Donica Merhazion — Born at the End of the World - with Bsrat Mezghebe — at Conn Ave

Donica Merhazion will present her debut novel *Born at the End of the World* at Politics and Prose on Connecticut Avenue, joined in conversation by writer Bsrat Mezghebe. Set in 1970s Ethiopia and Eritrea, the book follows thirteen-year-old Elen as she flees an arranged marriage and Girmai, a boy escaping an abusive home, whose separate journeys lead them to Asmara during the Red Terror. Both become successful business owners before the Derg regime’s violence forces them into the Eritrean People's Liberation Front’s underground resistance. Their fight for justice, love, and survival is inspired by true events. Merhazion, a former journalist and educator who was born during the Red Terror, draws on her family’s experiences. Mezghebe, an MFA graduate whose work has appeared in *Guernica* and *The Paris Review*, will interview Merhazion.

When: Friday, July 31, 2026

Time: 7:00pm

Venue: Politics and Prose at 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008

Tickets: Price not available; the event appears to be free or ticketed but no cost is listed.

Lineup: Donica Merhazion (author) in conversation with Bsrat Mezghebe (writer).

Run time: Not specified.

Ages: Not specified.

Note: The novel *Born at the End of the World* (paperback, $21.95) will be available for purchase at the event.