The TV presentation of the debut novel by German director and writer Nooran David Kalis, “The Moon Is Our Sun,” took place (video)

The author was born into an Armenian-Jewish family that immigrated from Turkey. The novel has autobiographical elements and tells the story of a young man growing up in an immigrant family, his life, inner conflicts, and search for identity. A film adaptation has also been made based on the book.

The novel begins with the protagonist’s return to Armenia. The hero is in search of identity, yet lacks the sense of belonging and warmth of his homeland.

Translator Mariam Gurzadyan notes that the themes of exile, immigration, and identity are central issues in contemporary German literature.

“The central theme of contemporary German is the endless feeling of living in that country but feeling like a stranger, when people have a constant struggle to assimilate and integrate. It seems that this book will be interesting for Armenians living far from their homeland, it will help them understand and clarify the conflicts that young people have.

I think one of the author’s important messages is summed up in this sentence: ‘If you want to build the present and the future, you have to go back.’ The author believes that in order to understand yourself, you need to break family ties, understand the traumatic events that happened with your grandparents and ancestors.”

The title of the book is inspired by a song. After the death of his father, the main character leaves school and works as a nightclub doorman. The title “The Moon Is Our Sun” reflects the reality of nightlife, where the moon replaces the sun.

According to the translator, the author’s style and language are distinctive, including references to Eminem and 50 Cent.

“The book has an interesting musical rhythm and theatricality, since Nooran David Kalis is a theater director.

The language of the book is slang, since the main character is a teenager, he speaks in colloquial German. It is a continuous monologue, the hero tells endlessly. A huge editorial and proofreading work has been done, for which I am grateful to the Newmag publishing house.”

Mariam Gurzadyan believes the novel will resonate with young readers, helping them navigate teenage struggles and emotional challenges. According to her, “The Moon Is Our Sun” is ultimately a love story about life.