The Prince Who Refused to Kneel: Unveiling Like Father, Like Son
- Ademe Etefworkie Melaku
- Dec 24, 2025
- 4 min read
I am incredibly moved to introduce a new historical novel that unearths a tragic, buried chapter of history. Like Father, Like Son is the true story of Prince
Alemayehu Tewodros, an Ethiopian royal who faced an unimaginable fate when he was taken from his home by the British Empire. This poignant narrative delves deep into the complexities of his life, exploring not just the events that led to his capture, but also the emotional and psychological ramifications of being uprooted from his native land and thrust into the cold heart of Victorian England. The novel paints a vivid picture of the young prince's early life in Ethiopia, where he was raised in the rich cultural tapestry of his homeland, surrounded by the traditions, languages, and customs that shaped his identity. Alemayehu was not merely a figure of royalty; he was a symbol of his people's resilience and rich heritage. The story details the circumstances surrounding his father's reign, Emperor Tewodros II, whose struggle against foreign intervention and desire to modernize Ethiopia set the stage for the tragic events that would follow. As the narrative unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through the stark contrasts between the lush landscapes of Ethiopia and the grim, industrialized backdrop of 19th-century England. The novel explores Alemayehu's profound sense of loss and dislocation as he grapples with the stark differences in culture, climate, and social structure. It captures his bewilderment as he navigates a society that views him as an exotic curiosity rather than a person with his own dreams, aspirations, and heritage. Through the lens of Alemayehu's experiences, Like Father, Like Son also addresses broader themes of colonialism, identity, and the impact of imperialism on both the colonizer and the colonized. The story raises important questions about power dynamics, cultural erasure, and the lasting effects of such historical injustices on individuals and nations alike. As readers delve into this richly woven narrative, they will encounter a cast of characters who shape Alemayehu's journey, from the British officials who orchestrated his removal to the individuals who showed him kindness and support in a foreign land.

The novel does not shy away from the complexities of these relationships, offering a nuanced portrayal of the interactions between different cultures and the human capacity for empathy and understanding amidst adversity. In conclusion, Like Father, Like Son is more than just a historical recounting; it is a profound exploration of a young prince's struggle to find his place in a world that has been irrevocably altered by the forces of empire. It invites readers to reflect on the legacies of history and the personal stories that often remain hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be rediscovered and understood. This novel promises to be an emotional and enlightening experience, shedding light on a significant yet overlooked chapter of history that resonates with the themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring quest for identity.
This isn't just a story about history; it is a story about the devastating cost of survival. It follows a seven-year-old boy who watches his world burn and is then asked to be grateful to the arsonists. From the ruins of Magdala to the halls of Windsor Castle, this book chronicles the life of a boy who was paraded as a "rescued orphan" but remained a captive king in his heart.
If you are drawn to stories about the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds of identity, this book needs to be on your radar immediately.
📚 Short Review: A Heartbreaking Masterpiece
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Premise In 1868, Prince Alemayehu is taken to England after his father, Emperor Tewodros II, chooses suicide over surrender to the British. Raised
This story explores the devastating cost of survival, following a seven-year-old boy who witnesses his world burn and is then expected to thank the arsonists. From the ruins of Magdala to Windsor Castle, it chronicles his life as a "rescued orphan" who remains a captive king at heart.
If you are interested in tales of human resilience and unbreakable identity, this book is a must-read.
the elite, educated at Sandhurst, and befriended by Queen Victoria, Alamayahu appears to be the perfect example of assimilation. But beneath the British uniform, his soul is dying.
My Thoughts Like Father, Like Son is a devastatingly beautiful exploration of "erasure." The author brilliantly portrays the psychological toll of colonialism not through battles, but through the quiet, agonizing disintegration of a young man forced to live a lie.
The narrative shines a light on the "illness" that eventually claims the Prince at age eighteen. It wasn't a bacteria or a virus; it was the sheer weight of carrying two empires on shoulders too small to bear them. The parallel drawn between the father (who died for sovereignty) and the son (who died for identity) is masterful.
This is not a happy story, but it is an essential one. It challenges the "civilizing" narrative of the British Empire and gives a voice to a boy who died a stranger in a strange land.
Perfect for readers who love:
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
"He died a stranger, as he had lived a stranger."
Final Verdict Visceral, haunting, and deeply necessary. Like Father, Like Son is a tribute to the parts of us that cannot be colonized.
⚠️ Content Note: This book deals with heavy themes including parental death, colonialism, racism, cultural erasure, and the death of the protagonist.
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