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R**S
A Fascinating History of Wars in a Very Tough Neighborhood
Over a 27-years career, General Habtemariam commanded Ethiopian Army troops in battle, including an air drop into the encircled city of Nakfa, Eritrea. Over the course of his career, campaigns in which Gen. Habtermariam participated in included fighting against Somalia in the Ogaden Region, and against Eritrean separatists. He was wounded several times, at least once seriously and, thankfully, he has lived to tell the tale. In writing the book, Gen. Habtermariam relied heavily on his extraordinary memory, as many of his written records were either lost or destroyed. Taken together, the book is also a description of the negative impact of the presence of the European powers, especially their activities in drawing borders for territories they knew very little about, and how it was left to the peoples of the region to sort it all out, much of it by violent means. The book also describes the impact of the roles countries played in the Cold War, and the involvement of foreign powers in arming the belligerents. An excellent read.
D**T
A unique Look at another country's military history!
I received this book on a Friday and had it read over the weekend. I found it to be a fascinating read. It provided a window into a military history I previously knew so little about. This book is not just the memoir of an Ethiopian military general and hero. It is also the story of Ethiopia’s attempts to rebuild itself. Ethiopia struggled to reshape and regain its independence from European administration after the Italian invasion and occupation during World War II.In addition it is also a story about sacrifice, honor, victory and yes, even defeat. It is about bureaucratic incompetence, individual heroics, and a people willing to die to defend their brothers-in-arms and their country.There is an interesting flair to the narrative. This makes it a different yet enjoyable read. Originally written by Tesfaye Habtemariam in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia, it was later translated into English. Therefore, the prose has a unique character, but is very clear and easy to read. I give this book 5 Stars and recommend it to anyone interested in military history.
M**I
Wonderful and engaging!
Great story about an Ethiopian soldier’s experiences in war and conflict in Ethiopia. The book is a very quick read and is quite engaging. Most of the time you read a portion and think to yourself, how did this man ever come out of this mess alive. The book does well to portray the real struggle of war and specifically of a soldiers life during constant siege. For a second, I thought I was reading a Mitch Rapp novel, but then you realize you are reading a real-life story of a true hero. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
D**E
Intriguing and captivating
This book is one that goes down as a historical manuscript. The author has presented the story in a very interesting and fascinating visualization of the battlefield and all the complex workings of the military establishment. The Ethiopian military at the time was one of giants in the whole of Africa if not the world. The writer eloquently told the problems and challenges and the heroism behind all of it. I recommend this book highly to old and young generations who want to know what happened in one of the deadliest civil wars of Eastern Africa.
E**N
I could not stop reading the book
Thank you very much for the book. You have showed me what really happened during that time in my country. I feel deeply sorry for the lost lives of our brothers Eritrean and Ethiopian. Mengistu not only has the Key shibr life on his hand he should be responsible the young people who has lost their life during the war.
N**5
Sacrifice for country and the brutal Africa politics
Great book by one of Ethiopia's best military commander. The book represents the sacrifice of many of his colleagues unable to tell their stories.
T**.
Powerful story
An extremely powerful and very interesting battlefield story.
P**M
Spellbinding Account of Modern Warfare
This book is a gripping account of warfare from the perspective of an Ethiopian commanding officer on the ground. It is an inside view of the heat of battle: the bombs, the bullets, the maimings, the heat, the stench, the hand-to-hand combat, the trenches, the enemy’s psychological tactics, the escapes, the victories. The author exudes professionalism and putting the mission above all else. He writes of skilled and seasoned soldiers, but also rebellious and intransigent ones. He describes inane decisions by senior officials, and recounts various plans that go awry in war and battle. The reader sees the anatomy of a coup attempt. Geopolitical events are depicted, with Ethiopia first allied with the United States and then, almost overnight, with the Soviet Union. The book ends with the author recounting being imprisoned for three years by a new Ethiopian government. Further details on that episode would have been helpful. Overall, the book should be required reading for anyone interested in military tactics and in what goes on during the thick of battle.
S**A
very intersting book
very intersting book
G**A
Extraordinary Story. This Soldiers story would have been made Dramatic Hollywood Film
If he, Birgadier General Tesfaye Habtemariam, was a soldier from one of the supper powers like Great Britain or USA-America, this story would have been made in to Dramatic Hollywood Film. No wonder he got hero's award that has only been awarded to only 2 person in the country-Ethiopia at that time
A**E
A Breathtaking story
It’s wonderful that this extraordinary story of an Ethiopian hero is shared to the world. The book is written in an elevated style. The story extends over a long period of time and tells of great events. Indeed, a historical hero! Don’t miss to read this epic book.
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