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AN AYFER'S LETTER TO AUTHOR OF 'FORGOTTEN FIRE'
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/07/11/an-ayfers-letter-to-author-of-forgotten-fire/
July 11, 2012
The following letter was sent to author Adam Bagdasarian by AYFer
Rachael Minassian on Dec. 5, 2011.
Dear Mr. Bagdasarian,
I am writing to tell you that your book Forgotten Fireis by far the
best book that I have ever read. So few books are written about the
Armenian Genocide, and it pains me that the United States doesn't
recognize the mass killing. Because the United States is allied with
Turkey, the initiators of the genocide, they cannot commemorate the
millions that lost their lives. As an Armenian, I can really relate
to the book.
The cover of 'Forgotten Fire' As I read the story, I was filled with
anger over the injustice of the massacre. Not only did the book open
my eyes to something awful and inhumane, but it also instilled in me
a love and pride for my heritage that had been weak. I feel a strong
connection to the persecuted Armenian family in the story. Throughout
the novel, rape, poison, starvation, exhaustion, and disease all
contribute to the book's intensity. I thought that every event in
the plot was full of power and emotion, but there was one part in
particular that really stood out to me: When Armenouhi poisons herself
in order to keep from being raped and murdered, I felt a raw and
clenching pain in the pit of my stomach. She is the sister of the main
character Vahan Kenderian, and I felt like I knew her personally. My
eyes filled with tears when Vahan and the remainder of his family
see her dead body in a pile of manure. She had been tossed aside as
if she was garbage, something that had never been of any importance.
Though the book has an excellent, enrapturing plot, the ending is
tragic. Before Vahan knew it, darkness had crept upon and shrouded his
life. The entire family of Vahan, a mere teenage boy living in Armenia,
had been killed mercilessly. He was alone and helpless in a country
divided, and he was left to fend for himself. As quick as a wink, his
comfortable and pleasant innocence had been taken away. He even had
to witness everybody he cared about die a painful and terrible death.
I can't say that Vahan's struggles made me like Armenian food more. I
can't even say that I'd willingly listen to Armenian music. I don't
know if I'll ever grow to prefer these things, but I do know one
thing: I now appreciate the close bond among all Armenians. I used to
think of the relaxed atmosphere at our church as strange, since the
Catholic churches that I had visited were much more formal. I never
understood why two Armenian people who met at random could chat for
hours. After I read this book it made sense to me. When we were in
trouble, we relied on each other to help us out. Fellow Armenians took
in Vahan and gave him temporary homes. They protected him from harm
and discovery. Now, there are so few of us that we've learned to love
and accept each other with all of our flaws. Every Armenian function
is like a family party because of our great affection for our own
people. I also appreciate what I have and the place I live in because
of this book. It brought to my attention that happiness is as fragile
as a china plate perched on the edge of a shelf; it could shatter at
any moment, so we must enjoy and relish it while it lasts. Because of
my passion for the book, I was even able to convince my parents to
read it. I consider this a feat because the only material they ever
read is the newspaper. My mother is pure Armenian, while my father is
only half. Needless to say, they were both moved deeply by the novel.
They were extremely impressed by the courage and tenacity displayed
by Vahan, and at times I would come into my mother's bedroom to find
her crying silently while reading the novel. I know that if I had been
in Vahan's position, I wouldn't have been able to keep myself alive.
Unlike most of the works I've read, I will not forget this story. It
made a big impact on my view of life, and its message has branded me
permanently. In particular, the lessons of cherishing your family
and loving one another will always stay with me. Every time I get
upset with my mother, father, or sister, I think of Vahan's family
and how they would've given anything to get back to simpler times. I
have also joined the Armenian Youth Federation in hopes of connecting
with fellow Armenians. Since reading the book, I know that I will
never give up in the fight for recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Respectfully, Rachael Minassian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/07/11/an-ayfers-letter-to-author-of-forgotten-fire/
July 11, 2012
The following letter was sent to author Adam Bagdasarian by AYFer
Rachael Minassian on Dec. 5, 2011.
Dear Mr. Bagdasarian,
I am writing to tell you that your book Forgotten Fireis by far the
best book that I have ever read. So few books are written about the
Armenian Genocide, and it pains me that the United States doesn't
recognize the mass killing. Because the United States is allied with
Turkey, the initiators of the genocide, they cannot commemorate the
millions that lost their lives. As an Armenian, I can really relate
to the book.
The cover of 'Forgotten Fire' As I read the story, I was filled with
anger over the injustice of the massacre. Not only did the book open
my eyes to something awful and inhumane, but it also instilled in me
a love and pride for my heritage that had been weak. I feel a strong
connection to the persecuted Armenian family in the story. Throughout
the novel, rape, poison, starvation, exhaustion, and disease all
contribute to the book's intensity. I thought that every event in
the plot was full of power and emotion, but there was one part in
particular that really stood out to me: When Armenouhi poisons herself
in order to keep from being raped and murdered, I felt a raw and
clenching pain in the pit of my stomach. She is the sister of the main
character Vahan Kenderian, and I felt like I knew her personally. My
eyes filled with tears when Vahan and the remainder of his family
see her dead body in a pile of manure. She had been tossed aside as
if she was garbage, something that had never been of any importance.
Though the book has an excellent, enrapturing plot, the ending is
tragic. Before Vahan knew it, darkness had crept upon and shrouded his
life. The entire family of Vahan, a mere teenage boy living in Armenia,
had been killed mercilessly. He was alone and helpless in a country
divided, and he was left to fend for himself. As quick as a wink, his
comfortable and pleasant innocence had been taken away. He even had
to witness everybody he cared about die a painful and terrible death.
I can't say that Vahan's struggles made me like Armenian food more. I
can't even say that I'd willingly listen to Armenian music. I don't
know if I'll ever grow to prefer these things, but I do know one
thing: I now appreciate the close bond among all Armenians. I used to
think of the relaxed atmosphere at our church as strange, since the
Catholic churches that I had visited were much more formal. I never
understood why two Armenian people who met at random could chat for
hours. After I read this book it made sense to me. When we were in
trouble, we relied on each other to help us out. Fellow Armenians took
in Vahan and gave him temporary homes. They protected him from harm
and discovery. Now, there are so few of us that we've learned to love
and accept each other with all of our flaws. Every Armenian function
is like a family party because of our great affection for our own
people. I also appreciate what I have and the place I live in because
of this book. It brought to my attention that happiness is as fragile
as a china plate perched on the edge of a shelf; it could shatter at
any moment, so we must enjoy and relish it while it lasts. Because of
my passion for the book, I was even able to convince my parents to
read it. I consider this a feat because the only material they ever
read is the newspaper. My mother is pure Armenian, while my father is
only half. Needless to say, they were both moved deeply by the novel.
They were extremely impressed by the courage and tenacity displayed
by Vahan, and at times I would come into my mother's bedroom to find
her crying silently while reading the novel. I know that if I had been
in Vahan's position, I wouldn't have been able to keep myself alive.
Unlike most of the works I've read, I will not forget this story. It
made a big impact on my view of life, and its message has branded me
permanently. In particular, the lessons of cherishing your family
and loving one another will always stay with me. Every time I get
upset with my mother, father, or sister, I think of Vahan's family
and how they would've given anything to get back to simpler times. I
have also joined the Armenian Youth Federation in hopes of connecting
with fellow Armenians. Since reading the book, I know that I will
never give up in the fight for recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
Respectfully, Rachael Minassian