Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

There are 31 vignettes of life in the wartorn backdrop of an Armenian mountain village following the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the early 1990’s. I had to read this book a little bit at a time as it poignantly and vividly illustrates the unbearable burden of loss. For instance, a man who easily fits under the doorway stoops and hunches over each time he leaves home as he knows deep inside his soul he is leaving the love and safety of his home, and carries the burden of leaving his family alone.

Part of the acclaim for the book included: “Like a string of sharp shards of gems; an exquisite read” by Moni Kozi. I don’t think I can find any better way to describe the tales in this book.

“With what yardstick do you measure pain?”

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I'm not usually a short story reader, but the interconnectedness of these stories and the lives of the people in Berd kept me reading. This is a book, not about the big issues that lead to conflicts, but about the resilience of the people in this small corner of Armenia. Abgaryan, with the help of translators Ordukhanyan and Torlone, has crafted a collection that is both contemporary and timeless as she writes about war in a book that is ultimately about hope.

My first encounter with Abgaryan and I am blown away by her writing style! Did not find, until her, so much hope in stories where death is overwhelmingly present.

To Go On Living is a masterful exploration of the human capacity for endurance and renewal in the face of profound loss. Narine Abgaryan’s storytelling is both tender and unyielding, offering readers a window into the lives of those who persist in the aftermath of tragedy. Through its vivid characters, lyrical prose, and universal themes, the book affirms the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of community.

Narine Abgaryan does a great job in writing this collection of stories and was invested in what was happening. I enjoyed the concept of this book and was glad everything flowed well. I loved the use of Armenian villages going on and thought it was realistically done.

I received a free copy of, To go On Living, by Narine Abgaryan, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book has stories about war and hope. Narine grew up in Armenia, at a very difficult time. This was a good read.

The relentless sorrow of people living in the hills of Armenia during war cannot overcome their dignity and connectedness; their perseverance gives me hope for humanity. These stories, full of painful beauty, are difficult to get through, but well with the effort. In spite of never having lived in a war zone, I feel a commonality with these far-away people that makes me wonder how anyone can really go to war.

A heart-breaking and haunting collection of 31 interwoven stories set in an Armenian village.

Regardless of how much history you know going in, this book is guaranteed to ruin you and stay with you forever. Full of soul and crafted with care and love. What a brilliant writer!

Thank you so much Plough Publishing for my ARC!