Title: Marriage for Aghavni
Author: Elaine Cornell
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media
ISBN: 978-1638711988
Pages: 192
Genre: Politics & Social Sciences
Reviewed by: Christina Avina

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While the history of the world and humanity itself is filled with so many wonderous moments of innovation, kindness, and creativeness, the truth of the matter is that our history is also filled with darkness and horror. In order to move forward into a brighter future, we must be willing to look back at the darkest parts of ourselves and learn from the past. Only by understanding the cruelty and heartbreaking depths that humans can sink to can we learn to move past that darkness and bring a more peaceful future to fruition.

In author Elaine Cornell’s “Marriage for Aghavni”, the story explores one of history’s darkest moments, the Armenian Genocide. In the throes of WWI, the Ottoman Empire began the systematic mass murder of the Armenian people, with only a small percentage of the people managing to escape the horrors which awaited them. The heartbreaking reality of what the Armenian people went through could never be measured, and yet in this book the author explores some of the stories of those who experienced the terror first hand, and what their experiences were escaping.

For those who are not as familiar with the horrors so many of the Armenian people suffered during this period of history, this book will both shock and fill you with heartbreak. The emotional toll that not only the loss of life and their homes took on so many families, but the fear that gripped them as well was felt in every page that this book had; but throughout that narrative the author laced in moments of hope and light, showcasing the strength of the Armenian people and their courage in the face of so much struggle. The multiple POVs and intricate detail to not only the history within the context of the narrative, but the history certain characters laid out for the other characters was engaging to read.

This is the perfect read for those who enjoy history, especially tales from WWI and subjects that highlight historical moments that may not be as well-known as others, such as the struggles of the Armenian People. As a longtime fan of history, it was both fascinating and heartbreaking and emotional to read of what the Armenian people suffered through, and yet gave me a glimpse of the sheer force of will and strength that so many people had to embody to find safety and hope in that overwhelming darkness.

A heartbreaking, educational, and emotional story, author Elaine Cornell’s Marriage for Aghavni is a must-read book. The author really taps into both the thoughtful approach to history and storytelling while also showcasing the intricate emotions and depths of both terror and hope that so many people lived through as the story explores the hardships and struggles of the Armenian people.