An Armenian Trilogy

by William Saroyan

The "Armenian Trilogy," edited by Dickran Kouymjian, marks a departure in play writing for Saroyan, from theatrics to introspection. The three plays contained in this volume are the most "Armenian" of his writings. "Armenians," the first play, is about countrymen in diaspora, in Fresno, CA in 1921, six years after the last round of atrocities by the Turks against Armenians. Saroyan deals with regional stereotypes and larger issues of diaspora. "Bitlis," is a one-act play that features Bill Saroyan, the Armenian-American writer and his pilgrimage to his ancestral home in what was once Armenia. "Haratch," the most political of the three, Saroyan takes the stage in a visit to the Armenian daily newspaper in Paris. As strong as the plays, is Kouymjian's brilliant introduction that provides the perceptive explanation of Saroyan, the writer and the Armenian. The book is a necessity for fans of his dramatic works and those that enjoy the writings of William Saroyan, the "Buffalo Bill, " of American letters. -Y. Stephan Bulbulian, Fowler, CA

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1942

About the author

William Saroyan was an Armenian-American writer, renowned for his novels, plays, and short stories. He gained widespread recognition for his unique literary style, often characterized by a deep appreciation for everyday life and human resilience. His works frequently explored themes of Armenian-American immigrant experiences, particularly in his native California, and were infused with optimism, humor, and sentimentality.
Saroyan's breakthrough came with The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze (1934), a short story that established him as a major literary voice during the Great Depression. He went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1940 for The Time of Your Life, though he declined the award, and in 1943, he won an Academy Award for Best Story for The Human Comedy. His novel My Name Is Aram (1940), based on his childhood, became an international bestseller.
Though celebrated for his literary achievements, Saroyan had a tumultuous career, often struggling with financial instability due to his gambling habits and an unwillingness to compromise with Hollywood. His later works were less commercially successful, but he remained a prolific writer, publishing essays, memoirs, and plays throughout his life.
Saroyan's legacy endures through his influence on American literature, his contributions to Armenian cultural identity, and the honors bestowed upon him, including a posthumous induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame. His remains are divided between Fresno, California, and Armenia, reflecting his deep connection to both his birthplace and ancestral homeland.

Reviews

[Rocky Curtiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not any kind of a literary whiz that I can explain Saroyan's writing; I just know from these stories that I liked his style, I appreciated his content, and I loved his stories. He made me interested in his characters, probably because they came across as real.

[Eric Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three plays that consist solely of groups of Armenians talking about being Armenian, and the necessity of their culture living on. It's quite interesting, and the passion and intensity of all the different brains and thought patterns is quite thought-provoking and even inspirational. Saroyan made sure to get in every point of view possible, from those Armenians with extremist views to those living with indifference or the simple desire to forget and move on. I'm an American of Western European heritage, but to me this book really speaks for all races and peoples, and the importance of maintaining all cultures. These characters essentially point out that the world can't afford to lose any one culture, let alone one so obviously rich and unique as that of Armenia (both pre- and post-Soviet). Out of all of Saroyan's works dealing with Armenians, these plays gave me the best idea of what it means to be Armenian, and the kind of people they are.

The book was edited by a professor of Armenian Studies at California State University-Fresno (Saroyan's hometown), and it has very detailed introductions about the history of Armenia and the history of Saroyan's writing, including many pictures and anecdotes from his several trips to Armenia. Pretty cool book to have. Warsaw Visitor and Tales From Vienna is also edited by Dickran Kouymjian, and seems to be equally detailed and full of pictures. I'm excited to read that one next - Saroyan's last two plays. Can't get enough of this humanity-loving guy!