Yohannes Ishi

by Nabse Bamato

Born in Ethiopia, but adopted by a British couple, Yohannes grows up far from his cultural roots. Following the death of his adoptive mother, he is persuaded to return to the beautiful, yet seemingly impossible nation, to take on a teaching job.

With no memories of the land of his birth and no knowledge of the language or culture, Yohannes finds himself a virtual stranger. He meets a whole raft of interesting characters, each with their own story to tell including Abeba, who helps him not only to learn about his country, but also to make discoveries about himself.

Yohannes Ishi is a light read, but, at the same time, it paints vivid pictures of contemporary Ethiopia and successfully explores issues of identity and belonging. It is full of memorable characters and evocative locations. While introducing you to, or reminding you of, Addis Ababa it will certainly raise a smile or two along the way.

Genres: Fiction, Ethiopia, Africa

138 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2014

About the author

Nabse Bamato grew up in the heart of his much loved Addis, smelling the freshly roasted coffee and listening to the Sunday morning programmes on the radio. He now lives in the grim North West with his young family and a four-legged friend. He is a lifelong supporter of Liverpool Football Club and a voracious reader of newspapers and books of all descriptions.

Yohannes Ishi is his first novel.

Reviews

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed out loud, I smiled, I cried. Emotion packed story.

Yohannes is Ethiopian-born but raised by adopted parents in England. He thinks of himself as English, not Ethiopian. After schooling and at the request of his father, he returns to Ethiopia to teach art in the International Community School. This is his story.

He doesn't search for his birth mother because he has English parents. He is so English that the locals call him faerang (white stranger). He does, however, search for friendships with locals and desire to learn the language. Along the way, he learns the customs and falls in love.

In the beginning of the story I didn't think I would like the Yohannes character but he grows on you. I found him to be honest and respectful of the local people.

Ishi!

[Nicky Shellens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book - it's a really entertaining light read full of individuals' stories and memorable characters. It has loads to say which is relevant to anyone who has an interest in in travelling, in living in other countries, and in working out where they belong, while, at the same time, being extremely readable. The pictures it paints of Ethiopia as a country are vivid and the people that you come across as the story progresses are believable, likeable and interesting. I found myself really wanting to know what happened to all the characters - their stories are fascinating and often, also, funny. Mr Bamato has a lovely turn of phrase and I hope that we will be seeing more from him in the future.

[Tamara Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yohannes Ishi made me fall in love with Ethiopia. it was such a gorgeous, memorable book that it will stay with me for the rest of my life.

[Rutvika Bhide · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt it lacked substantial story. But a breezy read.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sorry to say that I would not recommend this book. There were some grammatical mistakes, and the pacing of the book was not good. It jumped from scene to scene quite abruptly, and it had some details or scenes that should of been left out. Also, while the book was advertised to be about an Ethiopian-born man who was adopted as a child, and later returned to Ethiopia to teach, very little of the book was about teaching. In fact, it was barely mentioned at all. Still, it wasn't a horrible book, and I think it shows promise. If it was edited a bit more, and some scenes were taken out and others put in, I think it would be a good read. :)

[Jennifer Bakody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast, easy read that allowed me real insight as I came to know and understand Yohannes. Already knew and loved Ethiopia beforehand, now even more so.

[Tom Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very evocative of what it can be like to be a faereng in Addis. Nice snapshot, but didn't feel like a fully fleshed portrait.

[Faith King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only 130ish pages, I bought this off the Kindle store for my around-the-world challenge without checking number of pages. Had I looked, I would have chosen something else, as I like books that give a country/character a decent contemplation or reflection.

Yohannes Ishi was unsurprisingly easy to read. Also as expected, the story did not feel very substantial. Nonetheless, for a book of its length, it was good and efficiently combined slices of Ethiopian history/tradition/current issues, family, community, and love.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful story set in Addis Ababa and the wonderful Ethiopian culture. It's more of a novella than a novel, quick read and truly pleasant. I have seen so many kids myself adopted out of Ethiopia going back there to retrace their roots in this wonderful place. I wish all their stories had such happy endings. It mentions - without delving too much into details - all the essential modern problems of the country as well as their traditions. Took me back to my wonderful days there!

[Alistair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story/novella 130ish pages.
Perhaps should be 3 stars because it leaves you wanting more.
(so often the case with short stories)