Ashley's review
Black Dog of Fate: An American Son Uncovers His Armenian Past by Peter Balakian
Ashley's review
rating:
recommended for: Interested in knowing more about the Armenian Genocide
status: Read in November, 2007
rating:
recommended for: Interested in knowing more about the Armenian Genocide
status: Read in November, 2007
Half memoir about growing up in a first/second generation immigrant family in the suburbs of America, half memoir about discovering family skeletons and the events of the Armenian genocide, this book is wholly engrossing. The first half of the book is a portrait if Peter's relationship with various members of his family with almost no reference to his "Armenian Past." The second half of the book focuses on his discovery of the Armenian Genocide through various texts and an unwelcome (by other family members) exploration of his family's stories and experiences. The format of the book parallels the format of Peter's relationship with Armenia as he knew little to nothing about "the old country" or his family history until he was in his 20s. Though I had to skim some sections that were just too graphic, overall it was an interesting read that generated just as many questions as answers. I have currently loaned the book to a Turkish friend and am waiting to hear her reac...more
