99 - all you should know about the Genocide April, 2014 | Page 125

Yervant Odian, Accursed Years
This memoir by Yervant Odian — who had passed
through the real hell of the Armenian Genocide,
with all its components — had remained shrouded
in mystery for 90 years. Thanks to the efforts
of literary expert Grigor Hakobyan, this great
documentary piece was saved from oblivion. In the
memoir, Odian narrates not only what happened to
him, but also presents eyewitness accounts from a
number of people.
Nancy Kricorian, Zabel
This novel is the story of a young Armenian girl
who survived the 1915 Genocide and was orphaned.
The events described in the story are touching and
real, because the protagonist is Nancy Kricorian’s
grandmother, who eventually moved to the United
States.
Khachik Dashtents, The Call of Plowmen
Alongside the events of the Genocide, this narrative
presents the Armenian fidayeen movement
including famous freedom fighters and various
episodes from their lives.
Mushegh Galshoyan, Miro of the Valley
The Genocide and the topic of a lost homeland
is at the center of Mushegh Galshoyan’s writing.
In this famous novella, the author has created a
strong character who is constantly subjected to
tragedy, but fails to lose hope in the future of the
Armenians.
Edgar Hilsenrath, The Story of the Last Thought
In this novel, the author presents a whole palette
of colors in the everyday lives of the social, political
and military elite in Turkey at the beginning of the
20 th century. The actual plot revolves around the
life of an Armenian family, which falls victim to the
crimes planned by the Turks.
Kurt Vonnegut, Bluebeard
This famous American writer presents the topic of
the Armenian Genocide using very delicate wording
and impressive metaphors.

We are constantly waiting
for the United States of
America to recognize the
Genocide. Despite being
a country which considers
itself a beacon of democratic
values and often presents
itself as a champion of
human rights, it is avoiding
this step in order not to
damage its relationship
with Turkey in the Middle
East. In many countries, the
issue of the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide has
been influenced by factors
that are both political and
religious. But I am convinced
that humanity will overcome
these obstacles one day.

Ruben Safrastyan
RA NAS Director of Institute of
Oriental Studies, Ph.D. History,
Professor, RA NAS correspondent
member