May 13, 2010
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Montevideo Hosts "Damascos en Flor" Book Launch in Punta Del Este

  • Alfredo Villegas Oromi, of "Botella al Mar" Editions, author
    Alfredo Villegas Oromi, of "Botella al Mar" Editions, author Alicia Bederian-Arcani, and Gustavo Zulamian, AGBU Montevideo's Chairman.

AGBU Montevideo and Botella al Mar Editions held a book launch of the Armenian-Argentine author Alicia Bederian-Arcani's new novel, "Damascos En Flor," on February 1, 2010 in Punta del Este, Uruguay. The event, held in the auditorium of the Apart Hotel Punta Sol, drew guests from various AGBU chapters, members of the Board of Directors, fellow writers, friends and relatives of the author.

The Argentine poet Alfredo Villegas Oromí opened with a discussion of cultural perspectives on the Armenian Genocide. Montevideo's Chapter Chairman, Gustavo Zulamian, followed with a brief lecture about the historical details of the Genocide, and spoke at length about the value of personal history in relaying collective history. "The life of a man - any of our grandparents' lives - symbolizes the life of the whole Armenian people," Zulamian said. This particular idea generated a great deal of interest and discussion among members of the audience.

Alicia Bederian-Arcani described "Damascos En Flor" (Damascus in Bloom) as a tribute to her parents and every immigrant who has been united by the lack of choice. "The main character of the book closely refers to me and my own life, but I decided to call her by another name so as not to limit her, so she could fly, so she could do and say things that I could not," the author said during her talk. "I want my book to be an instrument through which as many people as possible know the suffering undergone by my Armenian people."

After reading a chapter from the book, the author signed copies for the audience. To conclude the evening, members of the AGBU Montevideo Board, Botella al Mar Editions' representatives, family and friends met at the author's residence for dinner. The evening was filled with poetry, stories, and Armenian music. Guests felt truly welcomed by Bederian-Arcani's warmth and openness.

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