Oromay

A well-known journalist unravels government corruption in the landmark English translation of Ethiopia’s most famous novel—a thrilling political satire and a poignant tale of love and war.

December 1981, Ethiopia. Tsegaye Hailemaryam, a well-known television journalist and a key figure in state-run media, is hustling to get to the airport in time for his flight to Asmara. Tsegaye is headed to Eritrea for three months as part of the government’s Red Star Campaign, which is aimed at ending the long-running Eritrean rebellion against the Derg, Ethiopia's central government. His fiancée is none too happy about his departure, convinced he will fall in love with one of Asmara’s famed beauties.

Full of bluster and swagger, Tsegaye’s team documents the Red Star Campaign. But misgivings take root as Tsegaye learns that the officials are partaking heavily of the local nightlife, a half-dozen local officials have gone missing, and double agents have infiltrated the tight group. While his misgivings about the campaign grow, Tsegaye begins to fall in love with Asmara—and with Fiammetta, a gorgeous and charming Eritrean woman who is not what she seems.

A sweeping love story and thrilling political satire, Oromay is renowned journalist and novelist Baalu Girma's masterpiece—and a beacon of free expression in literature.