Elite Characters in Ethiopian Novels boldly illuminates the power of literature to unify a turbulent society. Taddele Gebre-Hiwot analyzes the comparative characteristics of the ruling class of Ethiopia by examining their representations in novels. He asserts how a novel is essentially a reflection of the society in which it was born, and transitively, why the elites should play a significant role in the literature. In this book, the line between sociology and literature bends as Taddele compares fictional portrayals of elites within Ethiopian novels in order to reveal the delicate relationship between the rulers and the ruled.

Three established novelists—Afeworq Gebre Iyesus, Haddis Alemayehu and Bealu Girma—reflect daunting sociological patterns within Ethiopia’s tumultuous past of conflicts and wars, but Gebre-Hiwot recalls the dangers posed to the authors. This book has the power to shock and educate, to leave the reader with a new appreciation for literature’s ability to tell the stories of every era while proposing solutions for social and political change.

1. The Sociologists on Elites; The Rise of Elites on African Liberation; Elite Characters in Chinua Achebe’s Novel; Ethiopian Literary Experience
2. The First African Novel by Ethiopian Writer; The Elite’s Image in “Tobia”; Traditional Fight of the Elite for Power; The Atmosphere in “Tobia”; The Traditional Elite Domination and Influeunce on Literature
3. Elites in Haddis Alemayehu’s First Novel; The Religious Elite in the First Novel; The Hereditary Elite in the First Novel; The Rising Elite in the First Novel
4. Haddis’ Second Novel; Traditional Economic Elites; The Sex Life of Elites; The Influence of Modern Technology; The Artistic Elite 
5.  Haddis’ Third Novel; The Ruling Elite; The Magician As An Elite
6. The Intellectual Elite Characters; Bealu Girma’s Oromay; Bealu: The Writer and the Elite; Summary of Contrast Between Bealu’s and Achebe’s Characters

Taddele Gebre-Hiwot, Ph.D. is a novelist, scholar, and also teaches Amharic in Poland and in the U.S. Dr. Gebre-Hiwot published numerous works that commend past social highs in Ethiopia and address the low points as well.  Dr. Gebre-Hiwot’s research has also been published in several publications.