Daniachew Worku

Daniachew’s book touches on familiar themes: sons and fathers fighting over the traditional and modern ways of life. However, by telling each chapter from the point of view of different characters the reader is given insight into each character, each with their own flaws and dishonesties. The father (Fitawrary Woldu) is dying, and goes to Bishoftu church to attempt a cure. His son, Goytom, and daughter, Woynitu, accompany him. The church is on the summit of a volcano and, as they ascend, they undergo the opposite of Dante’s journey into hell, ascending into increasingly bewildering spheres of ritual and religiosity while the world they know recedes into the background. As a reader, I felt increasingly disorientated by the events as the summit is neared, which is reflected by Goytom’s increased inability to connect with his surroundings. The book is therefore very skilfully written. I did feel that it lost its way, in places, introducing too many perspectives and voices (e.g. the local peasants and priests), whereas I wanted to get more involved in Goytom’s story. All in all, though, I enjoyed ‘The Thirteenth Sun’. It is a quick and easy read, and well worth it if you get a chance.… (more)