"Avo, Do I Drop the Whip…?" - Celebrating Avetik Isahakyan’s Legacy in the Newmag & Friends Series

The Avetik Isahakyan House-Museum has long curated the master’s unique humor, carefully selecting, preserving, and now compiling it for readers in this special edition. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Isahakyan’s birth, the book "Avo, Do I Drop the Whip…?" features 42 witty memoirs and satirical sketches, initially published in various books and periodicals. Beautifully illustrated, the collection offers an intimate look into Isahakyan’s humanity, sincerity, and distinctive humor.

The author, philologist Ruzanna Mesropyan, leads the Exhibition Organization and Popularization Department at the Isahakyan House-Museum. She has co-authored works such as "Avetik Isahakyan: Scientific Readings" and "Isahakyan Mementos" and has also contributed to the Armenian translation of "Abu-Lala Mahari" and the "Crossword-Book on Isahakyan Themes."

In his work, Isahakyan often used folk expressions, metaphors, and rhetorical devices to highlight his themes, rarely drawing on Western Armenian dialects or foreign terms—an innovative choice in his time. His poetic language and satirical tones gave voice to social issues, human nature, and aspects of Eastern society, establishing him as a modern writer engaged with the social and political issues of his day.

With his witty insights and piercing humor, "Avo, Do I Drop the Whip…?" embodies Isahakyan’s charm and intellectual legacy, drawing inspiration from his well-known short story. The book’s launch, coinciding with his birthday on October 30, will be held at the "Zangak" bookstore, hosted by Newmag and the Avetik Isahakyan House-Museum. Entrance is free.