The Cheetahs is a novel by actor Alan Caillou, published in 1970.
Plot[]
Aklilu is head of the small Ethiopian family, elderly father Destu, stepmother Shwayi, and young wife Ngatua, as well as the owner of a malicious dog named Crad. The precious well which Aklilu guards is a symbol of the family's continuity, responsibility and cherished independence. Together Aklilu and Ngatua raise two cheetah cubs to become strong and spectacular companions and name them Amro and Taitu. An Indian trader named Shama almost succeeds in purchasing Taitu and Amro by manipulating Aklilu's natural sense of honor and obligation. But Shama is finally outwitted, and with the death of Destu, the young couple with their cheetahs set off to establish a new home of their own. The Peaceable Kingdom--emblazoned with cheetahs.
Characters[]
- Aklilu: The leader of his family and the main protagonist.
- Ngatua: The wife of Aklilu and the deuteragonist.
- Taitu and Amro: The two titular cheetahs.
- Destu: Aklilu's father until his death.
- Shwayi: Destu's last wife and Aklilu's stepmother.
- Crad: A vicious hyena-hating dog owned by Aklilu.
- Shama: An Indian trader and the main antagonist.
- Carlo: Aklilu's Italian friend.
- Galla Hunter: A Galla tribesman who hunts civets.