FeaturedFictionLiterary CornerVictoria's Voice
The Making of “Who She Left Behind”
While most mothers can effortlessly recite the precise date, time, weight, height and other details of their babies’ births, my family would attest that while I hold those first moments with my own children dear, I am not good at remembering dates. Yet, I know the exact date, time and location of the birth of Who She Left Behind. It was on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at 11:48 a.m. when I had the epiphany: it’s a girl, and her story needs to be told.
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I cannot fully express my pride and joy for my sister Vicki who has worked tirelessly on her debut novel fulfilling a dream which became a goal of immense importance several years ago. Not only should people read the book for the reasons she listed, and I know many, many Armenians will, but also to insure that the memories of dearly departed Martyrs is never forgotten. As the Turks continue to deny the atrocities that brought our families to the United States as well as the illegal and immoral support they continue to give Azerbaijan, 120,000 souls from Artsakh are without homes and have now become the next group of Armenians to become victims of ethnic cleansing. We must insure that all our non- Armenian friends and colleagues are fully educated on our history and educate them on the importance of their demanding action from our government. The book takes place in a time when international support and aid came too late and certainly was no where near enough. Armenia continues to be a victim of the never ending game between Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and the threat to its sovereignty has never been more at risk.
As I write this from Yerevan where my wife Daria & I are visiting with our daughter who has come to live and work supporting the Artsakh refugees, I am thankful that my sister has taken the time and energy to keep our family involved and supportive of our Armenian legacy. Vicki has inspired so many people with this book and was a strong influence on our daughter who will remain in Armenia until next May to represent our family in supporting the Republic and displaced people from Artsakh. Vicki, we could not be more proud of you and want you to know how valuable your contribution is to our people XO
Our ancestors are proudly smiling from above. We are truly blessed. Be safe and give our love to Phoebe. XO
YES!!!! YES!!!!!YES!!!!!
I am reading Who She Left Behind, and I was captivated from the Prologue (no spoilers). You will be taken on a journey with the women who experienced the Genocide, learning their thoughts and emotions, one that ends with reconciliation on the personal level. You will also learn some fascinating history about the Genocide and rescue organizations founded by Western female missionaries, whose heroism cannot never be fully honored.
Victoria Atamian Waterman, your depiction of the research you did for your book, reminded me of “The Antiochians” by Albert Apelian M.D. that was published in 1960. Dr. Albert S. Apelian ended his introduction of the novel he wrote saying that “It is self-evident that truth must prevail, or we shall all perish! And the truth is to be found everywhere, even in the pages of a work of fiction.” Dr Apelian’s book is as much fictional as it is a true account. I imagine it to be the case with your upcoming book, “Who She Left Behind”.