Oda Oak Oracle; a legend of black peoples, told of gods and God, of hope and love, and of fears and Sacrifices

by Christina Latham-Koenig

64 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2026

Reviews

[Grayson Fennell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of researching Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin for an African Drama class and I was pleasantly surprised learning about the history of Ethiopia and Gabre-Medhin. Despite being a giant in the Ethiopian literary canon, Gabre-Medhin was constantly censored because of his use of Ethiopian history to criticize the contemporary government.

The Oda-Oak Oracle pitches humanism against traditionalism in the vein of Shakespeare. As Gabre-Medhin spent time in Europe studying theatre, it shows in his work while staying devoted to African and Ethiopian issues. Gabre-Medhin aims to reconcile Ethiopia's fragmented racial groups towards a unified country. Though it had not happened, nor has it yet, in his lifetime, The Oda-Oak Oracle is a testament towards the will of a better Ethiopia.

[Martha H. Kidane · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great read. Written in a poetry form that is easily readable. The myth and traditional symbolism is rich. The turn of events and the ways and decisions passed by the elder along with the interpretations are captivating.
The book may be small in pages, but the lessons are grand.

[Lawal Blessing · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn't read anything