When Stories Are Harder to Bear

I like a book that will speak with me of spider webs, nightingales, an Adonis tree, even the blinding of a fox named Scheherazade. What really lives inside an egg of Amber? Where in the world is Smyrna? How does kismet devour the apple of a person's other plans for their life?

For the last 10 days, afraid to have it end too soon, lost in the so specific genius of ALEV LYTLE CROUTIER and her "SEVEN HOUSES." I have slowed myself to a reader's crawl, all through these opening days of cold and Parisian rain. I've been basking in the vaporous warm hammam of its pages, and I did not want it to end. I wanted a world of a thousand nights and petals and the third eye of houses who may speak as witnesses to history, and tell me secrets I could never know, or invent.

Maybe I wanted to escape this week's news reports of a world I no longer dare to understand. Of couse I did. And I wished to hear, with a little gentleness, of that region of the globe that I, or many, misapprehend. What may it have been like, once upon a time, in lands that border Iran and Iraq? What kind of women were growing up, there? I wanted to learn it through the pen of a wise and mysterious writer. So I found her.

Croutier is a story teller extraordinaire, and more. And she is a most useful kind of a poet, and more. When language is exalted by story and story is exalted by language, "quel plaisir." Get the point? I loved it.

Read "Seven Houses," and dream with its veils and its unveiling. Read it and discover a family you might not wish for your own, but one you want to pursue through its emergence - from a time when story counted for everything, to a time when the stories are harder and harder to bear.

Margo Berdeshevsky/ Paris/ October, 2002

I closed "Seven houses" with regret, I wanted to follow Amber and her daughter back to America! I found the book poetical, poignant, (the last meeting with the grand and great-grand mother is superb) and sometimes very funny (de decaf plantation in particular). I learned how it feels to be a Rum (although I am not quite sure what it is, it seems to be the equivalent of being Jewish during the European middle-ages) and related beautifully to Amber, her hybridity, her wonder and sometimes impatience at the world.

As a Turkish woman, I have admired Mrs Croutier's writing for a very long time. Many years ago, she wrote the wonderful book, Harem, which introduced me for the first time to the history of my own ancestors, the women of Turkey's past. I am so happy she has started writing fiction. This new book, Seven Houses, is a real jewel. I also recommend Palace of Tears, her first novel that came out only recently. I highly recommend this book to all women interested in their own past.

A novel that tells the story of an Armenian Family during the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The story is very well written and immediately captivates its audience. Once you get into it, you won't be able to put it down. It becomes part of you. Once you finish reading it, it will stay with you forever.

The Definitive Historical Novel
A Summer Without Dawn is the best and definitive historical novel ever written on the Armenian Genocide during the First World War. Its spirited, vibrant writing, frequent twists and happenings, abundance of events and unusual love stories, ``secrets of the heart`` keep the reader`s interest at the boiling point till the last page. A fabulous read for lovers of good literature and history--one is educated while being entertained. It is bound to become a great classic in its genre. . .

A Summer Without Dawn is a credit to the historical genre. The authors have created a great beautiful story, providing the reader with long hours of intermingled pleasure and anxiety. This work is quite without parallel in its richness of detail, despite the fact that its action unfolds during the First World War. The storytelling genius of the authors and the romantic plot that is developed with such superb skill forbids the reader to put the novel down until the last page.

The road from home is perhaps the best children's book I've ever read. The genocide of the Armenians is a period of history that is greatly overlooked. This book presents a chilling account of one girl's experience in that terrible time when the Turks decided to eliminate the Armenian population. The author does this in a way that is neither too depressing for children to grasp nor is it too flip to be meaningful. I could not recommend this book more highly. It is a must-read for anyone.

THE ROAD FROM HOME, A True Story of Courage, Survival and Hope by David Kherdian, Beech Tree Books Reviewed by Y. Stephen Bulbulian Although considered juvenile literature, poet David Kherdian's award-winning story of his mother's young life is a story of silent determination, hope and ultimately survival. This is far more than juvenile literature. Through unbelievable adversity and suffering, there is astounding good luck and grace in the face of misfortune. "The Road From Home" is also a sociological slice of life into the being and ways of the Armenians, historic inhabitants of Anatolia, now Turkish territory. Driven from their homes and massacred, this is a classic story of Armenian survival. The young girl, Veron Dumehjian, lived a placid life in the home of her well-to-do family. She loved her family home and the garden with "the poppies that grew beyond [the] garden wall." Her desire to return to the garden kept her hopes up during years of adversity. Kherdian describes the customs, traditions, holidays, rituals, the Armenian words, and even the food, that immortalizes the life of the peaceful people, annihilated by the Turkish genocide. This book is excellent sociology, written as no sociologist could.

In her eighth year, Veron's life, the Armenian homes and countryside are darkened by the black cloud of Turkish repression. In the latter-days of the previous century, and in 1909, in Adana, Armenians suffered barbarities at the hands of the Turks, under the rule of Abdul Hamid..

Young Veron began hearing words like "deportation, massacres and annihilation." Her uncles were conscripted into the Turkish army; World War One had broken out. Using the war as an excuse, the Turks began a protracted annihilation of the Armenians. Given three days to prepare, the Dumehjian family began their forced march from the family home into the Syrian desert. Veron slowly loses all of her immediate family, brother, sister, mother, father, grandfather during the course of the journey. She becomes an orphan, nearly starved and survives with the help of deposed women (aunties) from her village. Ending up in an orphanage in Aleppo, she becomes reacquainted with relatives. Miraculously, she returns to her beloved grandmother, still living in the family home in the old village, only to discover she could not return to the idealized home she dreamed of. All things had changed, all lives were irreparably damaged by the lose of loved ones and the destruction of the Armenians. Her own grandmother, with her family lost, becomes Veron's slave-master.

Relocated in Smyrna, on the Mediterranean coast, Veron lives through yet another round of atrocities at the hands of the Turks. With uncommon luck, she and an aunt are rescued and sent to a refugee camp in Greece, where life begins again in the pursuit of normalcy. From there, she becomes a gracious and beautiful young women and a fiancee to a pre-arranged marriage in America.

"The Road From Home, " is the story of insurmountable hardship and suffering inflicted on the soul of an innocent young girl. Her ability to block the horror and tragedy from her thoughts, sublimating the pain and death she experienced daily during the darkest moments, summonsed her strength and fortitude to live. Many souls were trampled, giving her life beauty and triumph.

An outstanding and award-winning book, it is the winner of the Newbery Honor Book Award, the Jane Addams Peace Award and many others. David Kherdian crafts his mother's story, a history similar to thousands of Armenian survivors in diaspora, a sad story filled with overriding hope. The magnitude of the story and the young girl's resilience, where strength and determination overcome adversity, makes this a moving and memorable reading experience, and a story to be remembered and retold.

This is one of the best first-hand accounts about the Genocide that I've read. FINALLY, a book was written about it for younger people. Once I start teaching, this will definitely be on my list of required reading.

Kherdian started off a bit slow--I wasn't sure I'd get through it. But once I hit page 20, I couldn't put it down! It was captivating, touching. I just wanted Veron to be okay--to be able to understand what was going on. For her to survive. Only two books have ever managed to bring tears to my eyes, and this was one of them.

Even though I'm not Armenian, I've read countless books about both Armenia and the Genocide. This definitely is one of the best. It's easy to understand (though the fact that it happened is still so difficult for me to comprehend).

If you're an Armenian parent (or grandparent!) struggling to tell your teen about it, this book will help greatly. I highly recommend it. Kherdian should be given high praises for having the courage to pen this book.

Paul's life was in so many ways a type for our own that I wonder why more books of this ilk have not been written. When we study his letters, we learn the teachings of a man who walked with God through this life in ways most of us can only imagine. But we don't get the point until we consider the man himself, flaws and all. Then we begin to see how Paul knew grace experientially, so he could explain how others could live in it. Paul understood sin, but he also knew the power of Christ to redeem sinners and he never 'got over it'.

Swindoll's books are as good as his sermons, which is to say, magnificent. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the Christian life, but especially to anyone who wants to serve God with everything He has blessed you with.

Paul: A Man Of Grace and Grit is an extraordinary work detailing the life of the apostle Paul. The book outlines and explains the biblical and cultural history and signifigance of the life and times of Paul in a way I have never before discovered. I cannot recommend it enough. The book presents history mixed with important lessons mixed with timely analogies. It is a must read for Christians and non-Christians alike. I guarantee that reading it will affect your outlook on life and make you feel uplifted as it did me.

This is a wonderful book. I found myself staying up late so I could read "just one more chapter."

I have to admit that in the past I have had trouble with some of Paul's writings, while at the same time, his letters to the churches never fail to deepen my relationship with Christ. But,
I always tended to think of Paul as the "saint of saints" and this was very intimidating.

This book has helped me to see Paul as a real human being. I am still overwhelmed by his total faith in the grace of God, but I now have a deeper understanding of the journey he took and how he let God use him. I no longer feel that this type of faith is reserved for "the chosen few."

I appreciated Mr. Swindoll's way of showing how Paul's experiences could be applied in my life. This book is not just a traditional biography of a great man, but it has helped me see how to let God increase my faith.

I read this book 14 years ago and loaned it out to someone because it was so good that in parts I laughed out loud and at parts felt my heart in my throat nearly ready to cry. Although todays Turkey has changed considerably, the books description of the Turkish people remains valid. The short stories are ones anyone can relate to that has visited a foreign country for any extended time period. Read the book, go to Turkey or vice versa. Unless you are narrow minded and demand other countries to be as 'enlightened' as the US you'll appreciate all of what Turkey has to offer.

I first came across Scotch and Holy Water when I was a student in Alanya, Turkey, in 1994, and fell in love both with the country and the book. Unfortunately, the book belonged to someone else in the program, and I was never able to find a copy in the States until now. The stories inside are some of the funniest and warmest portrayls of a people you'll ever see, and Tumpane's wry (and self-deprecating) style of writing and living comes through on every page. If you have any interest in Turkey, read this book.

My husband and I first moved to Izmir, Turkey in 1996 and we both read "Scotch and Holy Water". We were still living in a hotel and had not yet experienced the country and very little of the people. I laughed through the whole thing and couldn't wait to see the places he wrote about. I read it again about two years later, we were still there, and it was even better. I couldn't believe how true the book was. It was like he was writing our story. Even forty years later not much was different. We did not live on a military compound and ended up moving to a very small village outside the city. We are very adventurous people with little fear of what kind of trouble we may get into getting lost. And we were lost MANY times!!! Learning the language was very important to really enjoy it. The people are wounderful and warm. Everyday there was something new that would crack us up. They have a very different type of logic. We will go back again one day.

I highly recomend Scotch and Holy Water even if you have no interest in Turkey. It is a great Read. He did a great job of bring out the realness of the country and the everyday living of the people as Turks and foriegners.

Wood writes with such immediacy about the history of the search for Troy one would think he'd done it himself, or at least been there to witness it.

It is refreshing to see such an easily read book on an overstudied topic.

It is also very refreshing to see a book about Troy that doesn't launch into the usual polemics and irrationalities about Schliemann.

New in this edition is a chapter on new findings which support the historicity of the Trojan War.

Also of interest to fans of this book is "Ages in Chaos" or "Oedipus and Akhenaten" by Immanuel Velikovsky, David Rohl's "Pharaohs and Kings", or Peter James' "Centuries of Darkness".

Only someone like Michael Wood could breath life into such a subject as Troy; his 6 part P.B.S. "Trojan War" series back in 1985 is one of my favorites! The only other author who is as passionate about his subject matter is John Romer. His "Ancient Lives" series is not to be missed.

What I found almost as interesting as the search for Troy, were the varied personalities in the search. Frank Calvert, for example. Were it not for his direction, Schliemann may have never have uncovered what he did.

Sir Arthur Evans died a spent man, both physically and financially, due to the intensity with which he approached Troy.

Carl Blegen's 7 season dig was carried out the with a surgeon's precision. He seemed so passionate about Troy, yet in thought and appearance, so restrained.

Did the war actually occcur? After reading the book, seeing the video, I believe it did; however, still doubts remain. Homer and The Iliad await vindication thirty-two hundred years after the "fact".

After reading the book, I became very interested in archeology. I have visited Ephesus and Herculaneum. Heretofore, having no interest in the subject at all; this, I feel, is the greatness of an author and his/her subject matter. To convey to the reader the excitment, intrigue and triumph that stories like this offer and to draw the reader into the mystery.

That an author can inspire, stir up enthusiasm and interest in this way is a triumph!

This book get a "Two Thumbs Up--Way Up!"

I was first intrigued by M. Wood through his BBC programs, but i am more impressed with his book. In comparison to the BBC programs, the book is able to give much greater detail and thus continuity to the whole story of Greece, Troy and the immortal sacking of Troy. Mr Wood is a true historian in that his analysis is exhaustive, intellectual and above all--objective. Moreover, his passion can bring the reader to the windswept plain of Troy itself.

This is pretty much the definitive English-language guide for tourists. You'll see people toting it along at all of the major historical attractions - with good reason. Like most Eyewitness guides, it is incredibly user-friendly. This book has it all - useful maps, readable background facts, helpful travel tips. My favorite feature is the list of the top ten sites. My only complaint is that the maps do not include the business districts - a serious oversight for the business traveler. Nevertheless, no one should go to Istanbul without a copy of this book close at hand.

The only book, or map you need to take when visiting Istanbul and surrounding areas. Great directions how and where to find ferries and just really great general travel information. Recommend it after using it this past Christmas.

This book was great. It was short but had all the major information on attractions, lodging, restaurants and travel. It was small enough that I didn't mind carrying it around everywhere also. I really liked the suggestions (for example, you may want to go somewhere friendly for your first Turkish bath, as it can be rather intimidating. Their suggestion was friendly and nice). We were short on time, so the highlighted attractions were really nice too. And it had suggestinos on navigating through some of the larger attractions, like Topkapi Palace (it's huge) or putting together attractions that are near each other (Blue Mosque and Hippodrome). The lodging descriptions were quite accurate, nice hotels were truly magnificent and well-described. The pictures were very pleasant, lots of pictures but generally relevant. Also, the food guide was great, because you have to enjoy the wonderful food in Istanbul. It described local specialties, what's in season and a detailed restaurant price and location guide. Also, the maps were very clear and very well done. All-in-all, a great guide, and that if very useful in Istanbul.

This was a very touching book about the Armenian Genocide. It is a story told through the eyes of a little boy; son of a wealthy prominent Armenian Lawyer that loses everything. It's a very easy to read book that was very fascinating to me (I couldn't put the book down); I was able to read cover to cover in about a week. The author does an excellent job of portraying the horrors of the Genocide, the cruelty of man, the courage of a young boy as he struggles to survive...this book should be made to a movie. I would not recommend this book to younger readers as there are strong references to rape, molestation and cruelty. However, I would strongly recommend and encourage reading this book to high school students.

Imagine being 12 years old, the youngest child in a wealthy family, with no concerns beyond plotting mischief. One day, soldiers arrive at your door, ending your carefree existence. Within a week, you are transformed from a lighthearted child into a homeless, starving orphan in constant fear of execution. This is the story of Vahan Kenderian. Author Adam Bagdasarian's novel, based on his great uncle, is a well written look at the horrors of the often forgotten Armenian Genocide. Written in first person, Bagdasarian does a wonderful job of making it seem as though he is the one that went through this terrible tragedy, rather than his great uncle. It is easy reading, with short chapters, and text geared toward the young adult. Don't hesitate to pick this book up just because of the easy reading, anyone would enjoy it. Forgotten Fire is a great book that you won't be able to put down.

I read this book two years ago and its impact is still fresh in my mind. The point of view of this story ... from the eyes of a child ... is creative and strong. I could not put this book down. I have recommended this novel to all of my friends and was thrilled to see that it was on the summer reading list of required books at the local high school. Finally, through the words of an Armenian author, the youth of our nation will be educated in the Armenian Genocide. Pass the word on to your local schools. A word of caution... there are portions of the novel that deal with sensitive issues, apart from violence. Teachers and parents should be made aware of this fact, yet use it in educating the students as to the ultimate brutality of the genocide. Thank you Adam Bagdasarian, your ancestors are smiling down at you and thanking you for such a moving novel. "Abrees!"

this is a favorite of my family since my children were small. I purchase it as a thanksgiving gift for others. I could read it a million times and never get tired of it. It is an adorable book. It should be a tradition like "The night before Christmas". If you have yourng children, this is a must to read to their class at school!

Dav Pilkey's 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving is a wonderfully folksy way to celebrate Thanksgiving. Following in the style of the famous Christmas poem, this book takes us through a class' trip to a turkey farm on the titled night. The poem is updated and tweeked a bit to bring a smile to both adults and children. The pictures add to the festivity and incorporate a little "Starry Night." Get ready for a fun read!

I am not a vegatarian, yet I love this book. It by no means ruins the Thanksgiving tradition, it only gives a comical view as to how a turkey might feel about Thanksgiving. I teach kindergarten and my class wants me to read this story over and over!

What beautiful writing! Very emotional as only real life can be.Having grown up with this old style of writing and speaking, it is refreshing to see it, somehow Irfan Orga makes it seem as you are there.Please don't miss this opportunity to read this book. A true journey into Turkey, during her most trying times, it stirs the soul.

I read this book in Istanbul and it was fabulous. Orga's prose is beautiful (even if his spoken english was limited at the time), and reads more fluidly than most novels. A reader interested in Turkey and the Turks can do no better.

I was talked into buying this book by the owner of a book shop in the Sultan Ahmet, the old part of Istanbul. The back page had a guarantee that if I didn't like it, I could get my money back. What could I lose?

As it turns out, I couldn't put the book down. The way in which Mr. Orga's powerful use of words created visuals of old Istanbul and relevant cities was brilliant. The story became very three-dimensional right at the outset.

The account of Mr. Orga's family's survival during heart-wrenching times is inspiring; while the pain and suffering are so well conveyed, there is nothing gruesome about the book. The delicate way in which thoughts and events are described invokes the visuals and emotions the reader requires to feel the gravity of the situations; however, there is still a beauty of the human spirit that belies it all.

This is a story I would recommend to any reader who enjoys feeling a story, rather than just reading it; to readers whose inner world is affected, even if just a little bit, by experiencing a well-presented story.