A Book, Untitled

*A Book,Untitled* is an intimate and innovative approach to autofiction and the act of remembering, telling the story of a fictional encounter between Shushanik Kurghinian and Zabel Yesayan, two early twentieth-century pioneers of feminist literature whose legacies have been obscured in Armenian history. The author and her friend Lara research their work, sifting through censored documents, unpublished works, and unfinished drafts, and piece together lives that have been overshadowed by the Tsarist and Stalinist regimes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 14 December 2023
Publisher: Tilted Axis Press

What is history, undocumented?
How do we archive censored lives?


A poetic reflection on authorship and erasure:

In her debut novel, Armenian writer Shushan Avagyan weaves a captivating tale of a fictional encounter between Shushanik Kurghinian and Zabel Yesayan, two pioneering figures in feminist literature from the early twentieth century. However, their legacies have been largely obscured in Armenian history. Interwoven with conversations between the author and her friend Lara, who are delving into the works of Kurghinian and Yesayan, the story takes a poignant turn as they delve into censored documents, unpublished works, and unfinished drafts. Through their research, they piece together lives that have been overshadowed by the Tsarist and Stalinist regimes, offering a re-cognition that is both posthumous, imagined, and intricately powerful.


A Book, Untitled:

This novel is a testament to Avagyan's poetic prowess, as she skillfully weaves together historical fragments and personal reflections to create a rich tapestry of memory and imagination. Through the lens of autofiction, she explores the complexities of authorship and erasure, challenging the traditional narratives that have shaped our understanding of history. By interweaving the fictional encounter with the author's own research and introspection, Avagyan invites readers to engage in a deeply personal and introspective journey of remembrance.


Conclusion:

In A Book, Untitled, Avagyan has crafted a masterpiece that delves into the depths of human experience, offering a poignant reflection on the power of literature to preserve and commemorate the lives of those who have been silenced by history. This novel is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the complexities of authorship, erasure, and the enduring legacy of feminist literature.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911284888