The presentation of the "Vova Armyan: A True Story" memoir took place (photos)
08/29/2024
The memoir "Vova Armyan: A True Story" about Vladimir Karapetyan was recently presented at the Common Ground Literary Café.
Vladimir Karapetyan, a renowned figure in Russia's entrepreneurial sphere, lived through significant political and historical events. The book, co-authored with Ruben Ishkhanyan and Amalya Karapetyan, combines personal stories with a broader historical context. Amalya Karapetyan, who contributed her childhood memories and insights about her father, notes that while the book is based on real events, it is presented in a fictionalized narrative format.
"I wanted to reflect on my father's journey and the roots of our family," said Amalya Karapetyan. "Ruben and I explored the historical period, but the book is written as an artistic essay. It is more of a love story. We chose to focus on my father's relationships with his family, friends, and homeland, rather than documenting every event."
As the book's co-author and daughter of Vova Armyan, Amalya Karapetyan aimed to preserve her family's history. "I had contemplated writing this book for a long time. I decided to do it for my children, who never knew their grandfather. My father was a wonderful, caring parent, a devoted husband, and a loyal friend. My parents' love story began in school, and I wanted my children to understand that love and their relationship through this book."
The memoir not only chronicles Vova Armyan's life but also provides a backdrop of the historical and political events of the time.
Artak Aleksanyan, head of newmag, commented that the book also offers a glimpse into the lives of Armenians in Russia during the late 1990s and 2000s. "Those were harsh times, akin to a jungle where survival was challenging. We chose not to include numerous photos and facts. Even after death, a person of influence can have both friends and enemies. From what I gather, Vova Armyan had his share of both. The book contains details that will intrigue and surprise readers, with many facts drawn from childhood memoirs, making it an emotional read."
“Vova Armyan: A True Story” is available for purchase in bookstores and on the newmag website at newmag.am.