Who She Left Behind

by Victoria Atamian Waterman

“Who She Left Behind” is a captivating historical fiction novel that spans generations and delves into the emotional lives of its characters. Set in various time periods, from the declining days of the Ottoman Empire in Turkey in 1915 to the Armenian neighborhoods of Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the 1990s, the novel completely immerses its reader in a lesser-known era and the untold stories of the brave and resilient women who became the pillars of reconstructed communities after the Armenian Genocide. It is a story of survival, motherhood, love, and redemption based on the recounted stories from the author’s own family history. The narrative is framed by a mysterious discovery made almost six decades later of a pair of Armenian dolls left at a gravesite.

Genres: Historical Fiction

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Billye Auclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Who She Left Behind" is the story of one family's experience of living through the Armenian genocide, and the courage and resilience it took to survive that horrific time in history. Ms. Atamian Waterman draws from her own family's history to follow one woman’s journey of survival in Turkey, and how she and her family built a new life for themselves in the United States. Extremely well researched, the author makes you care deeply about the characters; and the movement between the timelines creates a sense of mystery that engages the reader throughout the book. Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy "Who She Left Behind".

[Diane Giampa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was truly an honor to be asked to read Victoria Waterman's debut novel "Who She Left Behind," in advance of its publication. Victoria has always used her voice to empower and lift women leaders, and has now used that same voice to tell the story of just one of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Her attention to detail also shines a light on Worcester, MA - home of the very first Armenian church in the Western Hemisphere (Church of Our Savior). Most of all, this is an inspiring story of one woman's triumph over horrific circumstances, and the impact it had on future generations of her family. Bravo !!!"

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Victoria for sending me this beautiful book. I am the wife of an Armenian whose parents experienced the horrors of the Armenian Genocide in 1915. Who She Left Behind is a multi timeline novel which takes the readers from Guren West Armenia to Aleppo Syria and then to Worcester Massachusetts and Providence Rhode Island. It takes us on the horrible march these women experienced from Armenia to Syria. The women experienced terrible conditions in Syria until they were able to get to America. Beautifully written and well researched, Who She Left Behind takes us on a journey which makes us wonder how many other stories are out there that are unknown.

[Sophie_The_Jedi_Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescue, Vicky discovered, didn't always mean midnight flights on horseback or tense negotiations in the desert. Sometimes rescue was as simple as making sure a family had enough to eat, the means to clothe their children, or someone with better English, to help them navigate the new world.

The author of this book attended my grandma's church. She gave this book to my grandma, who then passed it along to me. My grandma is Armenian and her mother's name (my great-grandma) is my middle name. My great-grandma was a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. Victoria's life in this book has many similarities to what I've heard about my own family's history.

I'm grateful to Ms. Waterman for writing this book. The Armenian Genocide should be more known than it is. Victoria's story is one of hope, courage, and the strength to make a new life for yourself.

5/5 stars.

[Cindy Littlejohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who She Left Behind

I learned so much

Before I read this book, I wasn’t even sure where Armenia was nor had I heard about the Armenian genocide. The research and care with which this story was written was evident, and I couldn’t put it down. I read it cover to cover within 48 hours, which included a football game and church.

The book can be disturbing. I had trouble sleeping the first night after I began the book. I felt like I was there with the mother and her daughters as they were herded through the desert with all the other females and their children.

We Americans lead such a charmed life, but it is important to know how little we understand about human nature when civil strife threatens.

[Windsofdestiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. Coming from a family of genocide survivors, her descriptions were quite accurate

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible historical novel that took me on an emotional journey through intergenerational trauma, love, loss, sisterhood, PTSD, resilience, and the power of healing. This book portrays the characters' profound emotional scars, demonstrating how the pain of the Armenian Genocide reverberates throughout time. And showcases how the weight of history influences their decisions and relationships, emphasizing the delicate balance between remembering and healing and the struggle to reconcile with the past.
From the first page, I became deeply immersed in the protagonist Vicotria’s journey, rooting for her to find healing and salvation. I was fully immersed to the raw emotions and vivid descriptions that brought the narrative to life, capturing the essence of Victoria’s inner turmoil and growth. With each turn of the page, I found myself eagerly anticipating the resolution of her journey, eager to witness her transformation and ultimate redemption. Many times, I found myself in tears feeling her pain, excited for her triumphed and smiling for her happiness.
One of the aspects of the book that was captivating for me was the exploration of the complexity of love. The book paints a very clear picture of the conflicting feelings of happiness and sadness that Victoria experiences as a daughter, mother, sister, wife, and social worker. Yes, she was a social worker without the degree following on the steps of her hero Karen Yeppe.
The next compelling aspect of the book for me was the portrayal of the trauma/generational trauma. The trauma in the book was portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity. The book genuinely tells the depths of pain, fear, guilt, survivors’ guilt, and anguish experienced by her characters, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and understand the lasting impact of their traumatic experiences during the Armenian Genocide and afterwards. This book is a must read for anybody and everybody, you will not be able to put it down once you start it.
This was a fast read for me, I highly recommend it.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawing from her family history of surviving the Armenian Genocide Victoria Atamian has written a haunting story of surviving, resilience, family ties and love that spans geographical and time spaces, and proves that the will to survive and thrive is stronger than the harsh reality of everyday living. But also tells the story of living with a secret and longing for the ones that are left behind.
It is a very engrossing book that grabs you from beginning to end. But lets also talk about the cover of the book, rarely have I seen such beautiful and enticing cover on a book, one that calls for you to grab the book and read it.

[Darlene Sanderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book because I could identify with the Armenian family. It brought back memories.

[Marissa Aktchian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, raw, historically accurate story full of heartbreak, love and family.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good family drama
A memorable saga of a family of women overcoming adversity, horror and tragedy to emerge triumphantly in a free and equal society as effective contributors to society.
Written from Victoria Karadelian’s point of view, it traces her life from the age of fifteen, living in the Armenian village of Gürin during the Great War to her death, as a great grandmother, in the early 1990’s in Providence Rhode Island. The author describes events in a sensitive, yet honest manner, leaving the reader to visualise what Victoria, her family and her descendants experienced.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written book about the horrors one family experienced during the Armenian Genocide. I especially appreciate this story as it was based on the experiences of a member from the author's family. The characters were well developed, and I truly cared what happened to them. I look forward to reading more by this outstanding author. I loved the book!

[Charlotte Boisclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I've given a book *****. This novel offers the whole package; history, family, romance, drama, even humor at times. Although I am Armenian and it addresses the Armenian Genocide, one of my coworkers agreed that you needn't be Armenian to love this story. It tells a story taking place during 1915 and then 1963. I couldn't put it down ... had to read Epilogue, Acknowledgments, Book Club Questions, and the Armenian glossary which the author created. I feel honored that Victoria visited the library I work in and told her story of how she created this one. And the biggest surprise is that this is the author's debut novel!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous historical fiction on the Armenian Genocide

[Marcia Crabtree · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Who She Left Behind” is an emotional, complex debut novel by a fantastic writer whom I believe will continue to write wonderfully deep and engaging stories. In this, her first, author Victoria Atamian Waterman’s storytelling skills are on full display. The book seamlessly weaves between the past and the relative present of the 1960’s, beginning and ending with a visit to a family gravesite in the early ’90’s. It’s a beautifully crafted tale of the very sad reality of the Turkish genocide of ethnic Armenians in the beginning of the twentieth century, on the cusp of World War I and ending approximately eight years later. The book describes in gripping detail the horrors that were imposed on the Armenians as they were forced from their homes, the men shot or imprisoned in work camps, and the women and children marched across hundreds of miles, through deserts and mountains, without water or food and sometimes without clothing, to reach a series of Syrian refugee camps. From there, their lives weren’t much improved.

“Who She Left Behind” tells the story of the genocide annd it’s aftermath on one particular Armenian family, forced out of Turkey, marched through the desert, surviving the camps, and eventually reuniting in America. The thoughts and emotions of the family members are raw and authentic. It’s clear that Ms. Atamian did extensive research on the subject and also has first-hand knowledge of the experiences such people endured, being the granddaughter of genocide survivors.

The book is not only educational and informative about the facts of the genocide, of which I believe a lot of people are ignorant, but also it’s a love story. It’s a story of the love of a family for each of its members, of extended family, of friends, of couples, and between several generations. It’s a wonderful book that I highly recommend reading. I was given a free advanced reader’s copy of ”Who She Left Behind” by BookSirens. My review is entirely VOLUNTARY.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished and still drying my tears. This emotional historical fiction novel touches up upon key elements of the Armenian-American diasporan identity. The story of women bearing unthinkable events in their lives mirrors the reality of many of our grandmothers who survived the Armenian Genocide perpetrated under the cover of World War One by the Ottoman Turkish Government on it's own minority populations, especially the ancient indigenous Armenians. Forced removal from their home, the forced march through the Armenian Highlands into the Syrian Desert, death by starvation, exhaustion, rape and outright murder, it is the narrative repeated in oral histories of the survivors who somehow made it to American shores. Many started new lives, but were never fully healed and their pain became transgenerational.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Besides sharing a name with the author, "Atamian," threads of this story resemble threads in my family's story and led me to wonder about some things I never asked questions about before, and now it is too late to ask those questions. This book brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of the great courage, fortitude, and love I descend from, especially Great Aunty Mariam, Great Grandmother Sirpouie, Grandparents, and extended family members who made my life here is New England possible. Each time the word "aghchigus" appeared, I had to pause and close my eyes as I was transported back to Aunty Mary's welcoming kitchen and the sound of her voice calling me that endearment.

[Genevieve Montcombroux · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very pleased to receive an ARC of Who She Left Behind by Victoria Atamian Waterman as the novel is set against historical events that are not often talked or written about, namely, the Armenian genocide.
The novel opens with a contemporary prologue and, frankly, there is no need for it, as it does nothing to enlighten the reader nor does it add anything to the story. I expected the story to continue so I pressed on.
For me, the real novel started with the first chapter and the emotional scene of the children watching their fathers and brothers being marched away, not understanding why they do not even take along a change of clothes. This takes place in 1915.
But from that point the story jumps first to 1963 then back to 1913 and then to 1915 again then forward to 1963. It continues this odd chronology, which I find disconcerting. Finally, it lost me. This jumping backward and forward from one time period to another prevented me from bonding with the characters and following their development. It pulled me away from the events that got me interested in the book in the first place.
I am sorry but I gave up reading because of this, which is a pity as I recognize that the author has an accomplished writing style and this is an actual historical event that is crying out to be told.
However, to be fair, I did return to the book. There is a trend in historical fiction set around WWII or WWI to link the past events with the present. A few authors are able to mesh contemporary and past, but for the most part, authors write two books, one in the present time, the other in the past.
First I hope the manuscript will be thoroughly revised to correct the small but irritating typos, i.e. “..her cheeks damp with hers,...” something missing (first page chapter 2). “The son (sun?) overhead...” p.92. “How far this regard would stretch on three(their?) wedding night,...” p.98. Reopen(Reupen?) Parnagian, p.102. And others.
In Chapter 2, set in 1963, Aunt Vicky tells a story announcing what we are going to read. If the author really wants it, this should really have come before the first chapter. It is left hanging because the story is the rest of the book.
Chapter 1 has grabbed the reader’s attention and raised the emotional level. Reverting back to 1913 in Chapter 3 lowers the mood. I find this annoying.
Chapter 4 takes the reader back to 1915 and the heart of the story.
If I were the editor, I would tell the author to start the story with Chapter 1 (no prologue, that’s old-fashioned writing), with old Aunt Vicky has a flashback of the scene where two young girls sneak out in the night to bury their dolls and treasures and now she needs to tell her story. Chapter 2 can then start in 1913 to establish the necessary background and to emphasize the unrest among the Armenians and their fear of the authorities in Constantinople.
Up to Chapter 7 I was fully engaged with this fascinating story. Why the need to have Chapter 8 lurch forward in time to 1963? The story concludes in 1963 and there seems no logical reason to to interrupt it by this break in chronology.
Chapter 10 and 11 are in set in 1963. If chapter 9 was intended as a cliff hanger, then the subsequent two chapters killed the suspense.
The story resumes and the reader is transported into the life of the exiles who settled in America and found comfort in their small Armenian community, until once more, and unnecessarily, the flow is interrupted by the 1963 Chapter 24. What troubles me is that this time shift does not add anything to the main story. It is far more interesting to follow the characters of the main story. It is even more annoying in that it repeats the original story. And in Chapter 30 we catch up with 1963 and everything merges smoothly.
The author has a really great story, but I question whether she is wise to interrupt it with the 1963 events. It would be better to sum it up at the end when Vicky is at the end of her life, when the young Rose tells of her travel to Turkey which can be summarized and blended with the ending.
I would cut the epilogue, it feels like an afterthought.
Once you manage to unravel the time jumping, there is a story that needs to be told. A fascinating and heartbreaking story.

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the many beautiful gifts of historical fiction is when a particular novel encourages readers to delve into the conflict composed within the novel's pages. For me, Who She Left Behind by Victoria Atamian Waterman became one of those tales.

The story begins with symbolic Armenian Nuri dolls belonging to two sisters buried under an olive tree for safekeeping. Victoria and Yegsabet, now fatherless and brotherless, as well as their other sisters and Mayrig, mother are relocated from their home during the Turkish invasion of Armenia in 1915. These women, along with many others, suffered horrible atrocities, a “genocide” prior to the Jewish Holocaust of WWII. This is the crushing background for the novel.

"Taking orders from the central government in Constantinople, regional officials implemented mass shootings and deportations, assisted by local civilians. Ottoman military and security organs and their collaborators murdered the majority of Armenian men of fighting age, as well as thousands of women and children.

During forced marches through the desert, convoys of surviving elderly men, women, and children were exposed to arbitrary attacks from local officials, nomadic bands, criminal gangs, and civilians. This violence included robbery, rape, abduction of young women and girls, extortion, torture, and murder” (“The Armenian Genocide (1915-16): In Depth”).

The hindsight character, Rose, uncovers the truth behind Victoria’s tragedy beside the reader: a grief-stricken and desolate trek through the desert, captivity and slavery, rape, and the subsequent loss of a child makes Rose’s Aunt Victoria a savior, a matriarch, and a memorable soul.

The author, Ms. Waterman, takes an aerial view of much of the violence. She crafts the narrative above the horrors, hearing it instead of seeing it, and instead, focuses on the effects of such violence on Victoria. Readers feel this powerful heroine’s pain, as colorful and detailed as her Nuri dolls, while the violence remains hovering above the morally gray religious and territorial war.

At times during my reading, there were missing scenes I wanted to see: escaping servitude, becoming a savior, discovering the Nuri dolls buried under the war-torn earth; however, those scenes were replaced by the heroine’s thoughts on each incident, a deep point of view where Victoria’s love and fear for others overshadows her own sacrifices and tragedy.

Another gift of historical fiction is empathy for the suffering of ancestors, and families, a legacy that entitles the next generation's survival. Victoria’s fundamental misbelief: that she was a ruined woman, unworthy of love and motherhood, couldn’t be further from the truth.

“The Armenian Genocide (1915-16): In Depth.” Ushmm.org, 2023, encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/art.... Accessed 23 Sept. 2023.

I was granted an ARC copy of this novel by Historium Press, a branch of The Historical Fiction Company.

[Dianne E. Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Well researched. Well told.
Well written: Ms. Waterman is an outstanding writer. Her characters are well developed. I deeply cared about them. Her colorful descriptions brought me into the scenes. I appreciated her use of Armenian words sprinkled throughout but not overused. I knew that the book included the Armenian genocide. I was somewhat hesitant to read it because I dislike confronting violence and abuse head on. The horrors and atrocities of the genocide were there but most happened off of the page.
Well researched: I appreciate learning through the storytelling of novels. While I had some knowledge of the Armenian genocide this novel brought more to the table. Her characters lived through various experiences that brought the horrors of that time and place to life. The regrouping of the Armenian refugees in community in Massachusetts and Rhode Island showed the power of culture and community. Of course, the strength of women to survive and thrive was woven throughout.
Well told: Ms. Waterman’s use of alternating timelines was well planned and worked well, helping the reader to anticipate what would happen. This novel is based in reality. While I may have wished for a different outcome for several characters, I appreciated that the outcomes were true-to-life. Indeed, the prejudice was used to justify the genocide did not simply disappear after the fact.
I would love to read future novels that further delve into the lives of some of the secondary characters to enhance my knowledge of this awful period in history.

[Kat Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tale of Resilience and Redemption

Victoria Atamian Waterman's "Who She Left Behind" is a haunting odyssey that masterfully paints a portrait of a woman grappling with the remnants of historical traumas and the pursuit of redemption. The novel adeptly transports readers from the oppressive atmosphere of the declining Ottoman Empire in 1915 to the tight-knit Armenian communities of Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the 1960s, weaving a narrative rich with historical tragedy and human resilience.

Our heroine, Victoria, finds herself in an existence marred by adversity, her life upended and constrained beginning with the horrific events of a forced march from Armenia. One moment encapsulates a life of tranquility, and the next, an abyss of despair and oppression. The subsequent journey of Victoria’s enslavement, the gross violation of her dignity, and the theft of her child encapsulate a narrative imbued with raw emotion. Each character that crossed Victoria’s path is etched into the reader’s consciousness, echoing the haunting melody of lost innocence and profound injustice.

Victoria’s eventual metamorphosis into a liberator of young women in similar adversity mirrors the universal quest for freedom and redemption. The book echoes tragedy, yet resounds with hope, renewal. and the invincible spirit of motherhood.

This book is a testament to the enduring essence of humanity’s quest for justice, healing, and unyielding love amidst the backdrop of history's turbulent dance.

[Marina Osipova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended.

The graves, the ancestors, the memories, the dolls . . . and a SECRET. What a beginning! Instantly, a chill rose over my arms in the first pages of the story and I knew, it’ll be an emotional read, bringing with it sweet memories of the time spend in Armenia (the narrative doesn’t happen in Armenia and you’ll learn soon“why”). The story reminds of the dark times in the history of Armenian people—some readers may not know about that page in their past, but of that Armenians will never forget.

The author’s poetical language mesmerized this reader through the narrative. It was so nice to read Armenian words in the English transcription. It brought the atmosphere of belonging, at least for me.

Be prepared for heart-tearing scenes of the exodus. “No one dared to cry.” “... to stop or disrupt the march was asking to be shot.” What an all-telling description in its unimaginable horror! This is the story of them who were forbidden to cry, forbidden to live—for about two millions (the numbers vary). And despite all odds, the bravest survived, and we see it through the life of Victoria, the main heroine.

Despite the initially tragic subject, this story warmed my heart. I fell in love with Armenian people even more, if it is ever possible. Read this book. Let your soul rest in the belief there are many good people, there are many kind hearts, there is trust and true love, and selfless dedication. There are strong women who made it possible to preserve their heritage, traditions, and the future for their nation. Bravo, Victoria Atamian Waterman!

[N.T. McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are several impactful novels that have been written about the Armenian Genocide. Classics like Bohjalian’s The Sandcastle Girls, Bagdasarian’s Forgotten Fire, and Walrath’s Like Water on Stone come to mind. Atamian Waterman’s generation spanning historical novel Who She Left Behind should be included in the same list.

Following an Armenian girl named Victoria, the novel sweeps us from moments of love and family to scenes of unspeakable horror and loss, depicting the atrocities carried out on the Ottoman Armenians during WW1 while infusing moments of hope and redemption as she strives for a new life in the US. Told with sensitivity and descriptions that bring the characters to life, Who She Left Behind helps “odars” (non-Armenians) understand the emotional, spiritual, and biological impact of trauma from generation to generation, leading the reader toward a redemptive, healing end.

If you enjoyed any of the above novels or want to learn more about the "forgotten genocide" they never talk about in school, then put Atamian Waterman’s Who She Left Behind on your reading list to be moved in profound ways.

[Katerina Dunne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
At times heart-breaking, at times heart-warming, this is a beautiful story of survival, love, family bonds and female empowerment, spanning three generations of an Armenian family. The focus is on the first generation of women who survived ethnic cleansing in early 20th century Turkey and on the effect those brave and resilient ladies have on the next generations. There is also the little mystery of an Armenian doll, which brings the storylines together.
It’s a good read, well-paced, and the three different timelines alternate seamlessly. The emotions are conveyed beautifully – in fact, the story brought tears to my eyes in a few places. The story also resonates into the present times, where women and children are still the innocent victims of armed conflict all around the world.
The author has done excellent research on the customs and traditions of the Armenian people. The use of Armenian words and expressions interspersed in the narrative adds authenticity.
The front cover illustration is a work of art in itself.
My only criticism is that I would like the characters of the 2nd and 3rd generation (Rose and Tory) to be a little more developed. I would like to know more about them. But this does not detract from enjoying this captivating story.

[Marina Arakelian · Rating 5 out of 5]

In writing “Who She Left Behind” Victoria Atamian Waterman has made a deep dive into the internal psyche of the genocide survivor. The telling of her family’s harrowing story of loss during the forced deportation and massacre of the Armenian people by the Ottoman Empire 1915-1923 bares witness to her family’s courage and resilience in the face of unspeakable cruelty.
Through her skillful storytelling we come to know and love the characters of her book and share in their fears, their hopes and their dreams as they move from loss of beloved family, homeland and all that is familiar to overcome immeasurable hardship to eventually find their way in a new country.
This book in the end is a testament to a mother’s selfless love, the tenacity of the human spirit and that hope, no matter how futile it might seem, must never be lost.

[Elaine Jefferson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually review books but this book touched me so deeply. Every now and then I think about what my grandmother, great grandmother and great auntie must have gone through when they lived through the Armenian Genocide. My grandmother never wanted to speak that horrible time because she was so young and kept those horrible memories tucked deeply in her heart and mind. Who She Left Behind is a page turning book bringing to life the horror of what happened to an Armenian women during that dark time. I absolutely loved the book and you will to.

[Asbed Pogarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel pulled me in from the very first page and held me until the end. Though it centers on the tragedies endured by the Armenian people, it tells a deeply universal story, a powerful testament to the human spirit and its resilience in the face of adversity. In an age when atrocities continue to unfold across the globe, the author has done a masterful job in shedding light on the collective pain of humanity, and the remarkable strength people summon to rebuild their lives from the ashes. It’s a must-read I highly recommend.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adding bits of mystery and romance to heaps of history and strong female characters, Victoria Atamian Waterman shares the powerful story of one family--her family--from the beginning of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey, 1915, through modern life in Armenian communities in Worcester, MA and Providence, RI.

[Andree Pennachio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading this book about a week ago and I can’t stop thinking about Victoria. Such a strong, resilient woman. My goodness! The things our ancestors had to do to survive. Victorias story echoes some of the stories my own grandmother, also an Armenian Genocide survivor, told me. A must read if you don’t know about the Armenian Genocide. And if you are familiar, a reminder that these atrocities continue today. Bravo to Ms Atamian Waterman for beautifully telling the story of all our grandmothers!

[laurie villiard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Beautifully written. Strong female characters are captivating and resplendent. Wonderful story.