Toronto-based journalist Jeff Pearce, known for his nonfiction works on Ethiopia, has turned to fiction with his new novel Sabeshya. The book blends historical foundations with speculative elements, reexamining Ethiopian history from fresh perspectives. It draws inspiration from real events while addressing misconceptions about the country's past.
In a Q&A featured in Tadias Magazine, Toronto-based journalist Jeff Pearce discusses his latest novel Sabeshya, which delves into Ethiopian history through a fictional lens. Known for nonfiction books like Prevail, which chronicles Ethiopia's victory over Mussolini's invasion, and The Gifts of Africa, Pearce has now ventured into fantasy fiction to counter online distortions of Ethiopian narratives.
"I think I finally had the confidence to tackle the country in fiction," Pearce said. "It's been tremendously encouraging... to have many Ethiopians like what I do."
Sabeshya is rooted in the Zemene Mesafint era, a period of intrigue and conflict that Pearce compares to Game of Thrones. The protagonist, Dawit, a physician, navigates ethical dilemmas amid war and healing, reflecting Pearce's own reporting experiences from the Ethiopia-Tigray conflict. He witnessed displaced persons camps, battlefields, and atrocities like the Mai Kadra massacre, shaping his aversion to escapist fantasy.
"Fantasy fiction, like the kind I used to love... that's pure escapism," Pearce noted. "Now... the smell of decomposing bodies is something you don't soon forget."
The novel critiques Western media portrayals, echoing how global coverage often overlooks Ethiopian perspectives. Pearce hopes readers familiar with Prevail will appreciate the African-centered storytelling, without relying on Western protagonists like in Shogun.
Looking ahead, Pearce is completing a nonfiction history of the Ethiopian Empire and a creative project on Haile Selassie, emphasizing balanced views amid polarized opinions. Sabeshya is available in paperback on Amazon.