like “there are numerous Nakfas."
...Okay, now that I think about it, maybe that is exactly what the government didn’t like about this story…
Of course, things also progress from there - he goes back to Asmara, where he’s now got to deal with his growing feelings (of various ilk) with the girl he met, but also with his fiancée, who has shown up. The campaign isn’t over, the war isn’t over - though he’s seen enough - and, unfortunately for him, his involvement in things also isn’t over quite yet. Because as much as the war scene broke his faith in the good of humanity, there’s still some hope for himself that needs to be shredded. You don’t walk away from this being the same person you were when you arrived.
The last 30% of the book - and, honestly, it is brilliantly done how short this war/post-war stuff is relative to the much longer sequences focusing on the city and hope and propaganda - is a complete tonal shift from the stuff in Asmara (even when there is death and betrayal and uncertainty). That short sequence when he witnesses that battle first hand, when he sees the death and destruction and people killing people - is just a total gut punch. It is brilliantly written in the most horrific way, and you can totally understand why he walks away with this lack of faith in humanity. There are numerous times where he wonders what it will take to get humanity to a point where war no longer exists, and when he watches this, he wonders that but also seems to realize that that will never happen. That last 30% goes HARD and definitely hurts - not even necessarily because you lose characters you associate with or are attached to, but just because of how brutally painful and honest the writing is.
There’s also something to be said, I guess, for the head of propaganda indirectly coming to learn what exactly propaganda means.
This is an absolutely brilliantly written story that packs a punch even if you know nothing about the true historical situation going on at the time (though, thanks to the internet, it is easy enough to read about it) and does a damn good job of really capturing that “realities of war” moment when Tsegaye finally makes it there. This starts off as a story you read, but ends up being a story you feel.
Sitting here now, 43 years after the fact, and having read this story after first reading the front jacket blurb and the opening “translator’s note,” it is a little hard to put together the entirety of this story with the real-life actions that were to follow. I mean, maybe it raises some questions towards the end? - because, for the most part, it seems like our pro-campaign protagonist is exactly the type of hero the government would absolutely endorse. Sure, things change a bit in him after the war sequences - the 1-2 parts of this book completely break our protagonist emotionally and make him a shell of a man, but none of it really seems to come across entirely as anti-Derg. (I will admit, I came into this with no knowledge about the Ethiopian history described here, so clearly I may be missing something.) Even at the end, when he’s broken and this 2-3 month span has completely shredded his faith in humanity (because war is, in fact, horrible), he never seems to have lost faith in the campaign. Hell, if anything, he seems even more certain that the insurgents need to be put down (see his angry retort in the airplane on the way back). … I guess maybe the issue was with the idea that he had lost faith in humanity?
Our story mostly follows Tsegaye, a journalist who is the “head of propaganda” (not subtle) for the Red Star campaign, a campaign by the relatively new post-revolution government to end the Eritrean insurgency. He joins a ton of the big names in the government, all of whom are sent to the city of Asmara to undertake these actions - end the insurgency, combine Ethiopia into 1, and, in his case, record these events and broadcast them to the entire country to show them the progress.
Most of the story is focused on this - Tsegaye falling in love with the city and falling in love with a woman in the city (despite his assurances to his fiancée back home that it wouldn’t happen), while being in the backdrop of this campaign. His superiors are demanding, this equipment is delayed, there are concerns about numerous traitors in the mix, and war is just around the corner - but even as he deals with this, and seems to forget his fiancée, he can’t help but fall in love with everything. His enthusiasm for the campaign in unwavering (probably important for someone heading propaganda). This all happens over the span of like 1-2 months - the campaign is very aggressive.
It is only about 70% into the novel when the story shifts - they get called to the warfront for actual battles against the insurgents and Tsegaye, eager for his go at entrenched journalism, demands to be placed with one of the most dangerous missions. It is here that he, first-hand, sees victory, the agony of loss, and then the apparent futility of sacrifice (including his over-eager colleague).
This is what breaks him. He went in eager, a believer, even proud of those willing to lay down their lives for this war to unite Ethiopia - but to see his colleague, and so many soldiers, sacrifice themselves for them to earn a victory, only to learn a few days later that they would be retreating against the rebounding insurgency attacks because of lack of reinforcements, just shatters the glass world he’s been living in. I mean, we saw shades earlier - right after his colleague was killed, he lost it at the soldiers who were being good humans to the injured insurgents around, and he has to be talked off the cliff (paraphrased: they were just trying to kill you and now you’re being nice to them?) and reminded that even these insurgents are people who are just following orders of their commanders. But this, this retreat - he’s forced to go, but the army stays behind, refusing to retreat - shows him what he now views as the truth of humanity, and it is not a pleasant one. All these sacrifices, seemingly for nothing. There’s also a throwaway line later, seemingly glossed over, when someone is talking about this campaign to gain Nakfa - which to this point was ’THE’ victory they needed to quell the insurgents, which is why he demanded to be there, to record this historical moment - and this person is like “there are numerous Nakfas."
...Okay, now that I think about it, maybe that is exactly what the government didn’t like about this story…
Of course, things also progress from there - he goes back to Asmara, where he’s now got to deal with his growing feelings (of various ilk) with the girl he met, but also with his fiancée, who has shown up. The campaign isn’t over, the war isn’t over - though he’s seen enough - and, unfortunately for him, his involvement in things also isn’t over quite yet. Because as much as the war scene broke his faith in the good of humanity, there’s still some hope for himself that needs to be shredded. You don’t walk away from this being the same person you were when you arrived.
The last 30% of the book - and, honestly, it is brilliantly done how short this war/post-war stuff is relative to the much longer sequences focusing on the city and hope and propaganda - is a complete tonal shift from the stuff in Asmara (even when there is death and betrayal and uncertainty). That short sequence when he witnesses that battle first hand, when he sees the death and destruction and people killing people - is just a total gut punch. It is brilliantly written in the most horrific way, and you can totally understand why he walks away with this lack of faith in humanity. There are numerous times where he wonders what it will take to get humanity to a point where war no longer exists, and when he watches this, he wonders that but also seems to realize that that will never happen. That last 30% goes HARD and definitely hurts - not even necessarily because you lose characters you associate with or are attached to, but just because of how brutally painful and honest the writing is.
There’s also something to be said, I guess, for the head of propaganda indirectly coming to learn what exactly propaganda means.
This is an absolutely brilliantly written story that packs a punch even if you know nothing about the true historical situation going on at the time (though, thanks to the internet, it is easy enough to read about it) and does a damn good job of really capturing that “realities of war” moment when Tsegaye finally makes it there. This starts off as a story you read, but ends up being a story you feel.
June 5, 2026
I enjoyed Oromay as a window into Ethiopia in the Derg years, and for its colorful, loving depictions of Asmara, however I couldn't help but feel like the translation was a bit stilted. I would suspect the book comes across much better in the original Amharic.
Most of the novel's plot revolves around Tsegaye's romance with an Eritrean woman and an intrigue involving Eritrean insurgents, both of which tended to meander in the middle chapters. Thankfully, Oromay picks up towards the end: the dual climax of the battle to capture Nakfa and the Eritrean plot's dramatic end were very gripping. Easy reading, but wouldn't necessarily recommend unless you have a particular interest in Ethiopia.
Most of the novel's plot revolves around Tsegaye's romance with an Eritrean woman and an intrigue involving Eritrean insurgents, both of which tended to meander in the middle chapters. Thankfully, Oromay picks up towards the end: the dual climax of the battle to capture Nakfa and the Eritrean plot's dramatic end were very gripping. Easy reading, but wouldn't necessarily recommend unless you have a particular interest in Ethiopia.
July 17, 2025
very good hes message is clear information about Ethiopia 🇪🇹 wars on 🇪🇷Eritrea
June 18, 2026
“ሁሉን ትወዳለህ በመጨረሻም ሁሉን ታጣለህ”
Loved this book. There is philosophy, politics,history, romance n so much more in it. Bealu is such a talented writer.
Loved this book. There is philosophy, politics,history, romance n so much more in it. Bealu is such a talented writer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2025
An amusing and interesting novel about a journalist caught up in Ethiopia’s “Red Star” propaganda campaign to try and squash the 1981 Eritrean uprising. At the same time, the journalist has left his fiancée behind in their hometown whilst he is involved with covering the war from the city of Asmara. He meets and falls for a local woman. He also insists on accompanying the soldiers into war along with his film team, only to discover that war is not as glamorous as his propaganda paints it to be.
There is bureaucracy, posturing, naïveté, and deceit, deliciously drawn and well narrated. I learned that the author was “disappeared” following the publication of this novel, and that was likely no accident….
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HighBridgeAudio, and #NetGalley for making the English translation available and for early access to the English audiobook for review purposes. Publication date: 27 May 2025.
There is bureaucracy, posturing, naïveté, and deceit, deliciously drawn and well narrated. I learned that the author was “disappeared” following the publication of this novel, and that was likely no accident….
My thanks to the author, publisher, @HighBridgeAudio, and #NetGalley for making the English translation available and for early access to the English audiobook for review purposes. Publication date: 27 May 2025.
March 14, 2025
Recently translated to English from Amharic, "Oromay" is the true story told from the perspective of Tsegaye, head of propaganda/journalism for national unification campaign in the 80s. Upon release, "Oromay" was banned in Ethiopia and Baalu Girma was fired from his government role. The book is critical of the Ethiopian government and shines light on the strategies it used to eliminate rebel forces in Eritrea. I enjoyed reading a book from such a real and unique perspective and the plot lines about Tsegaye's love affairs kept things interesting!
April 18, 2026
an incredible book filled with such lush scenery, political intrigue and wise words. genuinely enjoyed this much more than anticipated. loved that there was a switch in pov & also the interjections by the author. finding out about his unfortunate fate was heartbreaking.
the only thing i didn’t love was the portrayal of the female characters/how much the infidelity was trivialised.
Currently Reading
March 14, 2020am interested to read
December 31, 2022
Such an important book in Ethiopian literary and political history. I wish the translation were better, but thrilled it is available in English.
May 16, 2025
Hard to like a narrator who is consistently cheating on his fiance.
December 10, 2025
3.4. Points for a book set in Eritrea.
May 17, 2026
From Oromay. Pg 348
"You are One of the lucky ones who made it off the battlefield alive and in one piece, so of course you feel guilty about why you were spared It disgusts you, sickens you, and you hate yourself You have seen death, many deaths in fact
When you came face-to-face with death, how did it feel? Were you herolc bravely fighting on, or were you a coward, trying to hide? You gained some knowledge, learned new facts about yourself What you discovered is that you're not quite the person you thought you were. The image you had of yourself all these years - of your strengths, your softer side, what made you tick - you just found out that it is a myth, a lie It disgusts you, sickens you, and you hate yourself
Now you have no real idea who you are. You are depressed confused, and you want to run away. But where? Wherever you go, the person you are will never leave you alone The result is confusion, anger, aggravation. Next you start won- dering if those who died are better off. Bang! Everything gone in one quick shot. You lose yourself through gradual decay, piece by piece, a death slow and painful. It disgusts you, sickens you, and you hate yourself. The dead are done with the devastation of war, will never hear another explosion, will never witness another human mangled by mortars and bullets, a mass of flesh, blood and bones. They are lucky, at rest beyond the horizon, beyond suffering
How about the living, we who can still suffer? Will there come a day when life is free of the savagery of war? When we no longer witness its sorrow and misery? We must work in every way we can to shape our existence into something kinder and more humane To work for peace requires being alive, and being alive requires strength and courage
Unfortunately, I have no longer the strength to continue my search for the truth of what it means to be alive" -Baalu Girma
This is a masterpiece. I have been inspired to read a a few of books on Ethiopia and the effects of the military junta called The Derg. My wife is Habesha and I have loved her so deeply for nearly the last 2 decades, but we were speaking one day in the car and it dawned on me from that conversation that I wanted to know what drove her family to Washington, DC. Her father left as a refugee in the mid 70s after the fall of the monarchy. I knew of their family history and grew very close to the Habesha community but I needed to know
I got a recommendation to read Oromay and I am glad I did. Tsegaye HaileMariam reminds me of myself but not as journalist but Cavalry Scout for the US Army. I included the above page because Baalu Girma wrote what I felt since I came home from Operation Iraqi Freedom. The only other author that made me quiver like this was Franz Fanon's "The Wretched of The Earth."
I definitely recommend this book. It has become one of my favorite fiction books. The characters are great, the settings and the scenes are magnificent. I know this book takes place in Eritrea and not Ethiopia but I wish the translators utilized Tigriyna frequently. I can't believe the story is over. It is very sad that Baalu Girma paid the same price as Fiammeta for writing this story. May he rest and know one day that Ethiopia and Eritrea will be free from all the savagery of war. But it may be a little while longer.
I need a copy of the Amharic version now.
"You are One of the lucky ones who made it off the battlefield alive and in one piece, so of course you feel guilty about why you were spared It disgusts you, sickens you, and you hate yourself You have seen death, many deaths in fact
When you came face-to-face with death, how did it feel? Were you herolc bravely fighting on, or were you a coward, trying to hide? You gained some knowledge, learned new facts about yourself What you discovered is that you're not quite the person you thought you were. The image you had of yourself all these years - of your strengths, your softer side, what made you tick - you just found out that it is a myth, a lie It disgusts you, sickens you, and you hate yourself
Now you have no real idea who you are. You are depressed confused, and you want to run away. But where? Wherever you go, the person you are will never leave you alone The result is confusion, anger, aggravation. Next you start won- dering if those who died are better off. Bang! Everything gone in one quick shot. You lose yourself through gradual decay, piece by piece, a death slow and painful. It disgusts you, sickens you, and you hate yourself. The dead are done with the devastation of war, will never hear another explosion, will never witness another human mangled by mortars and bullets, a mass of flesh, blood and bones. They are lucky, at rest beyond the horizon, beyond suffering
How about the living, we who can still suffer? Will there come a day when life is free of the savagery of war? When we no longer witness its sorrow and misery? We must work in every way we can to shape our existence into something kinder and more humane To work for peace requires being alive, and being alive requires strength and courage
Unfortunately, I have no longer the strength to continue my search for the truth of what it means to be alive" -Baalu Girma
This is a masterpiece. I have been inspired to read a a few of books on Ethiopia and the effects of the military junta called The Derg. My wife is Habesha and I have loved her so deeply for nearly the last 2 decades, but we were speaking one day in the car and it dawned on me from that conversation that I wanted to know what drove her family to Washington, DC. Her father left as a refugee in the mid 70s after the fall of the monarchy. I knew of their family history and grew very close to the Habesha community but I needed to know
I got a recommendation to read Oromay and I am glad I did. Tsegaye HaileMariam reminds me of myself but not as journalist but Cavalry Scout for the US Army. I included the above page because Baalu Girma wrote what I felt since I came home from Operation Iraqi Freedom. The only other author that made me quiver like this was Franz Fanon's "The Wretched of The Earth."
I definitely recommend this book. It has become one of my favorite fiction books. The characters are great, the settings and the scenes are magnificent. I know this book takes place in Eritrea and not Ethiopia but I wish the translators utilized Tigriyna frequently. I can't believe the story is over. It is very sad that Baalu Girma paid the same price as Fiammeta for writing this story. May he rest and know one day that Ethiopia and Eritrea will be free from all the savagery of war. But it may be a little while longer.
I need a copy of the Amharic version now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2026
Im not even sure how to rate it as my feelings on it and the story itself are just different so ill settle for 4 stars (maybe 4.5?). While this is literature, I would count it more as a historical anti-war/colonization document. At It blurred lines to who was the main character and who the author as it in my opinion was written as a relflection and journal of wha thte author witnessed but through a fictional narrative. I say this due to Girma being reportedly (his body was not found though it is wildly assumed what happened) assasinated via Derg's dictatorship due mostly to the book.
His reportings as a journalist both real life and in the book (character) felt extremely real which makes senses as he was wrtitng this around him working for the dictatorship and having conficting feelings against the regime amongst other things. Given whats going on the the world as multiple wars over land, politics, oil, ethinicty, history, and much more is running rampant reading this has amplified not only my feelings and undertanding of our current world but this book as well. This book is simply put amazing; slow yet fast, critical yet comical, and thought provoking yet in your face. It was a reminder for me that the world gets varied benefits from African suffering, turmoil, and destruction. Once their ready to fight another regime to simply put conquer a neighboring country, we see in the 3rd act it ends up being all for nothing. That significant drop from the build up we’ve read for over 300 pages leads us to an inside unglamorized or patriotic view of war; limited and internalized purpose. We see motives and feelings from diffrents groups of enemies and yet theres no real anser other than why? What is the point of war? of fighting a fight with deeper roots you can’t see? Theres is none as far as the the eye can see and yet we search for something to justify it regardless of the misinformation and lies that get spread in order to justify instead of sitting in it entirely.
Another thought aslo came to me as I was reading this book, it’s a classic and you can be in anytime period or moment in your life to figure that out. Not because its a different writing style or topic as it was written in the tumoltuous 80’s but in context, yet we read the same books in schools we consider to be classics. Most of which I would consider eurocentric, taboo turned famous books for the time being, and simply unrealtable to the times and only in the minds of an english teacher who impants theses thoughts into another mind sharpening a sad limited perspective on what can be a classic. What even is a classic other than old(ish) and relvent to someone anyways? Girma is a talented writer who was an excellent writer and pursued the truth for the public even after his untimely passing. Lastly please support your local libraries as they as well are coming under attack rather than conclomerates who sell a prodcut rather than a love and passion. Found this book as I’m currently reading around the world and the library gave me another reason why Im glad I’m still doing this. This is getting long and probably messy in spelling and formating and my feelings around this book are currently speechless. Love to all ;) <3
His reportings as a journalist both real life and in the book (character) felt extremely real which makes senses as he was wrtitng this around him working for the dictatorship and having conficting feelings against the regime amongst other things. Given whats going on the the world as multiple wars over land, politics, oil, ethinicty, history, and much more is running rampant reading this has amplified not only my feelings and undertanding of our current world but this book as well. This book is simply put amazing; slow yet fast, critical yet comical, and thought provoking yet in your face. It was a reminder for me that the world gets varied benefits from African suffering, turmoil, and destruction. Once their ready to fight another regime to simply put conquer a neighboring country, we see in the 3rd act it ends up being all for nothing. That significant drop from the build up we’ve read for over 300 pages leads us to an inside unglamorized or patriotic view of war; limited and internalized purpose. We see motives and feelings from diffrents groups of enemies and yet theres no real anser other than why? What is the point of war? of fighting a fight with deeper roots you can’t see? Theres is none as far as the the eye can see and yet we search for something to justify it regardless of the misinformation and lies that get spread in order to justify instead of sitting in it entirely.
Another thought aslo came to me as I was reading this book, it’s a classic and you can be in anytime period or moment in your life to figure that out. Not because its a different writing style or topic as it was written in the tumoltuous 80’s but in context, yet we read the same books in schools we consider to be classics. Most of which I would consider eurocentric, taboo turned famous books for the time being, and simply unrealtable to the times and only in the minds of an english teacher who impants theses thoughts into another mind sharpening a sad limited perspective on what can be a classic. What even is a classic other than old(ish) and relvent to someone anyways? Girma is a talented writer who was an excellent writer and pursued the truth for the public even after his untimely passing. Lastly please support your local libraries as they as well are coming under attack rather than conclomerates who sell a prodcut rather than a love and passion. Found this book as I’m currently reading around the world and the library gave me another reason why Im glad I’m still doing this. This is getting long and probably messy in spelling and formating and my feelings around this book are currently speechless. Love to all ;) <3
July 3, 2026
Oromay is one of those books whose history is almost as compelling as its story. It was published during Ethiopia's Derg regime, the novel was reportedly banned just days after its release and its author, Baalu Girma, disappeared months later.I picked it up expecting a bold political indictment of the regime, because why did the author disappear if not because of this.
The novel follows a journalist assigned to cover Ethiopia's Red Star Campaign in Eritrea. As he witnesses the realities of war, political tensions and shifting loyalties, he also finds himself falling in love with an Eritrean woman. The result is a story that blends historical fiction, romance, political intrigue, and espionage into a compelling narrative.
What impressed me most was Girma's writing. His prose is thoughtful and deliberate, allowing the story to unfold patiently while building both suspense and emotional depth. The espionage elements kept me engaged, while the romance added warmth to an otherwise tense and uncertain backdrop.
The novel explores several powerful themes. War dominates the narrative, exposing not only the conflict itself but also the fear that silences those within the government who privately question it. Through these characters, Girma paints a picture of how authoritarian systems discourage dissent.
A standout character is Fiammeta, whose independence and refusal to conform to societal expectations make her one of the novel's most memorable figures. Her confidence and freedom offer a refreshing contrast to the restrictive expectations placed on women during that period.
With all honesty, what surprised me most was what the book doesn't do. Given its history, I expected a direct attack on the Derg regime. Instead, the criticism is subtle and woven into the human experiences of war, fear and censorship. That left me wondering why the novel provoked such a harsh response from the authorities. From my reading, its suppression and the tragedy that followed for Balu Girma feels deeply unfortunate and unwarranted.
Beyond its literary value, Oromay also offers insight into the historical relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea. It helped me better understand the roots of a conflict that shaped both nations for decades while also reminding me how closely their histories and cultures remain connected.
Overall, I really enjoyed Oromay. I would especially recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction, political intrigue, espionage, and romance. It is a thoughtful, beautifully written novel that invites readers to reflect on history through deep human stories.
The novel follows a journalist assigned to cover Ethiopia's Red Star Campaign in Eritrea. As he witnesses the realities of war, political tensions and shifting loyalties, he also finds himself falling in love with an Eritrean woman. The result is a story that blends historical fiction, romance, political intrigue, and espionage into a compelling narrative.
What impressed me most was Girma's writing. His prose is thoughtful and deliberate, allowing the story to unfold patiently while building both suspense and emotional depth. The espionage elements kept me engaged, while the romance added warmth to an otherwise tense and uncertain backdrop.
The novel explores several powerful themes. War dominates the narrative, exposing not only the conflict itself but also the fear that silences those within the government who privately question it. Through these characters, Girma paints a picture of how authoritarian systems discourage dissent.
A standout character is Fiammeta, whose independence and refusal to conform to societal expectations make her one of the novel's most memorable figures. Her confidence and freedom offer a refreshing contrast to the restrictive expectations placed on women during that period.
With all honesty, what surprised me most was what the book doesn't do. Given its history, I expected a direct attack on the Derg regime. Instead, the criticism is subtle and woven into the human experiences of war, fear and censorship. That left me wondering why the novel provoked such a harsh response from the authorities. From my reading, its suppression and the tragedy that followed for Balu Girma feels deeply unfortunate and unwarranted.
Beyond its literary value, Oromay also offers insight into the historical relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea. It helped me better understand the roots of a conflict that shaped both nations for decades while also reminding me how closely their histories and cultures remain connected.
Overall, I really enjoyed Oromay. I would especially recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction, political intrigue, espionage, and romance. It is a thoughtful, beautifully written novel that invites readers to reflect on history through deep human stories.
May 26, 2025
First Published in Amharic in 1983, (and then banned rapidly after publication) Oromay has now been translated into English in it's entirety. And as a BONUS - it is now out in a very listenable audio-book as well!
No Spoiler Summary (because spoilers are just the WORST) - Oromay ( an Eritrean word adapted from the Italian oromai meaning pointless or finished) tells the story of a fictional journalist's experiences embarking on a political and military campaign in Eritrea. (Eritrea is a country in East Africa.) Set in Asmara, the reader is embedded into all the wild nights, political intrigue and exploits and front line action in what was a long, bitter conflict occurring over decades. Girma was a journalist and it seems this very personal novel is a fictionalized account of the actual Red Star Campaign and true events.
I consumed the novel like a sweet delicious coffee. There's treachery, intrigue, gruesome battles, romance, and a dramatic ending that leaves the reader thinking about the nature of life and death for a long time to come.
The narration was performed by Beru Tessema and it was perfection. For many English readers- the amount of unfamiliar names with unusual spellings will be daunting. With Beru Tessema, these all rolled off the tongue naturally and kept the story moving forward. Some readers may find the way the story unfolds to feel a little slow- but I'm going to encourage readers to stick with it. The sort of slow measured feel seems to reflect how the campaign itself rolled out over Asmara. The novel pulls the reader in deeper and deeper, just as the officials were pulled into Asmara and Eritrea, not all at once, but slowly over a period of weeks. One warm evening at a time.
Did I find myself rooting for one character in particular? Not really- this isn't that sort of novel where a hero emerges out of rubble. Instead, as a reader I found that my understanding of life and death and the choices made in difficult times broadened with each unfurling chapter - making this a rather remarkable piece of fiction. It is a book in translation - David DeGusta and Mesfin Felleke Yirgu are the translators, and I did have to check a few times to be sure it was a translation. I can't speak to the accuracy, but I can say that it was very readable.
This novel is perfect for book clubs, students, readers of John Lecarre, and Phillip Kerr.
No Spoiler Summary (because spoilers are just the WORST) - Oromay ( an Eritrean word adapted from the Italian oromai meaning pointless or finished) tells the story of a fictional journalist's experiences embarking on a political and military campaign in Eritrea. (Eritrea is a country in East Africa.) Set in Asmara, the reader is embedded into all the wild nights, political intrigue and exploits and front line action in what was a long, bitter conflict occurring over decades. Girma was a journalist and it seems this very personal novel is a fictionalized account of the actual Red Star Campaign and true events.
I consumed the novel like a sweet delicious coffee. There's treachery, intrigue, gruesome battles, romance, and a dramatic ending that leaves the reader thinking about the nature of life and death for a long time to come.
The narration was performed by Beru Tessema and it was perfection. For many English readers- the amount of unfamiliar names with unusual spellings will be daunting. With Beru Tessema, these all rolled off the tongue naturally and kept the story moving forward. Some readers may find the way the story unfolds to feel a little slow- but I'm going to encourage readers to stick with it. The sort of slow measured feel seems to reflect how the campaign itself rolled out over Asmara. The novel pulls the reader in deeper and deeper, just as the officials were pulled into Asmara and Eritrea, not all at once, but slowly over a period of weeks. One warm evening at a time.
Did I find myself rooting for one character in particular? Not really- this isn't that sort of novel where a hero emerges out of rubble. Instead, as a reader I found that my understanding of life and death and the choices made in difficult times broadened with each unfurling chapter - making this a rather remarkable piece of fiction. It is a book in translation - David DeGusta and Mesfin Felleke Yirgu are the translators, and I did have to check a few times to be sure it was a translation. I can't speak to the accuracy, but I can say that it was very readable.
This novel is perfect for book clubs, students, readers of John Lecarre, and Phillip Kerr.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews