Narine Kroyan at ATV: Book-Drama about Overcoming Loneliness and Depression (photos, video in Armenian)

“Bella Belladonna” is Narine Kroyan’s 7th book. During her years of study, graduation and teaching career, Kroyan did not stop writing, but was first published only in 2010. The writer is also a lecturer. Currently she is a lecturer at Lori Regional State College. Narine Kroyan is a candidate of economic sciences, author of scientific articles. “When I was 5 I used to create stories in my mind, but I haven’t learnt the alphabet yet. So, I asked my aunt to write down whatever came up in my mind.”

The archetypes of the characters and the stories are from her hometown Vanadzor. In the novel Narine turned these stories into universal topics of discussion. “The characters in the book encompass many people and many characteristics in them. The problems discussed in the novel are universal and can be easily understood by each of us. Through the dialogues between Bella and the 15-year-old girl I aimed to demonstrate the parallels in their perspectives.”

 

This drama is about a woman called Bella. She is a single, 48-year-old unemployed woman, who lives with her bedridden mother, caring for her for years and striving to survive, having only her poor pension and social allowance. In addition, there are discussions about multilayered psychological challenges, loneliness, anxiety and depression. “Bella represents our lives. Oftentimes, we voluntarily imprison ourselves within the walls of everyday struggles. We complain about our lives, not even realizing that we are the ones who can change it.”

The author specifically chose Bella’s character, because she clearly shows how we should not live our lives. The names of the main character and the flower are similar and this decision is based on a specific reason.“Both in the title and on the cover you can notice the Belladonna flower. It’s a toxic flower, but a very small dose of it is used in medicine. This is a good example that the same flower/idea/ can both help and harm.”

The image of the main character is also reflected on the cover of the book. Bella's actions are like self-poisoning and she is not the only one who poisons herself. Life circumstances have their negative impact as well. Oftentimes Bella's consolation becomes the church and the pastor. “My grandfather's house was right next to the church. I grew up in that park, it was my playground. Often I listened to the conversations of old people next to me and later they became my collective characters.”

This is a story for people overcoming loneliness and always looking for a way out of depression and difficulties. Life is wonderful, difficulties are solvable and happiness is in the present, not in the future. In fact, happiness might be just a few steps away, maybe right behind the door of your apartment.