Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church and the Hamazkayin Siamanto Chapter on November 1 organized a book launch and presentation for “The Girl of the Mountains,” a novel by Sevan. The gathering brought together scholars, community members, and guests for an afternoon of readings, discussion, and the traditional Armenian celebration of a new book, known as kinetson.
Kohar Zaher opened the program by welcoming the scholars and guests. Historian Dr. Varuzhan Geghamyan described “The Girl of the Mountains” as three interconnected journeys: through Armenian history, through our shared humanity, and into ourselves. He emphasized that understanding the novel requires historical knowledge as well as heart and soul.
Through Vani’s experiences of sorrow, joy, opportunity, and loss, readers are invited to reflect on fundamental questions about who we are, where we come from, and where we are headed. He reminded the audience that, regardless of our age or where we live, there is a little Vani within each of us, one who is always ready for adventure and discovery, and eager to help shape the world we aspire to create. Ultimately, Vani’s journey becomes our own, reminding us that new possibilities, meaningful discoveries, and new beginnings always lie ahead.
Readings throughout the program introduced the audience to Vani, the novel’s main character, and her journey through Armenian history, homeland, and memory. Megheti Bedourian read from the opening chapter, in which Vani goes fishing by the sea with her grandfather. As he gazes toward Musa Dagh, a connection between the young girl’s world and the history of her people begins to unfold…