Dawn Anahid MacKeen

As WWI begins in earnest, Turkey has a dirty little secret going on in the background. Thousands of Armenians are being arrested and deported to internment camps. And we all know what those lead to. The author's grandfather, Stepan, realizes that he needs to fight or escape to avoid death. He does both, depending on his strength, wits, and the kindness of strangers to survive.

Almost a hundred years later, journalist Dawn MacKeen discovers the incredible story as recorded in his journals and show more decides to visit Turkey and Syria to meet some of the people who helped save her grandfather's life. She has her own perilous journey which makes an exciting read on its own. Coupled with Stepan's escape, this book brings the historical facts of the inhumanity and injustice perpetrated on the Christian Armenians beginning around 1915 to light. The Turks are still unwilling to admit their part in this atrocity to this day. I recommend this book to those who like their nonfiction brought to life with passion and truth about a little known period in history. show less

Wow! I just finished this book and my head is spinning.

Why did I not know about the Armenian genocide? Actually I did... In the 70s, during a group tour of the Soviet Union, we stopped in Armenia (then a Soviet province) and visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan. I was shocked and wondered why this atrocity was not more widely known. It took a long time, but finally, through this book, I learned this terrible history, and cried. Sorry it took me so long! But thank you, show more Dawn!!!

Highly recommended! An incredible page-turner and a must-read! show less

Couldn't get past the speculative, chatty prose, unfortunately.