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A Week in Berlin: A Historical Time-Travel Journey Through Love, Memory, and Loss
If you could travel back in time, not just to relive your past but to rewrite it, what would you sacrifice? Would you risk everything you’ve built to save the ones you lost?
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In 1915, Badrig Serdzovian fled the Armenian Genocide believing he could rebuild his life in France. But some histories don’t stay buried. Haunted by what he witnessed, Badrig begins to experience vivid memories that feel more like portals than dreams. Then the impossible happens: he gains the ability to relive the past—and change it. Drawn to Berlin, a city unraveling at the seams of time itself, Badrig uncovers a hidden world of guardians sworn to preserve the fragile timeline known as the Sequence. If he dares to rewrite history, he might save those he lost, or destroy the timeline altogether. But what is the price of rewriting pain?
A Week in Berlin is a genre-bending, time travel romance novel inspired by real events. It explores mental time travel, trauma, identity, love across time and the deeply human desire to heal the past. For readers who enjoy sci-fi romance books, science fiction time travel books and historical fiction romance novels, the book features:
• Time travel with emotional depth
• Historical fiction based on real events
• Dual timelines and parallel lives stories
• Literary speculative fiction with heart
• Themes of survival, trauma, and memory
📚 What early readers are saying:
⭐ “One of the most powerful time travel romance books I’ve read this year.”
⭐ “Deeply human, disturbingly relevant, and masterfully told.”
⭐ “It reminded me of The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Midnight Library, but darker and more philosophical.”
If you’re searching for books about time travel, historical novels, fantasy romance books, historical fiction ww1 books, books about the Armenian Genocide, or time travel science fiction stories that blend the past and present, this book will stay with you long after the final page.
---
In 1915, Badrig Serdzovian fled the Armenian Genocide believing he could rebuild his life in France. But some histories don’t stay buried. Haunted by what he witnessed, Badrig begins to experience vivid memories that feel more like portals than dreams. Then the impossible happens: he gains the ability to relive the past—and change it. Drawn to Berlin, a city unraveling at the seams of time itself, Badrig uncovers a hidden world of guardians sworn to preserve the fragile timeline known as the Sequence. If he dares to rewrite history, he might save those he lost, or destroy the timeline altogether. But what is the price of rewriting pain?
A Week in Berlin is a genre-bending, time travel romance novel inspired by real events. It explores mental time travel, trauma, identity, love across time and the deeply human desire to heal the past. For readers who enjoy sci-fi romance books, science fiction time travel books and historical fiction romance novels, the book features:
• Time travel with emotional depth
• Historical fiction based on real events
• Dual timelines and parallel lives stories
• Literary speculative fiction with heart
• Themes of survival, trauma, and memory
📚 What early readers are saying:
⭐ “One of the most powerful time travel romance books I’ve read this year.”
⭐ “Deeply human, disturbingly relevant, and masterfully told.”
⭐ “It reminded me of The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Midnight Library, but darker and more philosophical.”
If you’re searching for books about time travel, historical novels, fantasy romance books, historical fiction ww1 books, books about the Armenian Genocide, or time travel science fiction stories that blend the past and present, this book will stay with you long after the final page.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Angelina Der Arakelian - Dennington
3 books6 followersAngelina Der Arakelian – Dennington is an author, poet and award-winning screenwriter. Her script for A Week in Berlin received the Best Sci-Fi Script Award at the World Film Festival in Cannes.
Born into a diverse family, her literary work consistently returns to the universal themes of loss, memory, intergenerational trauma, belonging and love, examining the ways these fundamental human experiences shape identity, relationships and the enduring quest for connection and understanding.
She has published two poetry collections mirroring such themes – When Moonlight Falls: Heartfelt Notes from a Curious Mind-Traveler and A Glimpse of Eternity, and is currently working on her next book.
Born into a diverse family, her literary work consistently returns to the universal themes of loss, memory, intergenerational trauma, belonging and love, examining the ways these fundamental human experiences shape identity, relationships and the enduring quest for connection and understanding.
She has published two poetry collections mirroring such themes – When Moonlight Falls: Heartfelt Notes from a Curious Mind-Traveler and A Glimpse of Eternity, and is currently working on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 24, 2025
I love me some deep trauma, and this had me in the first half. Whether intentional or not, this is a look at Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Badrig survives the Armenian genocide by some unknown intervention while the rest of his family perishes. He experiences flashbacks and seemingly very real experiences of losing his family over and over again. As he is trying to rebuild his life, he is summoned by a very affluent man to run his factory business. In this new iteration of his life, the flashbacks turn into something much more.
The best parts of this book are the flashbacks. Your heart breaks for Badrig over and over again. These flashbacks are where the book is the most beautiful. Part of it is hard to read as a PTSD survivor myself. Badrig tries to talk of his past, his trauma, and it is constantly struck down, told it doesn't matter, time to live in the present. As you move through the novel, you find out WHY the other characters do that to our narrator, but be advised this direct rejection might trigger you.
The historical significance of this novel blended into the science fiction of memory time travel is intriguing. It does keep your attention and keeps you on your toes. The pace of this novel rapidly increases as the story progresses, and can get a little confusing. Overall, I did enjoy reading this.
Spoiler Alert:
I hate Josephine. Josephine is the villain here. She is the one that forces Badrig to survive, she claims she "loves him" and shows absolutely no semblance of such. Badrig is just a thing that she wants. She also erases his identity by continuously calling him his whitewashed name of Patrick. Josephine is incredibly selfish and this is all her fault.
Towards the end, Badrig becomes the selfish man. Destroying the fabric of time for all for his own motives. I started to lose respect for him as the book came to a close.
I appreciate this book for what it is, and what it tried to do. I would recommend this mostly to those that like historical fiction. There are definitely parts of this book that we are seeing reflected in real life right now. Regardless of where someone may stand, there is a genocide happening right now (more than one) and people will try to suppress it, hide it, and the survivors will be forced to live it again and again through their memories while being told "the past is the past, let's move forward".
The best parts of this book are the flashbacks. Your heart breaks for Badrig over and over again. These flashbacks are where the book is the most beautiful. Part of it is hard to read as a PTSD survivor myself. Badrig tries to talk of his past, his trauma, and it is constantly struck down, told it doesn't matter, time to live in the present. As you move through the novel, you find out WHY the other characters do that to our narrator, but be advised this direct rejection might trigger you.
The historical significance of this novel blended into the science fiction of memory time travel is intriguing. It does keep your attention and keeps you on your toes. The pace of this novel rapidly increases as the story progresses, and can get a little confusing. Overall, I did enjoy reading this.
Spoiler Alert:
I hate Josephine. Josephine is the villain here. She is the one that forces Badrig to survive, she claims she "loves him" and shows absolutely no semblance of such. Badrig is just a thing that she wants. She also erases his identity by continuously calling him his whitewashed name of Patrick. Josephine is incredibly selfish and this is all her fault.
Towards the end, Badrig becomes the selfish man. Destroying the fabric of time for all for his own motives. I started to lose respect for him as the book came to a close.
I appreciate this book for what it is, and what it tried to do. I would recommend this mostly to those that like historical fiction. There are definitely parts of this book that we are seeing reflected in real life right now. Regardless of where someone may stand, there is a genocide happening right now (more than one) and people will try to suppress it, hide it, and the survivors will be forced to live it again and again through their memories while being told "the past is the past, let's move forward".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
So, so, so beautifully written. An incredibly poignant story about survivor’s guilt, and those who struggle every day with the wounds when the rest of the world forgets. A Week In Berlin is so enchantingly descriptive, I felt it had transported me somewhere else entirely by the end.
November 13, 2025
"Death has stalked me since April 24th, 1915. I feel its cold breath on my neck even now, six years later, as I write these words by lamplight in a foreign city. It is patient, relentless, and it wants me."
When the Ottoman Empire turned against the Armenian people, life for Badrig Serdzovian changed in an instant. As he marched toward what seemed to be his certain death, uncertainty gripped him; he had no idea if his family was alive or dead, and the weight of their absence bore heavily upon his heart.
Just as he braced himself for the final moments of his life, a carriage suddenly appeared on the horizon, kicking up dust as it approached. A soldier disembarked hurriedly, scanning the faces of the gathered prisoners before calling out his name. To his sheer astonishment, Badrig was chosen—not as a prisoner to be executed, but for an unknown purpose.
However, this stroke of fate was bittersweet. While he had been spared from immediate death, the reality was grim. His family was dead. And life, as he knew it, was over.
“A Week in Berlin” by Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington is a profoundly moving story that captures the emotional landscape of the era.
The first half of this book is a harrowing account of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, shedding light on one of history’s darkest chapters. In the second half of the book, the narrative transitions from historical fiction into the realm of historical fantasy. This shift introduces the intriguing concept of the "Time Vortex", a perplexing parallel world that challenges the reader’s understanding of time and reality. Within this fantastical setting, Badrig grapples with the complexities of altered timelines and alternate histories. Although there are moments of time travel sprinkled throughout the story, these instances are brief and serve primarily to enhance the overarching themes of fate and consequence, offering glimpses into how small changes can ripple through time. This unique blend of genres invites readers to explore the boundaries of possibility and reflect on the intricate relationship between history and imagination.
Badrig’s experiences, observations, and vivid imagination shape him into a profoundly sympathetic character for readers. He endures not only physical pain but also deep emotional turmoil stemming from the loss of his loved ones. The trauma of surviving when others—particularly his cherished family and closest friends—are murdered weighs heavily on him, creating an overwhelming sense of survivor’s guilt that follows him relentlessly. This emotional burden manifests in haunting flashbacks, where he is often transported back to the heart-wrenching moments of loss and despair. In these vivid recollections, he relives the sounds of anguish, the faces of those he couldn’t save, and the unbearable weight of grief that envelops him, making it exceedingly difficult for him to find any semblance of peace. Each memory serves as a stark reminder of the life he once had, intensifying his feelings of isolation, sorrow, and the haunting question of why he was spared. As he navigates these complex emotional landscapes, readers are drawn to his struggles, feeling a deep, visceral connection to his arduous journey of survival amidst the shadows of grief. However, in the second half of the novel, a notable shift occurs in Badrig’s character. Transitioning from a state of distrust and reluctance to form connections, he unexpectedly develops an almost naïve, blind trust in the Vanpelliers, a family he knows nothing about. This change is particularly jarring given his previously cautious nature; until this point, Badrig had always relied on his instincts and maintained a protective wall around his heart. His abrupt acceptance of the new life the Vanpelliers promise—despite the mystery that shrouds it—leaves readers slightly perplexed. This blind leap of faith is a stark contrast to the sharp, guarded mindset he had cultivated after his traumatic experiences.
Additionally, his relationship with Josephine adds another layer of complexity. At times, he feels a profound connection to her that seems to flicker to life, while at other moments, he grapples with feelings of annoyance and indifference. This emotional oscillation creates dissonance in their dynamic, leaving the reader questioning their true feelings and the authenticity of their bond. Ultimately, Badrig’s journey is both inspiring and disconcerting, marked by an ongoing struggle to reconcile his past with the uncertain future that lies ahead. His evolving relationships highlight the complexities of human connection amid trauma, making his story all the more poignant and intricate.
Josephine is a character who embodies manipulation and cruelty in every interaction. Her reaction to Badrig’s flashbacks reveals a distinct sense of annoyance and disdain, showcasing her lack of empathy and understanding. Her narcissistic nature ensures that every situation revolves around her, making it difficult for those around her to exist outside her selfish narrative. As the story unfolds, readers are gradually exposed to the darker layers of Josephine’s hidden persona, leading to a palpable sense of loathing that grows into something more intense—hatred. Her actions and motivations are thoroughly unlikable, and she consistently puts her own needs, or “Time”, above the well-being of Badrig, making it nearly impossible to find any redeeming qualities in her character.
The attention to historical detail, particularly in the first half of this book, deserves the highest praise. Arakelian-Dennington has clearly dedicated countless hours to researching this era, capturing its nuances with remarkable authenticity. In the author’s notes at the beginning of the novel, she shares her deep connection to her great-grandfather, who survived the harrowing experiences of the Armenian Genocide. This personal history profoundly influences her portrayal of the events and emotions of the period. The vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells transport the reader, immersing them in the atmosphere of the era and allowing them to experience the weight of history viscerally.
The fantasy element of the novel is less developed than the historical fiction presented at the beginning, which is rich in detail and context. As a result, the transition into the fantastical aspects can feel abrupt and confusing. The world-building in the fantasy sections lacks the same depth, making it challenging for readers to fully grasp the themes and connections within the storyline.
This book is profoundly distressing to read, particularly due to the vivid horrors that Badrig is forced to relive through his powerful flashbacks. At the outset, the author masterfully illustrates the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder, capturing Badrig’s internal struggles with a raw authenticity that resonates deeply. The emotional turmoil he experiences—marked by multimodal hallucinations and a constant sense of hyper-vigilance—paints a poignant picture of mental health challenges. However, as the narrative progresses and the fantasy elements begin to take centre stage, the lines between reality and illusion blur. The introduction of a fantastical “time” element, where Badrig navigates through alternate realities or timelines, leaves the reader questioning the nature of his experiences. Is his mental anguish a result of an acute psychological episode stemming from his traumatic past, or is it influenced by the otherworldly aspects woven throughout the story? This ambiguity adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, propelling the reader into an exploration of the mind’s fragility amidst the backdrop of fantastical occurrences.
If you have a passion for reading historical fantasies that are firmly rooted in the historical past, then “A Week in Berlin” by Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington is certainly worthy of your attention.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
When the Ottoman Empire turned against the Armenian people, life for Badrig Serdzovian changed in an instant. As he marched toward what seemed to be his certain death, uncertainty gripped him; he had no idea if his family was alive or dead, and the weight of their absence bore heavily upon his heart.
Just as he braced himself for the final moments of his life, a carriage suddenly appeared on the horizon, kicking up dust as it approached. A soldier disembarked hurriedly, scanning the faces of the gathered prisoners before calling out his name. To his sheer astonishment, Badrig was chosen—not as a prisoner to be executed, but for an unknown purpose.
However, this stroke of fate was bittersweet. While he had been spared from immediate death, the reality was grim. His family was dead. And life, as he knew it, was over.
“A Week in Berlin” by Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington is a profoundly moving story that captures the emotional landscape of the era.
The first half of this book is a harrowing account of the Armenian Genocide of 1915, shedding light on one of history’s darkest chapters. In the second half of the book, the narrative transitions from historical fiction into the realm of historical fantasy. This shift introduces the intriguing concept of the "Time Vortex", a perplexing parallel world that challenges the reader’s understanding of time and reality. Within this fantastical setting, Badrig grapples with the complexities of altered timelines and alternate histories. Although there are moments of time travel sprinkled throughout the story, these instances are brief and serve primarily to enhance the overarching themes of fate and consequence, offering glimpses into how small changes can ripple through time. This unique blend of genres invites readers to explore the boundaries of possibility and reflect on the intricate relationship between history and imagination.
Badrig’s experiences, observations, and vivid imagination shape him into a profoundly sympathetic character for readers. He endures not only physical pain but also deep emotional turmoil stemming from the loss of his loved ones. The trauma of surviving when others—particularly his cherished family and closest friends—are murdered weighs heavily on him, creating an overwhelming sense of survivor’s guilt that follows him relentlessly. This emotional burden manifests in haunting flashbacks, where he is often transported back to the heart-wrenching moments of loss and despair. In these vivid recollections, he relives the sounds of anguish, the faces of those he couldn’t save, and the unbearable weight of grief that envelops him, making it exceedingly difficult for him to find any semblance of peace. Each memory serves as a stark reminder of the life he once had, intensifying his feelings of isolation, sorrow, and the haunting question of why he was spared. As he navigates these complex emotional landscapes, readers are drawn to his struggles, feeling a deep, visceral connection to his arduous journey of survival amidst the shadows of grief. However, in the second half of the novel, a notable shift occurs in Badrig’s character. Transitioning from a state of distrust and reluctance to form connections, he unexpectedly develops an almost naïve, blind trust in the Vanpelliers, a family he knows nothing about. This change is particularly jarring given his previously cautious nature; until this point, Badrig had always relied on his instincts and maintained a protective wall around his heart. His abrupt acceptance of the new life the Vanpelliers promise—despite the mystery that shrouds it—leaves readers slightly perplexed. This blind leap of faith is a stark contrast to the sharp, guarded mindset he had cultivated after his traumatic experiences.
Additionally, his relationship with Josephine adds another layer of complexity. At times, he feels a profound connection to her that seems to flicker to life, while at other moments, he grapples with feelings of annoyance and indifference. This emotional oscillation creates dissonance in their dynamic, leaving the reader questioning their true feelings and the authenticity of their bond. Ultimately, Badrig’s journey is both inspiring and disconcerting, marked by an ongoing struggle to reconcile his past with the uncertain future that lies ahead. His evolving relationships highlight the complexities of human connection amid trauma, making his story all the more poignant and intricate.
Josephine is a character who embodies manipulation and cruelty in every interaction. Her reaction to Badrig’s flashbacks reveals a distinct sense of annoyance and disdain, showcasing her lack of empathy and understanding. Her narcissistic nature ensures that every situation revolves around her, making it difficult for those around her to exist outside her selfish narrative. As the story unfolds, readers are gradually exposed to the darker layers of Josephine’s hidden persona, leading to a palpable sense of loathing that grows into something more intense—hatred. Her actions and motivations are thoroughly unlikable, and she consistently puts her own needs, or “Time”, above the well-being of Badrig, making it nearly impossible to find any redeeming qualities in her character.
The attention to historical detail, particularly in the first half of this book, deserves the highest praise. Arakelian-Dennington has clearly dedicated countless hours to researching this era, capturing its nuances with remarkable authenticity. In the author’s notes at the beginning of the novel, she shares her deep connection to her great-grandfather, who survived the harrowing experiences of the Armenian Genocide. This personal history profoundly influences her portrayal of the events and emotions of the period. The vivid descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells transport the reader, immersing them in the atmosphere of the era and allowing them to experience the weight of history viscerally.
The fantasy element of the novel is less developed than the historical fiction presented at the beginning, which is rich in detail and context. As a result, the transition into the fantastical aspects can feel abrupt and confusing. The world-building in the fantasy sections lacks the same depth, making it challenging for readers to fully grasp the themes and connections within the storyline.
This book is profoundly distressing to read, particularly due to the vivid horrors that Badrig is forced to relive through his powerful flashbacks. At the outset, the author masterfully illustrates the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder, capturing Badrig’s internal struggles with a raw authenticity that resonates deeply. The emotional turmoil he experiences—marked by multimodal hallucinations and a constant sense of hyper-vigilance—paints a poignant picture of mental health challenges. However, as the narrative progresses and the fantasy elements begin to take centre stage, the lines between reality and illusion blur. The introduction of a fantastical “time” element, where Badrig navigates through alternate realities or timelines, leaves the reader questioning the nature of his experiences. Is his mental anguish a result of an acute psychological episode stemming from his traumatic past, or is it influenced by the otherworldly aspects woven throughout the story? This ambiguity adds a layer of complexity and intrigue, propelling the reader into an exploration of the mind’s fragility amidst the backdrop of fantastical occurrences.
If you have a passion for reading historical fantasies that are firmly rooted in the historical past, then “A Week in Berlin” by Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington is certainly worthy of your attention.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
December 30, 2025
When I heard ‘historical fiction meets science fiction’ I was a bit skeptical. But from the first page I was hooked!
I was blown away by the immersive experience the author was able to create. Beautifully written and full of raw emotion.
I was lucky to have received an advanced copy.
I was blown away by the immersive experience the author was able to create. Beautifully written and full of raw emotion.
I was lucky to have received an advanced copy.
August 21, 2025
Oh boy... I'm at a loss for words and still can't get over the emotional waves that keep taking me under.
You know how some books are not just read; they are felt deep inside? This was it!
At its core, it’s about an Armenian man -inspired by the author's own great-grandfather- who survives the unimaginable horror of the Armenian Genocide, only to find himself slipping through time—past, present, and future colliding constantly and pulling him in. He moves between these worlds with one purpose: to save his wife, unborn child, and family and the identity that history itself tried to erase.
Badrig wasn't supposed to survive, and his survival broke the Sequence of Time. As the whole Sequence comes crumbling down, Badrig sees distorted images and glitching fractures of life outside his room. The “glitches” of time aren't just clever storytelling devices—they’re metaphors for memory, trauma, and the way history refuses to stay neatly in the past. Some pieces belong to yesterday, some to tomorrow, and some to a future we can barely imagine. And yet, in the chaos, love becomes the anchor.
This novel is ultimately about more than time travel—it’s about identity carried through generations, the weight of loss that never fully disappears, and the resilience of survival. It speaks to the inherited wounds of genocide, the fractures it leaves in families and histories, and the desperate, unyielding attempt to stitch them back together.
A Week in Berlin isn't only a story—it’s a reckoning with memory, trauma, and the question of how much of ourselves is shaped by the past we can't escape.
As a Turkish person, I'm part of this history. I grew up with many Armenian friends and loved them from the bottom of my heart. Which is why this novel wrecked me in so many ways and I can't thank Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington enough for expressing such strong emotions so beautifully, without portraying an entire nation as evil. And letting me be a part of her journey by sending me the ARC. 🩷
You know how some books are not just read; they are felt deep inside? This was it!
At its core, it’s about an Armenian man -inspired by the author's own great-grandfather- who survives the unimaginable horror of the Armenian Genocide, only to find himself slipping through time—past, present, and future colliding constantly and pulling him in. He moves between these worlds with one purpose: to save his wife, unborn child, and family and the identity that history itself tried to erase.
Badrig wasn't supposed to survive, and his survival broke the Sequence of Time. As the whole Sequence comes crumbling down, Badrig sees distorted images and glitching fractures of life outside his room. The “glitches” of time aren't just clever storytelling devices—they’re metaphors for memory, trauma, and the way history refuses to stay neatly in the past. Some pieces belong to yesterday, some to tomorrow, and some to a future we can barely imagine. And yet, in the chaos, love becomes the anchor.
This novel is ultimately about more than time travel—it’s about identity carried through generations, the weight of loss that never fully disappears, and the resilience of survival. It speaks to the inherited wounds of genocide, the fractures it leaves in families and histories, and the desperate, unyielding attempt to stitch them back together.
A Week in Berlin isn't only a story—it’s a reckoning with memory, trauma, and the question of how much of ourselves is shaped by the past we can't escape.
As a Turkish person, I'm part of this history. I grew up with many Armenian friends and loved them from the bottom of my heart. Which is why this novel wrecked me in so many ways and I can't thank Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington enough for expressing such strong emotions so beautifully, without portraying an entire nation as evil. And letting me be a part of her journey by sending me the ARC. 🩷
August 30, 2025
A genre-bending story of grief, survivor’s guilt, and an original, yet resonating imagining of time-travel. This made me feel.. and I will still be thinking about A Week in Berlin for a long time. My rating is 4.75 stars, and I am so thankful to have been on this journey.
Many thanks to Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington for the ARC! All thoughts, opinions, and critiques are my own.
(My review contains no spoilers.)
What I appreciated:
- I loved the concept and depth of this book, the way it explored the weight of having to survive and navigate a world, a timeline in which everyone you knew and loved has been lost. Such poignant, haunting prose and beautiful moments of remembrance, truly a raw, human experience.
- I knew very little about the Armenian Genocide going into this, and I am honestly pained by that fact. What else has been buried and lost in our broken history?.. Thank you, Angelina, for telling this story and broadening the perspectives and worlds of your readers.
Other notes:
- There were times that I had to remind myself that I am experiencing everything through Badrig and his perspective/ emotional state of mind. Some scenes and interactions felt disjointed until I remembered my own journey with grief and how I experienced the world during those times. If anything, this is a lesson in empathy.
- I love books that make me pause, think, and re-evaluate my perspective, and A Week in Berlin did just that. This may not be for everyone, but it is a work of art.
A story like no other, a chance to feel. Just remember to move unhurriedly through all the moments of deep thought and introspection. This is a book to be open with and explore.
Many thanks to Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington for the ARC! All thoughts, opinions, and critiques are my own.
(My review contains no spoilers.)
What I appreciated:
- I loved the concept and depth of this book, the way it explored the weight of having to survive and navigate a world, a timeline in which everyone you knew and loved has been lost. Such poignant, haunting prose and beautiful moments of remembrance, truly a raw, human experience.
- I knew very little about the Armenian Genocide going into this, and I am honestly pained by that fact. What else has been buried and lost in our broken history?.. Thank you, Angelina, for telling this story and broadening the perspectives and worlds of your readers.
Other notes:
- There were times that I had to remind myself that I am experiencing everything through Badrig and his perspective/ emotional state of mind. Some scenes and interactions felt disjointed until I remembered my own journey with grief and how I experienced the world during those times. If anything, this is a lesson in empathy.
- I love books that make me pause, think, and re-evaluate my perspective, and A Week in Berlin did just that. This may not be for everyone, but it is a work of art.
A story like no other, a chance to feel. Just remember to move unhurriedly through all the moments of deep thought and introspection. This is a book to be open with and explore.
September 10, 2025
Breathtaking. I read this novel much slower than normal so I could savor the words, the imagery, the entire world Angeline Der Arakelian-Dennington explores here. Her sensory details are top-notch, especially the descriptions of clothing and food. Each character is given just enough description for the reader to vividly imagine them.
I am a dedicated side character enthusiast, but with this novel, my favorite voice belongs to the protagonist Badrig. I can't remember the last time I so thoroughly enjoyed, admired, and rooted for a main character. His point of view is fractured, grief-stricken, and so vulnerably human.
Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington truly does a service to those affected by this historical event as she unveils the depths of its impact. I had previously read about the Armenian genocide, but it wasn't until I finished this novel that I felt I had a snapshot into the day-to-day life of its victims.
The pacing of the novel felt natural, with momentum really picking up in the last third of the novel as Badrig encounters a descent into time-travel. I will note here that this novel's depiction of time travel stands apart from any other I've read or seen. It felt - in whatever way a science fiction plot can - so realistic. I love how this author uses the idea of a fractured timeline to reflect the real-life brokenness of life under an oppressive force. The Armenian peoples' lives were cut short unnaturally, and history has yet to acknowledge and account for that incongruity. A Week in Berlin strives to mend that error, and Angeline Der Arakelian-Dennington does so with wonderful literary prowess.
I am a dedicated side character enthusiast, but with this novel, my favorite voice belongs to the protagonist Badrig. I can't remember the last time I so thoroughly enjoyed, admired, and rooted for a main character. His point of view is fractured, grief-stricken, and so vulnerably human.
Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington truly does a service to those affected by this historical event as she unveils the depths of its impact. I had previously read about the Armenian genocide, but it wasn't until I finished this novel that I felt I had a snapshot into the day-to-day life of its victims.
The pacing of the novel felt natural, with momentum really picking up in the last third of the novel as Badrig encounters a descent into time-travel. I will note here that this novel's depiction of time travel stands apart from any other I've read or seen. It felt - in whatever way a science fiction plot can - so realistic. I love how this author uses the idea of a fractured timeline to reflect the real-life brokenness of life under an oppressive force. The Armenian peoples' lives were cut short unnaturally, and history has yet to acknowledge and account for that incongruity. A Week in Berlin strives to mend that error, and Angeline Der Arakelian-Dennington does so with wonderful literary prowess.
September 13, 2025
“You were spared. Do not ask for more, or you will regret it.”
If even reading about horrors of the past can scare us, we possibly can never even imagine actually experiencing any of it. Going into this book, I hardly knew much about the Armenian genocide, but I am grateful for such pieces of literature which exist to remind us about exactly that which we should never forget.
“Their lives were stolen in a few moments, but their absences have lasted entirely lifetimes.”
Badrig’s journey to France and Germany, and his bigger journey through Time itself, is a thoroughly interesting one. While his life is saved when that of many others weren’t given a second thought about, his survival wasn’t exactly the gift one would expect it to be. Instead, becoming an anomaly in Time for existing when he shouldn’t have, Badrig is left to face the end of the world, one way or another. Making a tiny change along the way, however, is what makes the biggest difference.
If you like you your historical fiction with sprinkling of time-traveling magic and hope, this one is for you!
September 2, 2025
The author takes the reader on a fabulous story of journey through time and history through the eyes of a survivor.
The journey of Badrig takes the reader through time. Not the time that we all fight with during our day-to-day struggles, but the time he was cheated out of.
His fight for existence takes him to several unknown countries, and all the while, he’s missing his family. The family that didn’t survive the Armenian Genocide.
Throughout, the author seamlessly integrates historical events and contemporary moments into the storyline. This fantasy time-travel novel will have you on the edge of your seat, trying to help Badrig find the answers that he needs.
A must-read for those who read fantasy, and for the romance readers, this is for you as well, because all the jolts in time are for love.
The journey of Badrig takes the reader through time. Not the time that we all fight with during our day-to-day struggles, but the time he was cheated out of.
His fight for existence takes him to several unknown countries, and all the while, he’s missing his family. The family that didn’t survive the Armenian Genocide.
Throughout, the author seamlessly integrates historical events and contemporary moments into the storyline. This fantasy time-travel novel will have you on the edge of your seat, trying to help Badrig find the answers that he needs.
A must-read for those who read fantasy, and for the romance readers, this is for you as well, because all the jolts in time are for love.
September 3, 2025
I had no idea what to expect going into this book, but it was not to be feeling strong emotions the whole time. Some books you feel as you read and this was one of those books. I finished it in less than 24 hours because I wanted to keep going and see if he ever got the ending he deserved.
This was also the 1st time travel book I have read in a while and it was such an interesting take on time travel. It kept me truly trying to figure out what was going on the whole book. I will say sometimes it was hard to follow what was going on but we are in his grief ridden thoughts and memories so they are naturally a little more jumbled.
This was also the 1st time travel book I have read in a while and it was such an interesting take on time travel. It kept me truly trying to figure out what was going on the whole book. I will say sometimes it was hard to follow what was going on but we are in his grief ridden thoughts and memories so they are naturally a little more jumbled.
August 30, 2025
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Week in Berlin by Angelina Der Arakelian explores themes of grief and moving on despite losses. While this book is very different from my normal reads, I really enjoyed it and found it very eye-opening!
It has:
☕️ Traumatic Flashbacks
🇦🇲 Armenian MMC
☕️ Time Travel through Memories
🇫🇷 1900s France
☕️ Personification of Time
🇩🇪 1900s Germany
The beginning is really fast paced and informative as it goes over the main character’s experiences during the Armenian Genocide, but you learn a lot more about Badrig once the pacing slows.
I really liked the way each of the characters developed, but my favorite parts were the flashbacks of Badrig’s past sprinkled throughout the book.
Though the fantasy aspect of the book wasn’t introduced until the second half, it was really well executed and added an extra element to the story that gave the main character something to ground himself as well as something to work towards.
Overall, it offers interesting insight into the lives of people who have been through traumatic experiences that led to huge life changes. Do you try to hold on to the past, or forget it entirely?
Note: While the book definitely has fantasy aspects, I would not recommend this book to anyone who would only be interested because of the fantasy element. This book focuses a LOT more on historical aspects and exploring complex concepts like grief and trauma and is absolutely perfect for anyone who enjoys those things.
*I was gifted a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A Week in Berlin by Angelina Der Arakelian explores themes of grief and moving on despite losses. While this book is very different from my normal reads, I really enjoyed it and found it very eye-opening!
It has:
☕️ Traumatic Flashbacks
🇦🇲 Armenian MMC
☕️ Time Travel through Memories
🇫🇷 1900s France
☕️ Personification of Time
🇩🇪 1900s Germany
The beginning is really fast paced and informative as it goes over the main character’s experiences during the Armenian Genocide, but you learn a lot more about Badrig once the pacing slows.
I really liked the way each of the characters developed, but my favorite parts were the flashbacks of Badrig’s past sprinkled throughout the book.
Though the fantasy aspect of the book wasn’t introduced until the second half, it was really well executed and added an extra element to the story that gave the main character something to ground himself as well as something to work towards.
Overall, it offers interesting insight into the lives of people who have been through traumatic experiences that led to huge life changes. Do you try to hold on to the past, or forget it entirely?
Note: While the book definitely has fantasy aspects, I would not recommend this book to anyone who would only be interested because of the fantasy element. This book focuses a LOT more on historical aspects and exploring complex concepts like grief and trauma and is absolutely perfect for anyone who enjoys those things.
*I was gifted a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 20, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! The scifi elements blended so well with the historical fiction. Despite the subject matter being so complex, it was never difficult to understand what was going on. I was able to follow along with the history lesson, the main characters, and the time travel. Badrig was an amazing protagonist whose journey broke my heart. The opening chapters alone are devastating. This is definitely a book that draws you in instantly. It wastes no time getting the story started and it keeps you captivated until the end.
October 29, 2025
From the very first page, A Week in Berlin completely drew me in. I found myself transported not only through time and place, but through the deepest layers of memory and emotion.
The heartbreaking events of the Armenian Genocide are seamlessly intertwined with the novel’s mystical and time-bending elements.
I’m glad that writers like Angelina Der Arakelian are creating stories like this, stories that give voice to our history, our ancestors. It makes me happy to see our history remembered and honored through beautiful storytelling, ensuring it is never forgotten.
The heartbreaking events of the Armenian Genocide are seamlessly intertwined with the novel’s mystical and time-bending elements.
I’m glad that writers like Angelina Der Arakelian are creating stories like this, stories that give voice to our history, our ancestors. It makes me happy to see our history remembered and honored through beautiful storytelling, ensuring it is never forgotten.
August 20, 2025
Oh boy... I'm at a loss for words and still can't get over the emotional waves that keep taking me under.
You know how some books are not just read; they are felt deep inside? This was it!
At its core, it’s about an Armenian man -inspired by the author's own great-grandfather- who survives the unimaginable horror of the Armenian Genocide, only to find himself slipping through time—past, present, and future colliding constantly and pulling him in. He moves between these worlds with one purpose: to save his wife, unborn child, and family and the identity that history itself tried to erase.
Badrig wasn't supposed to survive, and his survival broke the Sequence of Time. As the whole Sequence comes crumbling down, Badrig sees distorted images and glitching fractures of life outside his room. The “glitches” of time aren't just clever storytelling devices—they’re metaphors for memory, trauma, and the way history refuses to stay neatly in the past. Some pieces belong to yesterday, some to tomorrow, and some to a future we can barely imagine. And yet, in the chaos, love becomes the anchor.
This novel is ultimately about more than time travel—it’s about identity carried through generations, the weight of loss that never fully disappears, and the resilience of survival. It speaks to the inherited wounds of genocide, the fractures it leaves in families and histories, and the desperate, unyielding attempt to stitch them back together.
A Week in Berlin isn't only a story—it’s a reckoning with memory, trauma, and the question of how much of ourselves is shaped by the past we can't escape.
As a Turkish person, I'm part of this history. I grew up with many Armenian friends and loved them from the bottom of my heart. Which is why this novel wrecked me in so many ways and I can't thank Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington enough for expressing such strong emotions so beautifully, without portraying an entire nation as evil. And letting me be a part of her journey by sending me the ARC. 🩷
You know how some books are not just read; they are felt deep inside? This was it!
At its core, it’s about an Armenian man -inspired by the author's own great-grandfather- who survives the unimaginable horror of the Armenian Genocide, only to find himself slipping through time—past, present, and future colliding constantly and pulling him in. He moves between these worlds with one purpose: to save his wife, unborn child, and family and the identity that history itself tried to erase.
Badrig wasn't supposed to survive, and his survival broke the Sequence of Time. As the whole Sequence comes crumbling down, Badrig sees distorted images and glitching fractures of life outside his room. The “glitches” of time aren't just clever storytelling devices—they’re metaphors for memory, trauma, and the way history refuses to stay neatly in the past. Some pieces belong to yesterday, some to tomorrow, and some to a future we can barely imagine. And yet, in the chaos, love becomes the anchor.
This novel is ultimately about more than time travel—it’s about identity carried through generations, the weight of loss that never fully disappears, and the resilience of survival. It speaks to the inherited wounds of genocide, the fractures it leaves in families and histories, and the desperate, unyielding attempt to stitch them back together.
A Week in Berlin isn't only a story—it’s a reckoning with memory, trauma, and the question of how much of ourselves is shaped by the past we can't escape.
As a Turkish person, I'm part of this history. I grew up with many Armenian friends and loved them from the bottom of my heart. Which is why this novel wrecked me in so many ways and I can't thank Angelina Der Arakelian-Dennington enough for expressing such strong emotions so beautifully, without portraying an entire nation as evil. And letting me be a part of her journey by sending me the ARC. 🩷
January 3, 2026
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Week in Berlin by Angelina Der Arakelian explores themes of grief and moving on despite losses. While this book is very different from my normal reads, I really enjoyed it and found it very eye-opening!
It has:
☕️ Traumatic Flashbacks
🇦🇲 Armenian MMC
☕️ Time Travel through Memories
🇫🇷 1900s France
☕️ Personification of Time
🇩🇪 1900s Germany
The beginning is really fast paced and informative as it goes over the main character’s experiences during the Armenian Genocide, but you learn a lot more about Badrig once the pacing slows.
I really liked the way each of the characters developed, but my favorite parts were the flashbacks of Badrig’s past sprinkled throughout the book.
Though the fantasy aspect of the book wasn’t introduced until the second half, it was really well executed and added an extra element to the story that gave the main character something to ground himself as well as something to work towards.
Overall, it offers interesting insight into the lives of people who have been through traumatic experiences that led to huge life changes. Do you try to hold on to the past, or forget it entirely?
Note: While the book definitely has fantasy aspects, I would not recommend this book to anyone who would only be interested because of the fantasy element. This book focuses a LOT more on historical aspects and exploring complex concepts like grief and trauma and is absolutely perfect for anyone who enjoys those things.
*I was gifted a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
A Week in Berlin by Angelina Der Arakelian explores themes of grief and moving on despite losses. While this book is very different from my normal reads, I really enjoyed it and found it very eye-opening!
It has:
☕️ Traumatic Flashbacks
🇦🇲 Armenian MMC
☕️ Time Travel through Memories
🇫🇷 1900s France
☕️ Personification of Time
🇩🇪 1900s Germany
The beginning is really fast paced and informative as it goes over the main character’s experiences during the Armenian Genocide, but you learn a lot more about Badrig once the pacing slows.
I really liked the way each of the characters developed, but my favorite parts were the flashbacks of Badrig’s past sprinkled throughout the book.
Though the fantasy aspect of the book wasn’t introduced until the second half, it was really well executed and added an extra element to the story that gave the main character something to ground himself as well as something to work towards.
Overall, it offers interesting insight into the lives of people who have been through traumatic experiences that led to huge life changes. Do you try to hold on to the past, or forget it entirely?
Note: While the book definitely has fantasy aspects, I would not recommend this book to anyone who would only be interested because of the fantasy element. This book focuses a LOT more on historical aspects and exploring complex concepts like grief and trauma and is absolutely perfect for anyone who enjoys those things.
*I was gifted a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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