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August 18, 2010
Author Margaret Ahnert Presents Her Book "The Knock at the Door" at AGBU's Central Office in New York
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Center, Mrs. Vera Setrakian, the wife of AGBU President Berge Setrakian, with author Margaret Ahnert, surrounded by the participants of the 2010 New York Summer Intern Program. -
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Author Margaret Ahnert signs books after her book reading at AGBU Central Office in midtown Manhattan.
On July 28, 2010, author Margaret Ahnert presented her gripping book, "The Knock at the Door," to a large audience at AGBU's Central Office in Manhattan for the second year in a row. "The Knock at the Door" is a unique first-person narrative chronicling the harrowing experiences of the author's mother, Ester, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide. The book weaves together two narratives, including firsthand stories told by Ester about her miraculous escape as a 15-year-old girl who narrowly survived the Genocide, as well as the author's own thoughts on her connection to her mother, culture, and the memories of the tragedy that Ester lived with every day of her life. The book has been translated into many languages, including Armenian and Spanish.
Ahnert's presentation immediately caught the attention of her audience, as she read her mother's recollection of the words of a Turkish neighbor, "We will sharpen our knives so that you won't feel any pain." Ahnert recalled the last days of her mother's life, when Ester was 98 years old. The author expressed mixed emotions, showing sadness and holding back tears, then smiling with pride. Ahnert also discussed her personal struggles after publishing the book, including being honored with the award for "Best Fiction" during the New York Book Festival. Despite strong pressure from her publisher, Ahnert informed The New York Book Festival Award Committee that she could not accept the award because her book was not a work of fiction. Recognizing their unintentional error, the New York Book Festival Award Committee immediately awarded her with "Best Historical Memoir." Ahnert's presentation was followed by an in-depth question-and-answer session with the audience.
After the event, the author signed copies of her book and met with the attendees, which included 31 participants of the AGBU New York Summer Intern Program (NYSIP). The event was particularly emotional for the author, as the participants of NYSIP had recently fulfilled their community service obligations by taking part in Sunshine for Seniors, an AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York (YPGNY) event which takes place annually at the Armenian Home for the Aged in Queens, NY. Ahnert's mother, Ester, spent the last few years of her life there and was frequently visited by the author.
Margaret Ahnert's presentation of "The Knock at the Door" has become an annual event for AGBU's NYSIP, which is currently celebrating its 23rd anniversary.
Each summer, the New York Summer Intern Program (agbu.org/nysip) chooses 30-35 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience in New York City. Students intern in a variety of industries, including finance, media, law, international relations and the arts. Applicants must have completed their sophomore year of college to be eligible for participation. After selecting the most qualified applicants, NYSIP conducts a search of available positions and discusses options that suit the demands of each student's professional goals. All students are housed at the New York University dormitories. The interns participate in specially organized social, educational and cultural activities that highlight current and Armenian topics.
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