TV presentation of Guzel Yakhina’s “Zuleikha Opens Her Eyes” novel (video in Armenian)

The novel is considered to be one of the most influential literary works in Russian literature for the last decade. The book has been nominated and won numerous awards. The author claims that the main character is not just a Tatar woman, but rather a transnational symbol. 

The protagonist of the book is most likely the author's grandmother, who was exiled at the age of seven and later told her granddaughter about the cruel years of exile. For almost two years Yakhina spent her time in various archives intending to gain more information about the exile years. 

The author published her first book at the age of 40. Initially, 13 publishers refused to publish the book. However, after the publication, the book has been translated into 30 languages. The translator of the Armenian publication, Naira Khachatryan, claims that Zuleikha was saved by love. “The husband is killed and Zuleikha is alone in this complicated situation. A woman, who has never left the village and couldn’t oversee these unprecedented events.”

In the novel “Zuleikha opens her eyes” the author describes the transformation of this unique woman and shows how she eventually found herself. All of these details are accompanied by historic facts. Newmag published the Armenian version of this groundbreaking book in the scope of the “Oracle” Armenian-Russian book series. The book was published with support from Electronic Networks of Armenia. The Armenian edition of the book has a completely new design and cover. Ruben Ishkhanyan assures that the author liked the new cover of the book. “Guzel Yakhina is one of the best discoveries of contemporary Russian literature. She calmly listens to any criticism and continues to write and create.”

This book includes various unique layers. It’s about the self-recognition of the protagonist, about her personal tragedy. The novel also revolves around love and hostility, around a woman who was left alone in this big world.