Family of Shadows: A Century of Murder, Memory, and the Armenian American Dream

My siblings and I are 3rd generation Armenians. Our great-grandfather came to the US in 1889 when the genocides were taking place. He changed his name several times. 1st translation from Hovanessian to Johnson, the US translation. My grandmother’s family also immigrated to the US around the same time. I always go back in my mind and wonder about what they all experienced. This was a great book. I sent one to my father and one for myself. Thank you for writing this account of real history.

A great grandson of a Survivor of the 1915 Armenian Massacre, whose passion and dedication to family and homeland form an enduring, endearing gift which is shared with us, the readers.Garin Hovannisian writes with authority and a gentleness and love rare in the spate of tell-all centennial remembrance pieces which have come out.This is not a rueful accounting of multiple tragedies; it is a victorious account of a family dedicated to overcoming their mourning, activism for positive growth and development of the ravished Armenian people and country.I have read many books and delved into T. Akcam, R. Hovannisian, Vahakn Dadrian to gain insight into the background of the Armenian Genocide to satisfy a longing for the truth behind the current events in South Eastern Turkey, Syria, Iraq and to better understand the build-up to the Great War.I was moved to tears when Garin described his father's (Raffi's) struggle and 'Garden of Gethsemane' moment on the top floor of their house in Yerevan.I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It is one of the essentials for greater understanding of the region and its peoples' uncomfortable position of having their homeland dismantled by networks of greed and global self interest.Our interest in Armenia is too little, too late! I can only pray that Armenia and Armenians will be restored, the Genocide acknowledged, and reparations carried out.

This is a great book and one that keeps you wanting to read and learn more. Unlike any other "genocide" related book where the stories are sad and dark, Garin sheds hope and light on what was the worst Genocide of the century. He shows that his ancestors' persistence and belief for living has created a generation that is to be applauded. He shows that although his great-grandfather had to fled Western Armenia and leave his roots behind, a family can continue their legacy, regardless of where they live, in the US or in current day Armenia.Also, Garin painted a hard picture of what politics is like in Armenia today. Unfortunately, with the type of government there, not much is shared or brought to light. He does a great job of speaking about the unspoken and the hidden practices of the Armenian leaders in their government. In this book, Garin teaches Armenian history in a simple and easy way to understand.

Garin Hovannisian presents his first ambitious literary work by undertaking to record three generations of one of the earth's oldest peoples, the Armenians. Thoughtfully and methodically, yet creatively and melodiously, in his own unique style Garin tells a story survival, discovery and return to one's roots. This book takes us through a human journey that is unlike any other, but is universal in its lessons. One cannot help but feel empowered by the perennial survival of the human spirit, and this author has the ability to tap deep into our souls to retrieve our inner strength. His prose is effortless and the content is well-rooted in countless hours of academic research and oral history. Congratulations on an inspiring beginning. The human race has a friend in Garin and we all look forward to his future creations.

Family of Shadows is the story of an Armenian-American family, one that most Armenians will recognize. The best part about the book is that even if you don't know much about Armenia, its history and the lives of its sons and daughters in America, Family of Shadows still has something for you.Armenians will recognize many familiar names and stories in the pages of this book, while non-Armenians will get introduced to one of the most amazing nations on the face of the Earth. Surviving Genocide and rising to prominence in the US, the Hovhannisian family's story bears similarities to that of a number of other Armenians in various parts of the globe and is a wonderful testament to the importance of identity and heritage. The book is well written and a pleasure to read and the author is, at times, painfully honest about his own relationships with the protagonists.Garin K. Hovhannisyan has made a strong debut in the world of global literature and after reading Family of Shadows, I find myself looking forward to his next books!