Victoria Atamian Waterman’s “Who She Left Behind” is a haunting odyssey that masterfully paints a portrait of a woman grappling with the remnants of historical traumas and the pursuit of redemption. The novel adeptly transports readers from the oppressive atmosphere of the declining Ottoman Empire in 1915 to the tight-knit Armenian communities of Rhode Island and Massachusetts in the 1960s, weaving a narrative rich with historical tragedy and human resilience.

Our heroine, Victoria, finds herself in an existence marred by adversity, her life upended and constrained beginning with the horrific events of a forced march from Armenia. One moment encapsulates a life of tranquility, and the next, an abyss of despair and oppression. The subsequent journey of Victoria’s enslavement, the gross violation of her dignity, and the theft of her child encapsulate a narrative imbued with raw emotion. Each character that crossed Victoria’s path is etched into the reader’s consciousness, echoing the haunting melody of lost innocence and profound injustice.

Victoria’s eventual metamorphosis into a liberator of young women in similar adversity mirrors the universal quest for freedom and redemption. The book echoes tragedy, yet resounds with hope, renewal. and the invincible spirit of motherhood.

This book is a testament to the enduring essence of humanity’s quest for justice, healing, and unyielding love amidst the backdrop of history’s turbulent dance.