The Foreigners (2024) By Neway Atnafu
Book Description
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This historical/generational fiction highlights questions about culture, religion, education, relationship, family and origin and the impact of politics on people’s lives. It gives perspectives on African/Ethiopian traditions in contrast to western civilization. It tells the story of childhood friends who started from humble beginnings, the ups and downs they had to go through, their experiences as immigrants in foreign lands and their perspectives as they reflected on their past. From the horrors of COVID-19 to the rollercoaster of Donald Trump’s presidency, the thrills of Barack Obama’s inauguration, the aftermath of the shocking attacks on September 11 and the on-and-off political turmoil in East Africa, this book demonstrates how these fictitious characters outlived life changing transformations and what legacies they chose to leave for their children.
The main characters in the book, Henok, Willie, Mannie, Seble and Yalem, were born in a small Ethiopian town. Their childhood was filled with various adventurous encounters. They immigrated to the US, Canada and Europe. They endured various challenges as they attempted to assimilate to their new communities. They also struggled with their changing relationship to their homeland. But they always found a way to maintain their friendship. They accomplished so much over the years and built successful lives for themselves and their families, but they were not sure if their impact was appreciated. This book shows how they cope with their emotional struggles and the natural human behaviors of being wanted and appreciated.
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The friends shine light on their experiences through major events and their perspectives on the lessons learned to not repeat similar mistakes in the future:
Henok — was a visionary. Following the Ethiopian Eritrean war, he ran a successful political campaign for house of representatives, only to lose his seat due to a sham recall. He struggled to cope with reality and suffered from addiction.
“I was born here; my father, too; yet the locals still treat us like we’re foreigners who don’t belong here.” Henok
Willie — had a traumatic upbringing that influenced his life’s journey. But it didn’t stop him from turning things around after getting his PhD in a distinguished American university.
“You’ve failed us before. How’re you better than them? Please no more war! Say no to a warmonger!” Willie
Mannie — was raised in an anti-education household; but he managed to become a professor in Belgium before settling in Switzerland.
“I’ve done well for myself, but I always feel empty because I believe my father never loved me.” Mannie
Seble — was forced to an arranged marriage at a young age which brought her to the United States. She endured continued cultural and political transformations in Washington DC and Addis Ababa.
“A NEW BIRTH OF FREEDOM.” Seble
Yalem — returned to her hometown, Jinka, a long time after entering Calgary as a refuge, for a wedding to a white man.
“Nobody expected us to be where we are today! I am proud of all of you!” Yalem
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This book is dedicated to everyone who was forced to leave home, betrayed by close ones, outcast by their communities and subjected to government discrimination; to those who stood against all odds, refused to be victims, challenged norms and designed their own path; and to the ones who made it to the better side, forgave the past, moved into a promising future and still managed to share their blessings with others who needed assistance.
The human experiment is nothing but cyclic. Every geographic area has been through great times and extremely bad situations. Good and bad come and go to our life; some are our own making and others are due to environmental factors. As human beings we need to continuously work hard, understand that we need each other and intentionally go out of our way to help one another. The author advises us to learn from the past and not live in it; but to also plan for the future and not be greedy about it. We should live today with courage, kindness, love and faith.
About Neway Atnafu
The Foreigners is Neway Atnafu’s first novel. Neway is a proud father, husband and devoted family man based in Philadelphia, PA, USA. In his regular time, Neway is a professional engineer with distinguished career in the US higher institutions, research centers, public and private sectors. Neway grew up in an Ethiopian village and went on to become a successful professional on the global stage. He wrote this book to tell stories of the various characters he encountered in his life’s journey and the events that shaped their future.
News and Upcoming Events
Date of Publication: August 17, 2024
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