Janbazian’s ‘Saroyan in Armenian’ translation available free online

Sosé & Allen’s Legacy Foundation recently announced the online release of  Rupen Janbazian’s Western Armenian translation of two of William Saroyan’s short stories free and available to the public.

The Saroyan in Armenian: Two Short Stories («Սարոյեանը՝ հայերէնով, երկուպատմուածքներ») e-book can be accessed and read for free on the Sosé & Allen’s Legacy Foundation Issuu page.

The 53-page Saroyan in Armenian includes the Western Armenian translations of Saroyan’s famed “Seventy Thousand Assyrians” and “Five Ripe Pears,” and Saroyan’s biography written by filmmaker Paul Kalinian (“William Saroyan: The Man the Writer,” 1991). The book, which includes 10 original color graphics by Janbazian, was edited by Yeprem Tokjian of Toronto.

More than 200 print copies were distributed free of charge at public event in Los Angeles last year, according to Asbarez. 

Saroyan in Armenian was published in 2015 in memory of Sosé (Thomassian) and Allen Yekikian following their untimely passing in 2013. The Foundation continues Sosé and Allen’s vision by establishing programs and supporting existing programs aimed at bridging the gap between Armenia and its Diaspora, through an emphasis on education, repatriation, and volunteerism within the homeland.

“The first time I read Saroyan was in Armenian. I was a seventh grade student at ARS Armenian School when we read Hampartsumian’s masterful Armenian translation of Saroyan’s celebrated book, My Name is Aram,” recalled Janbazian. “If our teacher had not mentioned that we were reading a translation, I would have never realized that Saroyan wrote in English… His words were sincere and heartfelt. Saroyan fascinated me from the very first day that I began reading that book. I am proud that this book is dedicated to Sosé & Allen, who continue to inspire new generations of Armenians every day,” he added.