Comments on: Getty Ambau On His Novel Desta

By: Getachew Admassu

Getachew Admassu — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:11:34 +0000

Dear Getty Ambau

Congratulations !!

You did a marvelous work. I was fortunate enough to speak to you, when you called us here in Seattle. I took the book with me to Ethiopia, and read it on the way there and finished on my trip back.

I enjoyed it immensley, and I woud suggest you contact The Hilton in Addis Ababa, to have it displayed for sale. I have seen copies of other books by Ethiopian authors being sold there.

What fascinated me most was how you were able to weave our cultural nuances in the book, blending well without deviating from your story.
I am certain there amny Destas who went through similar/identical life experiences who could cherish your work.

You added a significant contribuition to ETHIOPIA’s literary folder.

Thank you
Getachew Admassu

By: DESTA Author Getty Ambau Receives Moonbeam Book Award at Tadias Magazine

DESTA Author Getty Ambau Receives Moonbeam Book Award at Tadias Magazine — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:07:54 +0000

[...] Related: Interview: Getty Ambau On His Novel Desta [...]

By: Lori Schryer

Lori Schryer — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:54:49 +0000

I read DESTA in manuscript form a year ago, and this amazing, lovely book is still in my mind. Getty is a fabulous storyteller, and Desta and his family are wonderful, vivid, flawed, and ultimately uplifting characters. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Like Harry Potter or The Book Thief, it is a book for both adults and younger readers. READ THIS BOOK! You will be glad you did. It is a true literary and cultural treasure.

By: Getty Ambau

Getty Ambau — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:18:24 +0000

To Hirut and all those who have the first batches of DESTA,

Thank you for your purchase of DESTA. Regarding the “tuning” issue, we had problems during the conversion of the manuscript from one application software to another, and as a result, some of the dialogues were corrupted, the alignments were lost and a few textual errors appeared. We fixed all those we could find at the time but apparently there were still a few missed. Having a deadline to meet didn’t help either. Rest assured that they have all been addressed now.

Thanks again.

By: DJ

DJ — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:16:31 +0000

The book certainly piques my interest. I will get a copy when it becomes available on Amazon. Question: Why specifically “Solomonic Coin” though? Why not just “coin?”

By: Elizabeth Wolfe

Elizabeth Wolfe — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 01:02:21 +0000

Congratulations, Getty! Great interview and a wonderful book!

From your authonomy friend, Elizabeth

By: Hirut Abate

Hirut Abate — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 00:56:24 +0000

I love DESTA! For a first novel, it is great read. It can still use a bit more tuning though.

By: Jackie Richmond

Jackie Richmond — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:40:58 +0000

Having read exerpts from the novel, Desta, was a real privalege.
Words can’t express just how transportive the ‘sense of place’ Author Ambau has given his readers. His characters are very alive and the entire novel sings with their power. I’m going to have to puchase two of the books…one for each of my daughters as they will want Desta in their ‘home’ libraries!

Thank you, Tadias

Thank you, Getty Ambau and best of luck with your wonderful book.

By: Monika

Monika — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:29:28 +0000

I thoroughly enjoyed the book and shared it with my students when it was in manuscript form. I found a new world in the Ethiopian customs and countryside, yet the struggles Desta encounters are universal. The desire to see more of the world, to see beyond one’s small circle of space, is the desire all young people hold, so not only can young adults appreciate Desta’s predicament, but adults looking back to their own youth, recognize their own longings that drove their dreams of the future. The harsh treatment Desta receives and his yearnings for knowledge and exploration beyond his limited scope, motivate him to follow his curiosities and explore his dreams, concepts which most young adults and adolescents can recognize as universal conditions the world over. The lush landscape is more than travelogue, but a mystic environment.

By: Ye Oak Town Lij

Ye Oak Town Lij — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 04:15:53 +0000

Got a copy from a friend here in town. An excellent book, in my opinion! The main reason why I liked the book is that it reminds of wonderful paintings that tell stories. In Desta, the author’s canvas is Ethiopia and all its maddening beauty and complexity, but the message is universal indeed and it contains, in my opinion, quite a good dose of wise moral lessons for everyone. I recommend it!

By: Zelalem

Zelalem — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:06:21 +0000

Bravo. Looking forward to it. One more addition to the small but growing number of Novels by Ethiopian American authors.

By: Getty Ambau

Getty Ambau — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:00:53 +0000

Dear Ms. Mikael,

Thank you for your comments. This book is for all ages. A 10-year-old boy recently came up to me and said he read the whole book in a few days and loved the story. A 12-year-old young person should certainly have no problem in understanding the novel.

Thank you again.
GTA

By: Susana Mikael

Susana Mikael — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:39:22 +0000

Sounds very intriguing and at a minimum a great idea! Based on the sensibilities of the author displayed throughput this interview, I imagine it to be an interesting and instructive read. I do have a question for Mr. Ambau: Is the book intended for young-adults or is it for all ages? The reason why I am asking is that I have 12-year old, would be appropriate to share it?

By: Hamelmal Shiferaw

Hamelmal Shiferaw — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:10:33 +0000

How Wonderful! I Cannot Wait to read “Desta”. Thank you Tadias for bringing this story.