“የሃበሻ ጀብዱ (Abyssinian Odyssey)” is a powerful memoir by Czech writer Adolf Parlesák, translated into Amharic by Techane Jobre Mekonnen and published by Addis Ababa University Press. The book recounts Parlesák’s life in Ethiopia during the turbulent 1930s, particularly his role as a military advisor during the Italo‑Ethiopian War. He shares deeply personal stories of fighting alongside Ethiopian soldiers, giving readers a front-row seat to the bravery, suffering, and resilience of those defending their homeland.
Beyond its war narrative, the book provides a rich historical portrait of Ethiopia under Emperor Haile Selassie, including profiles of prominent commanders such as Dejazmach Abera Kassa. Parlesák’s observations go beyond battles — he captures the spirit, culture, and patriotism of Ethiopians during one of their most dramatic chapters. Through this firsthand testimony, readers gain a nuanced understanding of Ethiopian identity, the cost of resistance, and the broader geopolitical stakes of that era.
