Gebreyesus Hailu was a significant cultural and intellectual force in Eritrea, known for his profound engagement with theology and his multifaceted contributions to government and academia. His work delved into the rich tapestry of Eritrean and Ethiopian culture, offering critical insights and shaping public discourse during pivotal historical periods. Hailu's intellectual rigor and dedication to cultural preservation left an indelible mark on the region's literary and philosophical landscape.
Eloquent and thought-provoking, this classic novel by the Eritrean novelist Gebreyesus Hailu, written in Tigrinya in 1927 and published in 1950, is one of the earliest novels written in an African language and will have a major impact on the reception and critical appraisal of African literature.