Reviewed by Mr Llewellyn-Evans
September 2020
What role does history and memory play in our lives, this novella explores these themes based around two historical events: the assassination of the Turkish Consul General in Sydney, December 1980 and the genocide of Armenians by Turkish authorities between April 1915 and the end of World War I. This event is hotly disputed by Turkish authorities today and they do not acknowledge they were responsible for the death of approximately 1.4 million Armenians. One of the interesting connections is that the round up of Armenians began on the night of the 24 April 1915 as Australians began their approach to Gallipoli.
So how does this work out in a novel which runs for just 52 pages? The main character is a teenage boy whose name is Vrezh – whose name coincidently means ‘revenge’. There is a lot to seek revenge for as his grandfather nightly relives the memory of Turkish soldiers coming into his village killing and capturing his family while he hides in a tree. As the novella develops, we hear more about this backstory woven with the genocide itself, and the constant denial of the Turkish governments. Complicating matters is Vrezh’s brother Armen who has been acting strange and could possibly be involved in the assassination.
Vrezh feels he should do something – ‘revenge’ – for what has happened to grandfather, his family and his people and becomes involved through Armen. But as the action advances and he realises that his contribution will lead not only to the death of hated Turks, but also innocent Australians makes him reassess the need for revenge. In the end … well you would need to read the novella itself to find out!
This has certainly been one of the most interesting and thought-provoking books I have read this year. It is also accompanied by three excellent essays which add to the historical nature of the study of genocide and history. This is certainly a book for the older reader and certainly one for the historian. In fact, it would prove an excellent platform for those students who might study Extension History in Year 12 and are looking for a topic for their project.
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5