Overview:
This is a thrilling adventure story set in the turbulent region of Armenia during a time of unrest and brewing massacre against the Armenians. I find myself caught up in a chaotic journey through the mountains, encountering a colorful cast of characters: from the mysterious and cunning Eye of Zeitoon, a seemingly Armenian outlaw, to a Rajput soldier seeking purpose, and a naive American missionary. We are all swept into the fight for survival amidst the chaos, seeking a missing American woman and facing threats from both Turkish soldiers and Kurdish raiders. The novel explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the struggle for freedom against overwhelming odds.
Main Parts:
- Tarsus: Introduces the story’s main characters and the context of the Armenian crisis. The Eye of Zeitoon makes his first appearance.
- The Journey: Our group, led by the enigmatic Kagig, travels towards Zeitoon encountering various challenges like hostile Turks, bandits, and the mysterious Maga Jhaere.
- The Kahveh: A clash with a German contractor reveals Kagig’s knowledge and skill in espionage. We are warned of the impending massacre.
- The Gipsies: A chaotic encounter with a gipsy caravan forces us to rely on Kagig’s guidance. Maga Jhaere enters the story, sparking conflict and intrigue.
- Zeitoon: The arrival at Zeitoon reveals a hidden Armenian community under threat. We encounter a group of refugees seeking shelter and are thrust into the fight against the Turks.
- The Battle: The fight against the Turks unfolds, showcasing the bravery of the Armenians and the diverse characters. Monty’s leadership is tested, and his sacrifice paves the way for the rescue of the missing woman.
View on Life:
- The Eye of Zeitoon: A cunning and loyal leader, he believes in protecting his people by any means necessary. His past trauma fuels his fierce dedication to Armenia.
- Rustum Khan: A Rajput soldier disillusioned by the violence he witnessed. He seeks a cause worthy of his service and finds it in defending the Armenians.
- Monty: A noble and dedicated individual, willing to risk his life for a cause he believes in. He embodies the ideals of chivalry and honor.
- Gloria Vanderman: A courageous and independent American woman who seeks to help those in need. She challenges the traditional roles of women and demonstrates her resilience.
Scenarios:
- The Khan at Tarsus: The characters are introduced to the diverse cast of individuals from all corners of the world, showcasing the volatile atmosphere of the time.
- The Encounter with the Gipsies: This encounter throws the characters into chaos, revealing the power and influence of Maga Jhaere.
- The Kahveh Confrontation: A clash with a German contractor reveals a wider conspiracy and exposes the role of the Turkish government in the Armenian crisis.
- The Burning Kahveh: A dramatic struggle ensues as Kagig confronts the German contractor and his Turkish allies. It highlights Kagig’s influence and the danger our group faces.
- The Escape: The burning kahveh forces the characters to flee, putting them on a perilous journey through the mountains.
Challenges:
- The Threat of Massacre: The constant threat of violence and massacre looms over the Armenian community.
- Traveling through a War Zone: The group faces numerous dangers from bandits, Turkish soldiers, and Kurdish raiders.
- The Gipsies’ Deception: Maga Jhaere’s motivations are unclear, leading to suspicion and uncertainty.
- The German Contractor’s Treachery: Hans von Quedlinburg’s involvement in the Armenian massacre creates a formidable obstacle.
- The Rescue of Gloria Vanderman: The characters are tasked with finding the missing American woman, facing dangers and complexities.
Conflict:
- The Armenian Crisis: The novel centers around the conflict between the Armenians and the Turkish government. The Turks are instigating the massacre, driven by racial prejudice and a desire for power. The Armenians fight for their survival and freedom.
- The Gipsies’ Betrayal: Maga Jhaere’s actions create conflict within the group, challenging their trust and alliances.
- Kagig’s Internal Struggle: The Eye of Zeitoon faces the dilemma of choosing between his own survival and the well-being of his people.
- Personal Conflict: The characters struggle with their individual beliefs, loyalties, and personal relationships.
Plot:
The story revolves around the journey to Zeitoon, a hidden Armenian stronghold.
- Introduction: The characters are introduced in Tarsus, where they encounter the Eye of Zeitoon and learn about the Armenian crisis.
- Journey to Zeitoon: Our group faces various challenges and encounters, including the gipsies, the German contractor, and the burning kahveh.
- The Arrival at Zeitoon: The characters reach Zeitoon and encounter a community in dire need of protection. They join the fight against the Turkish soldiers.
- The Battle of Zeitoon: A fierce battle ensues as the characters face overwhelming odds, culminating in the death of Monty and the capture of Mahmoud Bey.
- Resolution: A treaty is established, granting the Armenians a degree of autonomy. The characters choose their own paths, with Kagig disappearing into hiding, and Gloria and Will returning to America.
Point of view:
The story is told from a first-person perspective, allowing the reader to experience the events through the eyes of an unnamed narrator. This point of view gives the story a more intimate and personal feel.
How It’s written:
The novel is written in a descriptive and engaging style, rich in detail and dialogue. The author uses vivid imagery and strong language to evoke the atmosphere of the turbulent period and the harsh landscape of Armenia.
Example:
“The snow threatened in the mountains had not materialized, and the weather had changed to pure perfection. About an hour after we started the khan emptied itself behind us in a long string, jingling and clanging with horse and camel bells. But they turned northward to pass through the famed Circassian Gates, whereas we followed the plain that paralleled the mountain range—our mules’ feet hidden by eight inches of primordial ooze.”
Tone:
The tone of the novel is thrilling and suspenseful, with a sense of urgency and danger. It is also infused with a sense of adventure and romanticism, and touches of humor.
Life choices:
- Kagig: Kagig chooses to fight for his people, even if it means sacrificing himself. He chooses loyalty and courage over safety.
- Monty: Monty chooses to stand with the Armenians despite the personal risks, embodying his sense of duty and honor.
- Gloria Vanderman: Gloria makes the choice to stay and help the Armenians, rejecting the safer route and demonstrating her commitment to helping those in need.
- Will: Will chooses to stand with his friends and face the danger, driven by loyalty and a sense of adventure.
Lessons:
- The Importance of Courage and Loyalty: The novel highlights the bravery and dedication of those fighting for a cause they believe in, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
- The Dangers of Greed and Treachery: The actions of the Turkish government and individuals like Hans von Quedlinburg demonstrate the destructive nature of power-hungry individuals.
- The Importance of Unity: The novel emphasizes the need for unity and collaboration in the face of adversity.
- The Power of the Human Spirit: The novel explores the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing the strength and determination of the Armenians in their struggle.
Characters:
- The Eye of Zeitoon: A cunning and resourceful Armenian outlaw, deeply devoted to his people. He is a skilled strategist and a master of disguise. He has a troubled past marked by the violence he witnessed and experienced, and his determination to protect his people fuels his actions.
- Lord Montdidier: A British nobleman seeking to reconnect with his family’s history. He is a brave and honorable man, driven by a strong sense of duty and compassion. He becomes a leader in the fight against the Turkish army.
- Gloria Vanderman: A spirited American woman who chooses to help the Armenians in their time of need. She is brave, compassionate, and fiercely independent.
- Rustum Khan: A Rajput soldier who has converted to Islam but finds himself alienated from his former faith. He seeks a cause worthy of his skills and finds it in the fight for the Armenians.
- Will Yerkes: A young American adventurer with a strong sense of justice and a love of excitement. He is a loyal friend and a skilled fighter, and becomes a valuable member of the group.
- Peter Measel: A naive American missionary with strong religious convictions. He is overly concerned with morality and often gets caught up in the conflict.
Themes:
- Loyalty and Betrayal: The novel explores the power of loyalty, illustrated by the characters’ commitment to one another, particularly Monty’s loyalty to Kagig and the Armenians. However, the story also highlights the dangers of betrayal, exemplified by the actions of Maga Jhaere and Hans von Quedlinburg.
- Courage and Sacrifice: The characters face immense challenges and demonstrate courage in the face of danger. Monty and Rustum Khan make the ultimate sacrifice for their cause.
- The Struggle for Freedom: The story revolves around the struggle of the Armenians for their freedom from Turkish oppression. The characters represent different facets of this struggle, showcasing the resilience and determination of the Armenian people.
- The Role of Women: The novel challenges traditional gender roles, highlighting the strength and courage of women like Gloria Vanderman and Maga Jhaere. They are active participants in the conflict and make important contributions.
Principles:
- The Importance of Unity in the Face of Oppression: The story emphasizes the power of unity and collaboration in resisting oppression.
- Courage and Moral Responsibility: The characters face moral dilemmas, and the novel explores the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger.
- The Unpredictability of Life: The story highlights the unpredictable nature of life and the unexpected twists of fate.
Intentions of the characters:
- Kagig: Kagig aims to protect his people from the Turkish threat and restore Armenian independence.
- Monty: Monty seeks to honor his family heritage and defend the Armenians.
- Gloria Vanderman: Gloria is driven by a desire to help the Armenians and fight against injustice.
- Will: Will seeks adventure and seeks to help his friends and allies.
- Rustum Khan: Rustum Khan seeks to find a purpose worthy of his skills and honor.
Unique Vocabulary:
- Busne: A gipsy word for “Gentile” or non-gipsy. This word highlights the different social groups in the story.
- Vukuart: A Turkish word meaning “happenings,” but often used as a euphemism for massacre. This word highlights the brutal reality of the Armenian crisis.
- Shapkali: A Turkish word for “hatted man” or foreigner. This word represents the way the Turks viewed outsiders.
Anecdotes:
- The Zeitoonli Wives: The story of the Zeitoonli wives throwing Turkish prisoners from the bridge highlights the fierce spirit of the Armenian women.
- Kagig’s Encounter with Fiamil: The story of Kagig killing Fiamil in America illustrates his past trauma and the awakening of his Armenian identity.
- Rustum Khan’s Encounter with Maga: Rustum Khan’s encounter with Maga Jhaere showcases his own sense of honor and his perception of her as a dangerous and untrustworthy figure.
Ideas:
- The Role of Foreign Powers: The novel highlights the impact of foreign powers on the Armenian crisis. The Turks are supported by Germany’s ambition for control of the region, creating a dangerous dynamic for the Armenians.
- The Power of Public Opinion: Monty’s belief in the power of public opinion is demonstrated through his decision to join the fight for the Armenians, aiming to bring attention to their plight.
- The Struggle for Identity: The characters are forced to confront their own identities and beliefs, navigating through a complex world of conflict and loyalty.
Facts and Findings:
- The Armenian Massacre: The novel highlights the historical reality of the Armenian Genocide, showcasing the brutal tactics used by the Turks against the Armenian population.
- The Baghdad Railway: The novel touches on the significance of the Baghdad Railway in the political landscape of the time, highlighting the geopolitical interests that fueled the Armenian crisis.
Statistics:
- **The novel mentions the presence of a “hamidieh regiment” of Kurdish raiders, highlighting the Turkish government’s use of proxy forces in their conflict with the Armenians.
Points of view:
- The First-Person Narrator: The unnamed narrator’s perspective offers a unique and personal insight into the events, allowing the reader to experience the chaos and struggles of the journey firsthand.
- The Armenian Perspective: The novel gives voice to the Armenian people, highlighting their struggle for survival and their commitment to their identity and freedom.
Perspective:
The novel offers a complex and nuanced perspective on the Armenian crisis, showcasing the struggles and motivations of both the Armenians and their enemies. It challenges the reader to consider the impact of colonialism, oppression, and the forces that drive conflict.