Exclusive Interview with Narine Abgaryan. Why did Simon become the hero of our times? (video in Armenian)

The strange, surprising, funny and touching episode of Simon's death is based on real events, the other characters are fictional. However, they are equally charismatic and realistic, assures Narine Abgaryan.“I took all the other characters from my head. They are the people who have surrounded me all my life. They are prototypes of someone I knew at some point of my life. It has an associative connection. I was not able to detach myself from the reality of Berd, a part of which I invented myself and believed in that reality.”

The book begins with Simon’s death, but the author passes smoothly from the death scenes to his ex-lovers, romances, and wife. The book is not simply about Simon, it is rather about the events and people that surrounded him. That is how the title of the book was born - "Simon".“You write the book. You take a deep breath and start thinking about the title. It seems to me that Simon is the key character of the book.”

Narine Abgaryan believes that the novel is predominantly about women, not Simon. However, he is the only character that connects all these people and helps them without even realizing it. “My main idea was that every acquaintance that happens in every person's life is not accidental. It helps us to learn something, it makes us a better person.”

Simon, who lived and died in the small town of Berd, like Narine Abgaryan's other characters, has become a favorite character not only for the Armenian reader. The writer is happy to notice that the foreign reader was able to depict all the feelings that surround her and the people around her. “It was a big surprise for me when it turned out that foreign readers were also reading this book. I have asked several times what they like about my books, because it is based on national characteristics. It is written in Russian, but is specifically national, with our traditions, dishes, customs. The readers claim that the books seem to have a universal context.”

Simple emotions, universal feelings - this is how Narine Abgaryan takes the hearts of the readers. The author does not assume that her novel can change people's lives, but she is assured that she will be able to comfort, and convey her optimism.“The reader is in need of comforting literature and art. We are in such a difficult situation, especially the Armenians, that we need a person who will put his hand on our shoulder and assure that you are not alone. The whole world is in that condition.”

Narine Abgaryan will read the Armenian version of the novel "Simon" after the readers. This time she will read the Armenian version and question why she wrote about her hometown and people in Russian, because Armenian is so close to her heart."I'm happy to be working with Newmag, because this is really the first time I've had such a kind attitude towards myself, my books."

Like Narine Abgaryan's other novels, "Simon" is a combination of tragic and comedic stories full of wise kindness: "Simon" is about love.