Julia Harley-Green: From the UK to Armenia with Loris Tjeknavorian

In my above-mentioned interview, published in Gegharvest (Art) newspaper, you spoke about your work-in-progress project – the novel Hotel Armenia. I assume, it was not accomplished.

I tried hard to find a publisher for Hotel Armenia, the novel I wrote while living in Yerevan but it was not to be. However, the manuscript has been useful for information purposes both for my memoir Never in a Fishbowl and also for subsequent articles I have written about Armenia, all published in the United States.

In an interview to women’s Aragast (Sail) weekly of Yerevan, I was amazed to read your notion, that in Armenia, you were most amazed by women and that the Armenian women exceed the others with their beauty. At that time for a young man like me that “view from the outside” was unusual, but later I saw how right you were, as Armenian female beauty became obvious due to change of generation and improvement of life conditions.

We say here that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and certainly I found Armenian ladies both stunning to look at and beautiful within. Actually, I believe you cannot have one without the other. Beauty within shines out beside dark hair, dark eyes and a beautiful complexion.

And while we are on the subject of beauty, I have noticed how fashion conscious young Armenian ladies are today. When I was there in 1989, and the country was under Soviet rule, they never wore trousers but dressed modestly in skirts and sandals. Now they are fashion aficionados, fully conscious of and subscribing to the latest European and American trends!

I remember your talking and reading Armenian a little bit, but now perhaps you have forgotten what you have learned.

Alas, I am no longer able to speak Armenian well.  I still have the little red book I carried around with me all those years ago, containing words and phrases in Armenian. Today, before I return to the country, I bring out the book and go through them so that I can at least greet everyone and use an Armenian phrase when the opportunity presents itself.

You should also know that while I write under the name of Julia Harley-Green, I retain the legal name of Julia Tjeknavorian. As I’m sure many Armenians know, several members of my family are distinguished in their fields with my former husband, Loris, a well-known composer and conductor; his elder son Zareh (my stepson) a distinguished film director; and Loris’ second son, Emmanuel, an outstanding violinist and young conductor. We live in different countries but when our paths cross, we meet up.

You described about your experience in living in Armenia in your last book with a characteristic title Never in a Fishbowl. I read that chapter, kindly provided me by Zareh Tjeknavorian. It was great to know from there you were keeping traveling to Armenia and seeing the changes it has had after early 1990-s.

Yes, I have returned to Armenia several times since leaving in 1991 and I have witnessed amazing change throughout the country. Those towns devastated by the earthquake, including Gyumri, are no longer recognizable from the destruction and desolation I first witnessed.

And as for Yerevan, it has evolved into a modern metropolis. The fountains, coffee shops and flowerbeds have changed the city beyond all recognition. I have seen how the streets have been repaired and noted the countless new hotels and European boutiques.

What kind of reception has your book gotten so far?

All wonderfully positive, thank you. In fact, the book was reprinted less than three months after publication and is selling well in bookshops and On-Line. I have been busy speaking to book clubs and other organizations around London, and most recently received a personal letter from Her Majesty Queen Camilla saying that she is looking forward to reading it.

 The Russian writer Andrey Bitov’s book on my country is called the Lessons of Armenia. What was your lesson?

I always remember how Armenian tradition insists a guest is God’s messenger and should be treated accordingly. Living in Armenia all those years ago and being made so welcome, despite the dire circumstances, has instilled in me the importance of this. Life is all about giving and sharing, no matter how little you have. It is this that makes for contentment and returns so much in terms of fulfillment.

 Julia jan, I wish you further interesting trips and books! And you, once a daughter-in-law of Armenian people, are always welcome to Armenia again and again!

I will be back Artsvi! Armenia has a huge place in my heart.