Denice Karamardian
Major Themes
Each of the three books of ODAR series is short, yet packed with themes and discoveries worthy of in depth discussion.
When choosing to read all three books, even more discussion emerges from the differences among the character voices, the point of views, and the generational experiences. The focus on themes also changes and evolves to offer even more insight.
Advantages for choosing ODAR
Other Themes
Questions
These questions are often asked to the author. Can you guess her answers?
1. “Othering” is the obvious theme of immigration to new countries. It also persists among ethnic groups in any one location, and even within families. Discuss some of these examples in ODAR.
2. Education of women was unique to Armenians in the Middle East. Why do you think that was so important to them? And why only them? And how did it come about? Hint: Louisa offers some background information about the mission schools in Book One. The theme persists even through the genocide experience for Alice and Marta.
3. Male community (and brotherhood) is a crucial social element in all cultures and societies. Gathering in places where important conversations take place is an interesting concept, as in kitchens and barbershops. In Syria, Karamardian men gathered at shoe shops. Where did they meet in the diaspora? Hint: the Peter Karamardian men are an example. What other forms can you identify in the modern world?
1. People process trauma differently; i.e. men and women but even among women.
The author had only first hand accounts from women in her family to work with
and noted that great aunts Mary and Martha (Marta) processed trauma
completely differently, as evidenced by other people’s description of the two
women’s personalities. Where else do we see examples of such contrast in the
story?
2. Assimilation is another process by which people can change and evolve. From
locations to names, Hovsep Karamardian became Joe Peter who created a
number communities for himself and family as he moved through the world as a
factory worker, as well as a farmer. How else did the people of this story
assimilate and evolve?
3. History and anecdote are perhaps the most mysterious of all elements in life. The
author grew up with stories that, upon research, were either confirmed or
contradicted while others created more questions and some remained
unresolved. What were you left wondering about or wanting more knowledge of?
4. What did you learn about immigration practices before and after war times? How
do these compare with today? How do you feel about it?
5. What do you think about life in the United States without ethnic groups such as
the Armenians and early Syrian immigrants you met in this series? Can you
imagine? What are the benefits from other cultures you are aware of that you
enjoy in your town or neighborhoods?
6. What sort of discussion might this launch among your group?
7. Is this your first experience reading about Middle Eastern cultures? What more
would you like to pursue on the topic?
8. Does this reading make you wonder about immigration history as regards other
cultures and experiences?
1. What was the immigration scenario when Jido came to the US? Was it
open, closed, easy, etc? (industrial age until after WWI)
2. Can you explain the term Odar and its meaning? How does it evolve
through the series?
3. Were Middle Eastern immigrants discriminated against at the time the
family came here? How about for the next generation?
4. Are any of the Karamardian family still living in Syria?
5. If so, are they safe now? What is their status?
6. Why did Hovsep change his name? Was that normal?
7. You tell the events of genocide through the women’s voices. Why is that?
8. Jido’s sisters were both stolen. How did they react to trauma differently?
9. You indicate that life on the farm for the uncles and aunts wildly varied I
their descriptions. How do you explain that? Even between the sisters?
10. The brother Asadour – was he ever found?
11. The cousin Asadour – how do you know so much about him?
12. Did most of the family eventually immigrate to the U.S?
13. Leo and Archie seemed so different than Jido. Why do you think?
14. What would have happened to them, had they not followed Hovsep/Jido
to Amirka?
15. Why do you call book 3 Amirkans?
16. Why was Jido odar to the Syrians? We are family to them?
17. Are there books you recommend to learn more about the Armenian
genocide?
18. Do you believe genocide is still a threat today? How can the average
person help to battle the threat?
19. Do you recommend reading the books in order?
20. Why did you include two generations to tell the story? And why did you
stop there?