The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste is a historical novel set during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War (1935–1937), showcasing the resilience of Ethiopian women who fought against Mussolini's invasion. Centered on Hirut, a young servant who becomes a soldier, the novel highlights her journey from subjugation to empowerment, reflecting Ethiopia’s defiant spirit. Hirut and others rally around a “shadow king” who poses as the deposed Emperor Haile Selassie, using deception to maintain morale and confound Italian forces. Mengiste’s portrayal of the forgotten female warriors and the psychological toll of colonial violence offers a powerful exploration of memory, identity, and courage amid the horrors of war.