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ja3m3's review against another edition
4.0
This story centers on the Armenian genocide in Turkey during WWI and how it impacts several families throughout multi generations. I will be the first to admit that I ignorantly knew very little about the topic as I began the book, but I soon found myself googling and researching more about the subject. Which is what a good historical fiction book should do - leave you wanting to know the whole truth.
caseysilk's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautifully written book about the Armenian genocide and the lasting effects on families. Great discussion book for a book club but also a very good read for anyone.
brb_reads's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. This book was heartbreaking but beautifully written. It opened my eyes to a lot of events that I did not know much about previously and now cannot wait to learn more about. I loved the use of proverbs throughout and how the story tied together in the end. Again, I hope to read more about the Armenian genocide and be more aware of events in the past that do not get discussed. She developed the characters in a way that you felt connected to them, which is something that I love in books, especially when it's done well.
makragic's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting book, I learned a lot about Turkish-Armenian relations through it. It talks about over Armenians and their withdrawal from Turkey, wrapped in semi-love story.
melvankomen's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting and personal history of the Armenian genocide of 1915. The book follows a Christian Armenian and a Muslim Turk as the political landscape of the region heaves and brings out the very worst in their neighbors. The story of loss and generational sorrow is nicely pieced together through flashbacks. The narrative is thoughtfully organized, and I found some beautiful images, and enjoyed the main characters.
I wish there had been more historical context, though the author could argue that the political history meant nothing to the main players of the novel who were swept up in the events. Much of the action is inexplicable, but maybe that's the point -- war is inexplicable.
And, be warned -- some of the violence is very graphic. But again, that is the nature of war and genocide.
I wish there had been more historical context, though the author could argue that the political history meant nothing to the main players of the novel who were swept up in the events. Much of the action is inexplicable, but maybe that's the point -- war is inexplicable.
And, be warned -- some of the violence is very graphic. But again, that is the nature of war and genocide.
erika_is_reading's review against another edition
4.0
Harrowing. Well done but very hard in places. What people can do to each other and to children is heartbreaking.
The Armenian genocide gets such short shrift in US high school and college history classes. It is a travesty.
The Armenian genocide gets such short shrift in US high school and college history classes. It is a travesty.
cpalisa's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 out of 5 stars.
I really loved this book. Every time I picked it up I felt like I was slipping back in time with the story. Written very well, I was surprised to read it was her first book. The story line was great and I really liked the characters. The first 3/4 of the book were excellent, I didn't love the end for a few reasons. First, I just wish it would have ended differently. It was all just a bit too tragic for me. Second, I felt like there was so much more to be figured out, too many loose ends still. Overall, it was wonderful, though, I couldn't wait to get back into it. I had no idea about the Armenian genocide, it makes me want to go and learn more about it.
I really loved this book. Every time I picked it up I felt like I was slipping back in time with the story. Written very well, I was surprised to read it was her first book. The story line was great and I really liked the characters. The first 3/4 of the book were excellent, I didn't love the end for a few reasons. First, I just wish it would have ended differently. It was all just a bit too tragic for me. Second, I felt like there was so much more to be figured out, too many loose ends still. Overall, it was wonderful, though, I couldn't wait to get back into it. I had no idea about the Armenian genocide, it makes me want to go and learn more about it.
cdbaker's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty good historical fiction about the Armenian genocide. It starts a little slow, but definitely keeps you interested.
suvata's review against another edition
3.0
Orhan's grandfather dies in a mysterious way and leaves a mysterious will. He leaves nothing to his own son but he leaves his business to his grandson, Orhan. To make matters worse, he leaves his house to a mysterious woman no one has ever heard of. Orhan travels to Los Angeles in search of this woman. He finds her and a fascinating story unfolds. The story that involves not only his family history but the history of the political unrest in Turkey.
This would be a good book for a book club. There are so many ideas that could prompt a lively discussion. All in all, I quite liked it.
This would be a good book for a book club. There are so many ideas that could prompt a lively discussion. All in all, I quite liked it.