Zabel Yessayan Books Released

ZABEL YESSAYAN BOOKS RELEASED

AIWA International

BOSTON — Zabel Yessayan is remembered as one of the most talented
and prolific Western Armenian writers of the modern era. Yet few of
her works have been translated into Western languages, and even fewer
into English.

The first book by Yessayan, The Gardens of Silihdar, offers a charming
account of the author’s childhood in Istanbul as well as insights
into Armenian life in the Ottoman capital in the late 19th century.

Jennifer Manoukian, of Columbia University, translated the book
and added copious notes to explain the people, places, and events
chronicled there.

The second book, My Soul in Exile, is a novel depicting the dilemma of
the artist in society, and also analyzes the psychological effects of
the rootlessness experienced by diasporan Armenians. The setting is
the critical period in Turkey following the Adana massacres of 1909
and preceding the outbreak of World War I. The novel is translated
by G. M. Goshgarian, and the book includes essays and other short
works by Yessayan. Several “Early Works” and “Essays” are translated
by Jennifer Manoukian. “Newest Manifestations of the Women’s Cause”
is translated by Nanore Barsoumian.

The team of AIWA members who conceived the project, arranged for
the translations, and edited the selections – Judith A. Saryan,
Barbara Merguerian, Danila Terpanjian, and Joy Renjilian-Burgy —
will present the books and read brief passages. Translator Jennifer
Manoukian will also participate in the program.

Writer, activist, and feminist Zabel Yessayan (1878-1943) was one
of the most prominent Armenian intellectuals of her lifetime. Her
prolific works in a variety of genres (short stories, essays,
novels, travelogs) reflect the cataclysmic events experienced by the
Armenians during those years and enjoyed great popularity when they
were published. Today they are almost forgotten.

The Yessayan books are parts of AIWA’s Treasury of Armenian
Women’s Literature series, which focus on the pioneering female
Armenian-language writers. Many of these authors (for example Srpuhi
Dussap, Sibyl, Zaruhi Kalemkiarian) are virtually unknown today, even
among Armenian-educated readers, and their works – many published in
small editions or in rare periodicals – are difficult to locate.

The Yessayan books are $20 each, both books are available for $35
(AIWA member price $15 each, two books for $30). Orders may be sent
to [email protected] . They may also be purchased through
Amazon or bookstores featuring books of Armenian interest.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress