Maaza Mengiste is an Ethiopian-American author known for her compelling storytelling and exploration of themes such as identity, history, and resilience. She gained recognition for her novels, particularly "Beneath the Lion's Gaze," which delves into the impact of political turmoil in Ethiopia during the 1970s. Her second novel, "The Shadow King," was shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize and highlights the role of women in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. Mengiste's work often reflects her own experiences as an immigrant and her deep connection to her Ethiopian heritage.