The Knock at the Door a Journey Through the Darkness of Armenian Genocide Review

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 · 285 ratings  · 42 reviews

Starting time your review of The Knock at the Door: A Journeying Through the Darkness of the Armenian Genocide

Jan 05, 2013 Tierney rated it it was amazing

I loved this book; I wanted to get a existent memoir from a female victim of the Armenian genocide, and this was a great read, especially every bit a first view into the Armenian genocide considering while it could put the reader in the moment, giving the reader agreement, it was not overwhelming.
Since reading this volume, I have become enthralled with memoirs from other victims of the Armenian genocide; I have bought about eight other memoirs of female victims of the Armenian genocide, all of which I plan t I loved this volume; I wanted to get a existent memoir from a female person victim of the Armenian genocide, and this was a nifty read, especially every bit a first view into the Armenian genocide because while it could put the reader in the moment, giving the reader agreement, it was non overwhelming.
Since reading this book, I have go enthralled with memoirs from other victims of the Armenian genocide; I have bought about eight other memoirs of female victims of the Armenian genocide, all of which I plan to read. ...more

Jun fourteen, 2012 Jeni Enjaian rated information technology actually liked it

After a very academic volume nearly the general history of the Armenians this was quite refreshing. While both perspectives interested me, I constitute myself rushing through Margaret's sections to become dorsum to Ester's story. Later a very bookish book about the general history of the Armenians this was quite refreshing. While both perspectives interested me, I constitute myself rushing through Margaret'southward sections to go back to Ester's story. ...more

A good read. A little graphic and brutal, but realistic nontheless.

Mar twenty, 2009 Missy rated information technology really liked information technology

I had no idea!!! Then, and so what the human race tin inflict on each other.
A very interesting/enlightening read.
From a historical perspective, a must read if only to understand that part of the earth better.

April 25, 2018 Linda rated it really liked information technology

Wonderful story telling, informative, such a skillful read, AND a true story.

Oct 18, 2012 Brandie rated it it was amazing

Read this, if you are at all intrigued by history, but the struggles people face and how they over come them. If you want to feel a passion most gross injustices in this world, and to acquire about them - they happen, and the more I read the more I learn that it has happened over and over and once again ... and most of the fourth dimension, we turn out attention away, pretend it's non happening and go on with our lives. Sad. And something I want to larn about - considering possibly the more we learn almost information technology, the Read this, if you lot are at all intrigued by history, but the struggles people face and how they over come up them. If you desire to feel a passion about gross injustices in this world, and to acquire about them - they happen, and the more than I read the more than I acquire that information technology has happened over and over and over again ... and almost of the fourth dimension, we turn out attention away, pretend it's not happening and go on with our lives. Sad. And something I want to learn about - considering maybe the more we learn about it, the more power nosotros will have to stop it? ...more

Oct 28, 2013 Susan Ariew rated it it was amazing

I read this chronicle of Esther Ajemian's life written by her daughter, Margaret, because Margaret will be a speaker at USF in November and I plan to hear her presentation. Margaret's business relationship of the horrors her mother witnessed and survived during the Armenian genocide in 1915 is an astonishing tribute to her courageous mother. This memoir is so well-written as Margaret weaves her own story along with speaking her female parent'southward truth. Information technology'southward an inspirational story of how the children of genocide survivors I read this relate of Esther Ajemian's life written past her daughter, Margaret, because Margaret volition be a speaker at USF in November and I plan to hear her presentation. Margaret'south business relationship of the horrors her female parent witnessed and survived during the Armenian genocide in 1915 is an amazing tribute to her courageous mother. This memoir is so well-written as Margaret weaves her ain story along with speaking her mother's truth. It'due south an inspirational story of how the children of genocide survivors can face up the horror of their parents' suffering with such courage and strength. ...more

January fourteen, 2013 Lori rated it liked it

A daughter tells her female parent's story of the Armenian genocide. It was an piece of cake book to read and was very middle opening. I had have read very piffling of the Armenian genocide (only from Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides) and having read this book I can run across why Hilter used information technology as ane of his rationalizations for the death camps. I would recommend it. I take it on my kindle and can lend it, if you have a kindle. A girl tells her mother'south story of the Armenian genocide. It was an easy volume to read and was very center opening. I had have read very little of the Armenian genocide (only from Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides) and having read this volume I tin see why Hilter used it equally one of his rationalizations for the expiry camps. I would recommend it. I have it on my kindle and can lend information technology, if you lot take a kindle. ...more

I heard/saw her speak at the Kennedy Center a while ago and information technology was fantastic. She is very interesting, and her mother has an incredible and difficult story.
I'thou excited to read information technology! Gotta get school out of the way so I tin really read... I heard/saw her speak at the Kennedy Eye a while ago and it was fantastic. She is very interesting, and her mother has an incredible and hard story.
I'm excited to read it! Gotta get school out of the fashion so I can actually read... ...more

Sep 16, 2016 Christy rated information technology liked it

I didn't really like the manner this volume was written, but I am diddled abroad that I had no idea this genocide of an entire group of our Christian brothers and sisters ever even happened. Only ane century ago and no one knows almost information technology- that's scary. I didn't actually like the way this book was written, but I am blown abroad that I had no idea this genocide of an entire group of our Christian brothers and sisters ever even happened. Simply one century ago and no one knows nearly it- that's scary. ...more than

Amazing BOOK! fabricated me cry!!

This is one of those books with a heart that will stay with you forever. It's a painful and triumphant memoir. Honestly, I remember this book belongs on everyone's book bucket listing. This is 1 of those books with a eye that volition stay with yous forever. Information technology's a painful and triumphant memoir. Honestly, I think this book belongs on everyone'south book bucket list. ...more

Great volume!! Extremely interesting!

May 21, 2019 Cathy Woods rated it information technology was amazing

This is the get-go book I've read on the Armenian Genocide - I have a number more on my to-read list. Margaret intersperses short chapters of visits with her mother, Ester, in the Armenian Home in New York with the longer chapters recounting her life - from the ups and downs of her childhood, to her brother imploring her family to leave their town, to the march and loss of her family, to the houses and orphanage she institute herself, continuing in horrible weather condition but live. She recounts Ester'south This is the get-go book I've read on the Armenian Genocide - I have a number more than on my to-read list. Margaret intersperses brusk capacity of visits with her female parent, Ester, in the Armenian Dwelling in New York with the longer chapters recounting her life - from the ups and downs of her childhood, to her brother imploring her family to exit their town, to the march and loss of her family, to the houses and orphanage she found herself, standing in horrible conditions but alive. She recounts Ester'south journey to America and in the epilogue we share Margaret'southward feel of her female parent's death. I would occasionally read near something familiar - basterma, soujouk, and choreg. I believe I may have visited my great-aunt in this same Armenian Dwelling in New York. When she mentioned the Armenian church building in which Ester was married, I wondered if it was the church that my family attends (it doesn't announced and so). Ester's story increases my desire to take documentation of my own family'south story. ...more

This was my read the globe choice for Armenia.

This is the horrifyingly true account of Ester'southward experience of surviving the Armenian genocide, as written past her daughter Margaret.

The book is a very interesting, yet heartbreaking read of something that y'all hear very little virtually, if at all.

The only criticism I accept of this book is that the chapters alternate between Ester in 1915-1920 and Margaret in (mostly) 1998 on her visits to Ester in a nursing home. I felt that Margaret's chapters detra

This was my read the world pick for Armenia.

This is the horrifyingly true account of Ester's experience of surviving the Armenian genocide, as written by her daughter Margaret.

The book is a very interesting, yet heartbreaking read of something that you hear very niggling about, if at all.

The only criticism I have of this volume is that the chapters alternating between Ester in 1915-1920 and Margaret in (mostly) 1998 on her visits to Ester in a nursing dwelling. I felt that Margaret's capacity detracted from Ester's story and interrupted the flow of the story. In my opinion, Margaret's contribution would have been better at the finish. As a issue, I found the format of the book a bit jerky and abrupt.

Overall it is definitely a worthwhile read though.

...more

I did not know annihilation nearly this!!! And so much tragedy has happened in the earth due to hate and fear. I accept to say however the writing went back and forth between today and the by story and it was very distracting. I wish I could have just read her mothers story from start to cease and so she could have commented at the stop. Every fourth dimension the side by side chapter interrupted the story I constitute myself getting annoyed! That is why the three stars otherwise it is a harrowing read!

October 10, 2020 Cory rated information technology really liked it

This is the story of a woman who survived the Armenian genocide. Her feel was as as horrifying as Elie Wiesel'southward "Night." It includes terrifyingly unforgettable scenes of efficient brutality and cruelty by Turks toward Armenians.

I didn't know that this volume had a glossary until the end, because it wasn't listed in the contents. The book is full of Armenian words that you take to approximate at for meaning if yous miss the slim glossary.

This is the story of a adult female who survived the Armenian genocide. Her experience was every bit as horrifying as Elie Wiesel'southward "Night." It includes terrifyingly unforgettable scenes of efficient brutality and cruelty past Turks toward Armenians.

I didn't know that this book had a glossary until the stop, considering it wasn't listed in the contents. The volume is total of Armenian words that you have to gauge at for meaning if you miss the slim glossary.

...more than

The Truth is ever nowadays

Poignant story of silenced historical events. This history must be brought to the light. Nosotros must larn from our by so as not to repeat information technology. This very human story details atrocities and nightmares and as well highlights a potent spirit to not simply survive, but to thrive and find joy. Inspirational.

Feb 15, 2019 Deane Louise rated it it was amazing

It never ceases to astonish me how savage people tin be. This is a well-written story with surprising shots of humor, big doses of beloved and generosity, and a heartily positive view. Amazing story everyone should read.

Sep 21, 2019 Jackie Snell rated it it was amazing

I was shocked that my education never included the Armenian genocide. You volition be moved and besides aroused at why this outcome in history does not get more than attention.

May fourteen, 2021 Lisa rated it it was astonishing

Excellent historical book about the Armenian people in the early on 1900'southward.

November 24, 2021 Jamie rated it information technology was amazing

This is such a fabulous memoir. It's graphic in parts (but it's real life).

I had the extreme accolade of knowing an Armenian genocide survivor and he was just an absolute force of nature.

I think 1 of the things that absolutely guts me is that the Turkish government yet denies this ever happened.

This is a cute story of an astonishing woman and the love between a female parent and daughter.

Regrettably, I admit that I began reading this with next to no knowledge of the Armenian genocide committed by the Turks in the early 20th Century (i.due east., I'd heard briefly from an Armenian friend about a genocide and that's what compelled me to seek out the subject.).

This book is the story of i adult female'southward survival of the genocide. The writer's female parent is the survivor - the book alternates between chapters in the authors' and capacity in the mothers' voice. In this way, she attempts to come up to ter

Regrettably, I admit that I began reading this with next to no knowledge of the Armenian genocide committed by the Turks in the early 20th Century (i.east., I'd heard briefly from an Armenian friend nigh a genocide and that's what compelled me to seek out the subject area.).

This book is the story of 1 woman's survival of the genocide. The writer'south mother is the survivor - the book alternates between chapters in the authors' and capacity in the mothers' voice. In this mode, she attempts to come to terms with how her female parent's experience has affected her own person, with varying degrees of success. I institute myself devouring Ester'due south (the mother) chapters and wanting to get back to her story when Margaret's interjected. Ester'due south tale of survival is gripping: from the death march out of Armenia to near-death illness to her wedlock-of-convenience (marriage of survival?) to a Turk to her eventual render to her hometown in Armenia, I was moved by Ester's resiliency, backbone, and hope. For that reason, along with learning most this horrible effect in history that has quite literally been swept under the carpet, this volume is worth a read.

...more

Aug 11, 2014 Mazzou B rated it really liked it

This was i of the best books I've read on the topic. The author is a gifted writer; she weaves her moments with her anile female parent beautifully with the actual stories her mother tells her. This is her mother's biography and it is a wonderful tribute. Information technology is actually one of my favorite books of the yr. For more conservative families I will signal out that this is an developed book. You would want to read it aloud. Fifty-fifty so, there's a lot of developed stuff (and not only violence) that will be hard to skip, This was one of the best books I've read on the topic. The writer is a gifted writer; she weaves her moments with her aged female parent beautifully with the actual stories her female parent tells her. This is her mother's biography and it is a wonderful tribute. Information technology is actually one of my favorite books of the year. For more conservative families I will point out that this is an developed volume. You would desire to read it aloud. Even then, there'south a lot of adult stuff (and not merely violence) that will be hard to skip, as information technology is important to understanding the whole of the story.
Really good book. ...more than

Jun 01, 2013 Cathie rated it it was astonishing  · review of another edition

Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Cathie past: friend's TBR shelf

A savage look at the Armenian Genocide that took place in Turkey in the early 20th century. Even to this day, much nearly this horrific shame has been forgotten and swept away as non having occured or remembered. This is the story of a centre age adult female retelling her mother'southward memories. Her mother died 3 weeks before she would take turned 99 and this is what she experienced as a young girl before she arrived at Ellis Isle.

Powerful and unforgettable.

A barbarous expect at the Armenian Genocide that took place in Turkey in the early on 20th century. Even to this solar day, much well-nigh this horrific shame has been forgotten and swept away as not having occured or remembered. This is the story of a middle historic period woman retelling her female parent's memories. Her female parent died iii weeks earlier she would have turned 99 and this is what she experienced every bit a young daughter earlier she arrived at Ellis Island.

Powerful and unforgettable.

...more than

Feb 14, 2012 Rhett rated it liked information technology

It was an alright read. It was a pretty interesting feel to fix about but there was not much context to it. At the end of the book I felt like I had good insight to one individuals struggle through the death march but I really was left with little clue almost what happened, on what scale information technology happened, why it happened.

May 25, 2014 Jessica Marie rated information technology actually liked it

Quick, center-breaking read. Was difficult at times because my great-grandparents survived the genocide and my great-grandmother survived deportation, just equally Ahnert'south mother did. It felt so personal at times and therefore incredibly depressing. But it was an important read and I highly propose information technology for anyone interested in history and/or world affairs. Quick, heart-breaking read. Was difficult at times because my slap-up-grandparents survived the genocide and my bang-up-grandmother survived displacement, just equally Ahnert's mother did. It felt and then personal at times and therefore incredibly depressing. But it was an important read and I highly suggest information technology for anyone interested in history and/or globe affairs. ...more than

Jul 31, 2013 Cris rated it really liked it

An incredible journey through the Turk's massacres in 1915. The Armenians merely guilt was that they've believed in a different God an together with the Greeks they suffered all the atrocities which has to exist told because our kids has to learn well-nigh that and never e'er happen again. An incredible journey through the Turk's massacres in 1915. The Armenians simply guilt was that they've believed in a different God an together with the Greeks they suffered all the atrocities which has to exist told because our kids has to learn almost that and never e'er happen again. ...more than

January thirteen, 2008 Marilyn rated it liked it

This book tells a very like story to another book most survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, Skylark Subcontract. I enjoyed both books merely I think Skylark Farm is meliorate written.

Grace recommended: Armenia; True story

Margaret Ajemian Ahnert was born in New York City. Growing up, she listened to her female parent'south stories about her own childhood during the Armenian genocide in Turkey. She has an MFA from Goucher Higher and a BA from Goddard College, and is a graduate of the Barnes Foundation. She has pursued a multifariousness of careers: producing television documentaries, lecturing as a docent at the Metropolitan Museum of Margaret Ajemian Ahnert was born in New York City. Growing upward, she listened to her mother'southward stories about her ain babyhood during the Armenian genocide in Turkey. She has an MFA from Goucher College and a BA from Goddard College, and is a graduate of the Barnes Foundation. She has pursued a variety of careers: producing television documentaries, lecturing equally a docent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and teaching art appreciation through the Art Goes to School program in elementary schools. Ahnert holds a 100-ton master captain'southward license and is an avid hunter and fisherwoman. She also is an experienced pilot. ...more

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