‘Tarik’ is a collection of three short stories set in history as far back as 6th century AD in Abyssinia. Bethlehem chose to loosely base these stories on real historical accounts, but narrate the events from the perspective of fictional characters, who had obscure status in history – mostly young women. This she believes gave her a chance to show the strength and wisdom of women in a patriarchal society, instead of lamenting their subservient role.

In “The Scroll of Azeb”, an account of 6th century Axumite court life unfolds, not from King Kaleb’s point of view but that of his illiterate cousin. A cousin who is so obscure that she remains unnamed throughout the story. In a household where the prince shone, she was kept in the shadows; yet she still salvaged knowledge and wisdom. As a grown woman she remained subtle in her role as a loving and nurturing wife, mother, and sister who enabled her family to leave a significant mark in history.