Reviews

Jalaleddin by Raffi

olya_hakob's review against another edition

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The central theme of the book is the continuous struggle of Armenians against Turkish rule and Kurdish looting and the frustration from the inability of the nation to organize and defend itself. Another common dilemma in Raffi's work is also reflected here: the choice between personal happiness and societal good and as usual for his heroes, it is solved in favor of perceived societal good. These questions seem relevant for the Armenian reality even now, however, Raffi's romanticized views should definitely be taken with a grain of salt both in terms of the historical context and the current reality. For instance, although the protagonists of this novel want to help the villagers, their actions seem more like an adventure than a clear plan. What would happen after the success of one adventure? How exactly would the security of the Armenian villagers be guaranteed in face of pending revenge? I do, however, agree with the basic notion that victim mentality is not helpful and action is needed to guarantee the survival of a small nation in face of adversity.

arquero's review against another edition

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3.0

1877 թիվ։ Քրդական ցեղերը ավիրում են Վանի հայկական գյուղերը։ Հայ եկեղեցականները հորդորում են թշնամուն չդիմադրել, վրեժխնդրության չսադրել՝ նոր բռնություններից խուսափելու պատճառաբանմամբ։

Գրքում քննադատվում է մեր իսկ կերպարը, մեր տկարությունն ու վախը, ոչ ամենևին նենգ կամ բիրտ դուշմանը։ Ճիշտ որ։

karinlib's review against another edition

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4.0

A tale of Kurds massacring Armenians in Eastern Anatolia in 1877, during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. The main character is a bandit from a village where the the Kurds are murdering and pillaging. He has been away for 10 years, when he has heard of troubles in the area. He is worried about an old love, his treasure. He is determined to find out what has happened to her.

jessicabeel's review against another edition

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4.0

Such a short but beautiful story filled with amazing imagery. My heart ached for the characters after finishing the novella.

kristinasshelves's review against another edition

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4.0

I won the ebook in a Goodreads giveaway and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! I know virtually nothing about the Armenian/Ottoman conflict in the late 1800s, so I expected this to be a difficult read. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer, as the ending felt very rushed.

arquero's review

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3.0

1877 թիվ։ Քրդական ցեղերը ավիրում են Վանի հայկական գյուղերը։ Մեր եկեղեցականները հորդորում է թշնամուն չդիմադրել, վրեժխնդրության չսադրել՝ նոր բռնություններից խուսափելու պատճառաբանմամբ։

Գրքում քննադատվում է մեր իսկ կերպարը, մեր տկարությունն ու վախը, ոչ ամենևին նենգ կամ բիրտ դուշմանը։ Ճիշտ որ։
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