The Wife’s Tale: A Personal History by Aida Edemariam

Author: Aida Edemariam
Published: 2018
Formats Available: Kindle, Audible, Paperback, Hardback
Setting: Ethiopia

The Wife’s Tale book review

Introduction

Aida Edemariam’s The Wife’s Tale: A Personal History is a profoundly moving and beautifully written biography that brings to life the remarkable journey of Yetemegnu, the author’s grandmother. Set in Ethiopia, the book spans nearly a century, capturing the personal and political transformations that shaped Yetemegnu’s life.

Book Summary

The Wife’s Tale book review unpacks Yetemegnu’s life. Married off at a shockingly young age—less than ten years old—Yetemegnu became the wife of an influential priest and community leader, a man much older than her who called her “my child.” He was intelligent and composed, both a loving husband and a strict disciplinarian. While he supported her through complicated pregnancies and cherished their children, he also exercised physical discipline in ways that, at times, became brutal. Yetemegnu fled her marital home with her children in one instance, only to return after elders intervened. Over time, however, her husband changed, and the physical chastisement stopped. Together, they endured both joy and immense grief, raising multiple children while also experiencing the pain of child loss.

A devout Catholic, Yetemegnu turned to the Virgin Mary for guidance, often crying out in prayer: “Oh Lady, Lady, come to our aid.” Her faith was a source of strength as she navigated life’s hardships, particularly after the death of her husband when she was dispossessed of her land. She fiercely petitioned authorities, including Emperor Haile Selassie, first for her husband’s freedom during his imprisonment and later for her children’s education and well-being.

Yetemegnu’s story is of endurance, witnessing and surviving pivotal historical events. She lived through the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, the rise and fall of Haile Selassie, famine, and political instability. She petitioned before emperors, fought for her family’s survival, and never wavered in her determination. Her resilience, sharp wit, and unwavering spirit make her a formidable and inspiring figure.

After thoughts and writing style

I first read this book in 2018 when it was released on Kindle, and it was an eye-opening journey into Ethiopia’s history and culture. In 2025, I revisited it as an audiobook narrated by the exceptional Adjoa Andoh. The narration was outstanding, enriched by actual interview recordings, which added an even more intimate and authentic touch to an already deeply personal story. The Kindle edition also features photographs of Yetemegnu and her family over the years, including a powerful image of her with her children after her husband’s death—perfectly capturing the moment Aida Edemariam so vividly describes in the book.

Aida’s writing is lyrical, captivating, and deeply immersive. She masterfully weaves together historical and personal narratives, painting vivid scenes that transport the reader. One particularly striking moment in Chapter 5 describes Yetemegnu returning home to find it looted and vandalised—the bedroom “yawning at the sky.” Another memorable passage details Yetemegnu’s work with cotton, rendered with such rich imagery that it feels tangible.

Accolades and Recommendations

It’s no surprise that The Wife’s Tale won the RSL Ondaatje Prize (2019) and was recognized as both an Economist Book of the Year and a CBC Book of the Year.

This book is a breathtaking tribute to an extraordinary woman. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history, resilience, and the power of storytelling. An absolutely remarkable read.

About the author:

Aida Edemariam is an Ethiopian-Canadian journalist and author. She is now based in the UK and has worked as a journalist for The Guardian and other major publications, covering a range of topics from politics to culture. Her writing often explores themes of history, memory, and personal narratives.