The TV presentation of the novel “When the Apricot Blossoms” took place (video)

“When the Apricot Blossoms” is a novel about Yerevan in the 1970s, its legendary residents, friendship, and love. The author is Vigen Jakokajyan. Although he was not present during the TV premiere, he later shared the story behind the book’s creation on his Facebook page.

“Years ago, ‘Sharm’ Company commissioned directors Edgar Baghdasaryan, Vigen Stepanyan, and Artur Sargsyan to write a screenplay based on memories of their youth and old Yerevan. In 2015, they created the script ‘Yerevan-Yerevan.’ A few years later, another version appeared under the title ‘Yerevan Croissant.’

The authors of that screenplay were writer Harut Kbeyan, director Hrach Keshishyan, the head of Newmag Publishing House Artak Aleksanyan, and Roman Kantor. Alongside these scripts, there was also an alternative version developed by Sergey Kozin, Roman Kantor, Sharm founder Ruben Jaghinyan, and television producer and Renaissance Foundation founder Artur Janibekyan. This creative process eventually led to the birth of the novel ‘When the Apricot Blossoms.’”

Vigen Jakokajyan explained that the most difficult part was determining authorship, since different people had contributed to the project over the years, and both the storyline and characters evolved during the process. In the end, it was decided that the novel would be published under a pseudonym, which is how the author name Vigen Jakokajyan emerged.

The content and atmosphere of the novel were discussed during the program by translator Anush Muradyan, who translated the book from Russian into Armenian, and editor Anna Bakhshyan.

According to Anna Bakhshyan, the novel captures Soviet-era Yerevan and its residents, while many of the book’s characters are inspired by influential and beloved figures of the time.

“The novel conveys the flavor and atmosphere of the 1970s. It revisits the historical and political realities of Yerevan, when there were forbidden topics, underground student circles, banned books, and the first signs of a reawakening national consciousness. At the same time, it is also a story about carefree youth and friendship. Readers will experience joy, sadness, disappointment, and a wide range of emotions.

The book is not merely a memoir; it is a novel with documentary undertones. What makes it especially interesting is that Yerevan itself becomes a living character, with its Kazirok cafés, the old streets of Kond, and the city’s unique spirit. The title ‘When the Apricot Blossoms’ is especially symbolic, because the apricot is one of the archetypal images of Armenian cultural memory. Even the croissant in the story is filled with apricot jam.”

Translator Anush Muradyan admitted that translating the novel was an emotional experience for her because the story reflected the atmosphere of her own childhood years.

“The novel is captivating and reads in one breath. In my case, it was translated in one breath as well. Readers can expect an intriguing storyline with an unexpected ending.

At the same time, the story makes readers reflect on friendship, which is presented as life’s greatest treasure. The characters seem to live carefree lives, yet each of them makes choices that lead to unpredictable consequences.”

The Sharm Company and the Renaissance Foundation have also announced that a film adaptation of “When the Apricot Blossoms” is currently in development.