What role does history and memory play in our lives? This novella, with essays, explores these themes based around two historical events: the assassination of the Turkish Consul General in Sydney in 1980 and the genocide of Armenians by Turkish authorities between April 1915 and the end of World War I. The round-up of Armenians began on the night of the 24 April 1915 as Australians began their approach to Gallipoli.

This event is disputed by Turkish authorities. They don’t acknowledge responsibility for the death of approximately 1.4 million Armenians.

The main character is a teenage boy whose name is Vrezh, which coincidently means revenge. He has a lot to seek revenge for as his grandfather nightly relives the memory of Turkish soldiers entering his village, killing and capturing his family while he hid in a tree. As the 52-page novella develops, we hear more about this backstory, woven with the genocide, and the constant denial of the Turkish. Complicating matters is Vrezh’s brother Armen who has been acting strange and could possibly be involved in the assassination.

Vrezh feels he should take some action in return for what has happened to grandfather, his family and his people. He becomes involved in a plot for revenge. But he realises that his contribution will lead not only to the death of the hated Turks, but also innocent Australians.

This has certainly been one of the most interesting and thought-provoking books I have read this year. It is also accompanied by three excellent essays which add to the understanding of this time in history and the genocide.

Reviewed by Anthony Llewellyn-Evans