A Literary Evening in the Heart of Watertown
There's something magical about gathering around a table with fellow Armenians, sharing stories over losh kebab and kheyma. This December, the Saint James Men's Club is elevating their monthly dinner into something truly special by welcoming Nancy Kricorian, one of our community's most celebrated literary voices.
Born and raised right here in Watertown's Armenian community, Kricorian has spent decades crafting stories that capture the essence of our diaspora experience. Her presence at the December 1st dinner meeting promises an intimate evening where literature meets community, where personal narratives intersect with our collective memory.
From Watertown Streets to International Recognition
Nancy Kricorian's journey from the Armenian neighborhoods of Watertown to international literary acclaim mirrors the broader Armenian-American experience. Her debut novel "Zabelle," published in 1998, struck such a profound chord that it has remained continuously in print for over two decades. The book, which explores the life of an Armenian genocide survivor and her granddaughter, has been translated into seven languages and adapted for the stage.
What makes Kricorian's work so enduring is her ability to weave the intimate details of Armenian family life with the broader themes of displacement, memory, and identity. She doesn't just write about Armenians; she writes from within the community, with an understanding that comes from growing up surrounded by the sounds, smells, and stories that define our diaspora experience.
Her latest novel, "The Burning Heart of the World," shifts the focus to Armenians in Beirut during the tumultuous period of the Lebanese Civil War. Through this work, Kricorian continues her exploration of how Armenians have built communities and maintained their identity across different host countries and through various historical upheavals.
More Than Just a Book Talk
The evening begins at 6:15 p.m. with mezze, giving attendees the chance to mingle and connect before settling in for dinner at 7 p.m. The $25 losh kebab and kheyma dinner isn't just sustenance; it's part of the experience. There's something fitting about discussing Armenian literature while enjoying the flavors that connect us to our heritage.
The Saint James Men's Club has always been more than its name suggests. While historically a men's organization, their monthly dinners welcome everyone, reflecting the inclusive spirit that has helped Armenian communities thrive in the diaspora. The club's decision to feature Kricorian speaks to their commitment to celebrating Armenian culture in all its forms.
Located at the Saint James Armenian Church Cultural Center on Mount Auburn Street, the venue itself carries significance. This isn't just any community center; it's a space where generations of Watertown Armenians have gathered for celebrations, commemorations, and conversations that have shaped our community's identity.
Stories That Transcend Generations
Kricorian's four novels about post-genocide Armenian diaspora experience offer something increasingly rare in our fast-paced world: deep, thoughtful exploration of what it means to carry cultural memory across generations. Her characters grapple with questions that resonate with many in our community: How do we honor the past while building futures in new lands? How do we pass on traditions to children who may feel more American than Armenian?
These aren't abstract literary questions for Kricorian or her readers. They're the daily negotiations of diaspora life, played out in kitchen conversations, family gatherings, and community events just like this dinner. Her work validates these experiences, showing that the seemingly ordinary moments of Armenian-American life contain profound truths about resilience, adaptation, and cultural continuity.
The international success of "Zabelle" demonstrated that these specifically Armenian stories speak to universal human experiences. Readers from various backgrounds have found connections to themes of immigration, family secrets, and the weight of inherited trauma. Yet the stories remain authentically Armenian, never diluting their cultural specificity for broader appeal.
An Evening of Connection and Reflection
For those planning to attend, this promises to be more than a typical author reading. Kricorian's background as a community insider means she understands her audience in ways that create space for genuine dialogue. Expect conversations that move beyond the books themselves to explore the broader questions they raise about Armenian identity, community, and the role of storytelling in preserving culture.
The timing feels particularly relevant. As our community continues to evolve, with new generations of Armenian-Americans navigating their relationship to their heritage, Kricorian's work offers both mirror and map. Her stories reflect our experiences while suggesting ways forward that honor both tradition and change.
The Saint James Men's Club has created something valuable here: a space where literature, community, and cuisine converge. In an era when cultural connections can feel fragmented, events like this remind us of the power of gathering, of sharing stories over shared meals, of maintaining the bonds that define us as a community.
Those interested in attending can call 617-923-8860 or email info@sthagop.com with questions. The welcoming atmosphere and reasonable price point reflect the club's commitment to accessibility, ensuring that anyone interested in Armenian literature and community can participate.
This December evening promises to be one of those memorable community gatherings that participants will reference for years to come. It's an opportunity to support Armenian literature, connect with fellow community members, and engage with stories that illuminate our shared experience. In a world that often feels disconnected, events like this remind us of the enduring power of community, storytelling, and the simple act of breaking bread together.
