Daughter of War (Paperback)

by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up—Betrothed teens Kevork and Marta have been apart since being removed from their orphanage in Marash, Turkey, during the Armenian Genocide of 1915 when they were marched into the Syrian Desert without food or water. Separated by distance and the necessity of hiding, neither of them knows if the other is still alive. Kevork, rescued by nomads and now disguised as an Arab, is determined to return to the orphanage but faces many obstacles, including the opportunity to help smuggle funds and resources to the Armenians in concentration camps. Marta, meanwhile, had been taken in by a Muslim family in Aintab and forced to be a concubine. Now pregnant, she returns to the orphanage and helps protect its residents, still hoping to be reunited with Kevork. Because the story is told in alternating perspectives, readers know that both teens have survived, which removes some dramatic tension but allows the author to explore the development of the characters. Such is the universality of their feelings that a deep understanding of the historical context is not necessary, but would be helpful. Fortunately, a fairly detailed historical note and map provide context for readers who have likely heard very little about the second-largest genocide in history. This is a powerful, often harrowing novel that will appeal to those who appreciate books about people surviving in spite of grave injustices.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH
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Review
"Daughter of War is an unsettling but compelling novel that will appeal to mature young adult readers."
-- Quill & Quire

"This is an exciting story. . . There is a lot of thrilling action in a certainly exotic setting. Readers of Armenian descent will find this especially relevant to their own cultural understanding, but any readers who like historical fiction filled with danger, tragedy, and survival will like this novel."
-- KLIATT

"This is a powerful, often harrowing novel that will appeal to those who appreciate books about people surviving in spite of grave injustices."
-- School Library Journal

"(The story) is upfront about the unspeakable brutality, the betrayals and the casual murders even as it offers the constant surprise of soldiers, diplomats, nurses, missionaries, and children acting as rescuers. Add this to the Holocaust curriculum."
-- Booklist

"Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's novel, Daughter of War, is hard-hitting and troublesome and, as she would wish, highly educational. . . a powerful and moving read.
Recommended."
-- CM Magazine

"From the first page I was hooked. . . Daughter of War is a good read, as well as a compelling look at an event too little known in the Western World."
-- Canadian Children's Book News

"Daughter of War is a deftly written historical fiction novel, sure to enthrall readers with a story set amid events that truly happened. A top pick for community library literary collections."
-- Midwest Book Review

"A powerful sequel to her 2003 novel, Nobody's Child."
-- Winnipeg Free Press

"Marta's and Kevork's compelling stories drive the reader through the novel. They are strong, evolving protagonists and you care about them. There are times, however, when their story is swallowed by the history lessons that Skrypuch wants to put in the spotlight. It's a tribute to her writing that even in those lessons you do not want to put the book down. The stories of Marta and Kevork overcome the history - and in the scheme of things, perhaps that's exactly as it should be."
-- The Waterloo Record

"A powerful novel based on first-hand accounts of actual historical events and will appeal to teens and adults. It leaves readers with a powerful question: "But was anywhere safe when you were Armenian?"
-- Curled Up With a Good (Kid's) Book

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Fitzhenry and Whiteside; 1 edition (April 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554550440
• ISBN-13: 978-1554550449
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #882,970 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Haunting tale, October 10, 2008

By	Kim Baccellia, YA author "Kim" (Southern California) - See all my reviews

This book tells the story of three teens who lived during the Armenian Holocaust of 1916. A writer in my former writing group introduced me to this horrible part of history where Turks basically tried to murdered millions of Armenians and say the problem never existed. This book is riveting and powerful. After the war, one of the teens, disguised as an Arab, travels back to Turkey hoping both his betrothed and sister, who was sold into slavery, are alive. Some of the images are graphic but the author does a great job showing the horror these teens witnessed while the world was in denial.

I was hooked on the first page and ended up reading past 1am just wanting to know what would happen with these characters. Also the story doesn't portray all Muslims in a bad light, which is a plus for me considering my own brother-in-law is Muslim. This is one story that will stay with you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A deftly written historical fiction novel, July 10, 2008

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Who's real and who's hiding? "Daughter of War" follows Marta as she must hide her true nature, disguising herself as a Muslim woman during the genocide of the Armenian people. Separating from her friends and family, she hopes they have hidden from their oppressors as well - but if they are hiding, how on earth will she find them once more? "Daughter of War" is a deftly written historical fiction novel, sure to enthrall readers with a story set amid events that truly happened. A top pick for community library literary collections.