Publisher's Synopsis
"I loved this book on a topic not commonly talked about, the Armenian Genocide. This tale of love, war, compassion, and ultimate salvation is a great read, and based on true events!" - Amazon Reviewer
A debut novel by the main character's descendant, Heather Martin, Reclaiming Konia is based on researched historical accounts and family history. The author writes about her great grandfather Melkon Jenanyan and wife Semma, a real life Christian minister who spread the gospel in the Ottoman Empire. It tells the true story, including three Armenian brothers marrying three sisters in a group wedding in Philadelphia in 1899, officiated by Melkon's older brother Harutune Jenanyan. While Melkon was silent about the Genocide during his life, this book is his account of the experience-including being warned to leave the Ottoman Empire by a Turkish guard during the 2nd wave of the Genocide in 1909. About Reclaiming Konia On the threshold of the 20th Century, Melkon Jenanyan sits alone in a room in the heart of Philadelphia. An intense and stubborn Christian Minister, and the one who must secure their family legacy, he has to decide. Will he further complicate his strained marriage by returning to the heart of the Ottoman Empire-as a targeted Christian minority in a Muslim land? The crux of his life's meaning hangs in the balance as he struggles to choose between family or his life's work, peace or a potential war zone. From origins in Marash to family work in Philadelphia, and returning back to the Ottoman Empire to preach the gospel, this epic tale illustrates Melkon's great struggle to find ways to help his people amidst the ultimate tragedy of the Armenian Genocide.
