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Haddis
Alemayehu was a true all-rounder who contributed to
Ethiopia in many number of disciplines. First and foremost,
he was arguably the single most talented Ethiopian novelist
who wrote some of the most loved and admired novels to
date in Ethiopia. He wrote from the heart and the stories
in his novels have touched the hearts of many Ethiopians.
 Among
his great works, his 1968 novel - Love unto crypt - which
is the Ethiopian equivalent of Romeo & Juliet is by
far the most talked-about and admired Ethiopian novels
ever. This masterpiece is now being read by English readers
after its translation recently by Sisay Ayenew. The novel
hit the shelves of numerous book stores worldwide in 2005.
It was put at best book sections in New York Times' August
14 issue.
The
other Haddis Alemayehu was a true patriot who defended
his country from the invasion of fascist Italy in the
1930s. After vigorously fighting the Italians, he was
held in captivity for seven years in Italy. He went back
to an independent Ethiopia in 1944, three years after
Italy was decisively defeated at the Battle of Adwa. The
young Haddis Alemayehu - prior to his fame as a novelist
and a patriot – was a passionate teacher who believed
in the power of education.
Mr.
Haddis also served his country as a Foreign Minister from
1960 – 61 under the government of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Haddis was a dignified selfless man that contributed to
his country from defending Ethiopia at the frontline to
protecting the country's interests through remarkable
diplomacy, and from educating Ethiopians to writing novels
of highest standards.
He
was awarded the Special and Gold Mercury Prizes of Emperor
Haile Selassie Award Trust and also an Honorary Doctoral
Degree by Addis Ababa University. He died on 6th December
2003 at the age of 94 and was laid to rest on 7th December
2003 at the the Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa.
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