Harem

by Raffi, Beyon Miloyan (Translation), Kimberley McFarlane (Translation)

Translated here for the first time into English, Harem was the first novella of prolific Armenian author Raffi. Originally published in 1874 in the Armenian language, Harem is based loosely on events following the Battle of Krtsanisi in 1795. The narrative evocatively brings to life events at once sensual, dark, and conspiratorial in and around the Royal Palace of the Crown Prince of Persia, where the most interesting things happen at night. About Raffi Hakob Melik Hakobian, better known as Raffi, was born in the Persian village of Payajuk in 1835 to a family of wealthy merchants. He was educated in Tbilisi, before he took over the family textile business. Thereafter, he taught and travelled extensively throughout Armenia, Transcaucasia, and eastern Anatolia (historical Armenia), and dedicated his life to writing. Raffi is among Armenia’s literary treasures. He wrote over a dozen novels, short stories and poems, and pioneered the Armenian historical novel.

Genres: Fiction, Classics, Romance, Historical Fiction

134 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1874

Reviews

[Glen]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A concubine and her maid plot to meet the concubine's lover. Almost Magical Realism without the magic.

[Aisling]

So short it was hard to invest in these characters but some beautiful language and insights into palace life (and shenanigans).

[Leah]

I received a digital copy as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

There is something about literature from the Middle East. Whether its translated, or the authors write in English, they are so lyrical. Master storytellers. Harem is the translation of a short story written almost 150 years ago and tells the story of two Armenian lovers who are taken captive from what is present day Tbilisi, Georgia during a war and taken back to Iran. I kept imagining this being told around a camp fire in the desert as entertainment.

Although the story focuses on the lives of the people in the harem, the servants, the concubines, the advisors and their families, you really get a sense of the animosity between Christian and Muslim, between Arab and Persian and Jews that has plagued the region for generations.

Thank you to Goodreads, the publisher and the translators for a digital ARC in return fir a fair and honest review.

[Bria]

I won this in a Goodreads giveaway!

But tell me how you really feel about the Iranians!
Best part of the book is when the mother comes to tell her 16-year-old daughter that she is to be wed to their servant:

"Her mother told her the old commander’s story and revealed their intentions for her. Mahi did not respond. A few teardrops appeared in her black eyes and she modestly blushed. That was the expression of her consent."

[Mary]

I know nothing about Raffi, or the historical period of any of his writings, so I suspect I did not get nearly as much out of this little story as I might have, otherwise. But it was a nice short story, and the footnotes from the translators really helped explain some of the terms and people referenced.

[Tigran Kurtoglanyan]

This is the second short story of Raffi’s that I’ve read. After falling in love with Jalaleddin, I was impatiently waiting for this one. Reading these stories make you feel like you are going back in time and being present in a long gone age.

[Flavia]

Surprisingly enjoyable, given its rather dark content. Well written (if sometimes a bit abrupt), translated, and annotated.

[Tony Jefedjian]

Excellent book

Another excellent book by Raffi, finished it in two days, liked it very much . Would recommend it very highly