Armenian writer in the USA got international award

The results of the 2012 International Book Awards were announced in Los Angeles today. Awards were presented for titles by a phenomenal mix of books from a wide array of publishers throughout the world.

Los Angeles author Armen Melikian’s Journey to Virginland: Epistle I received awards in both Visionary Fiction and General Fiction categories. Melikian’s avant-garde and controversial novel has thus claimed its 7th literary award this year.

On a question regarding Melikian’s book garnering two simultaneous awards, a rare event, IBA President Jeffrey Keen commented, “our judges have considered this groundbreaking novel for its enormous potential.”

Journey to Virginland is the story of a loutish and uber-cerebral antihero known simply as Dog, who takes on the challenge to navigate the perilous paradigm shifts of our age, determined to find his proper place under the sun. Dog pursues his goal unrelentingly, through an impassioned quest for identity and meaning. He revisits his relationships with women, family, literature, and homeland, in the process illuminating his journey with commentaries on history, religion, politics, and culture that unravel our very fabric.

Melikian has received praise from a cross section of prestigious critics worldwide. Publishers Weekly wrote: “Dog vs. God. In an iconoclastic story, Dog demolishes the foundations of Western civilization.” ForeWord Reviews stated: “An engrossing, brilliantly crafted read. A searing commentary on the earth and its inhabitants through the canine eyes of Dog. Melikian is an astonishing writer.” Matti Kangaskoski of the prestigious literary journal KRITIIKKI in Finland wrote: “In its cynicism, non-conformity, and linguistic fireworks, Journey to Virginland is of unquestionable merit.” And Janet Walker from Australia wrote for Bookpleasures: “Full credit to Mr. Melikian for trying something new. Journey to Virginland could be the next bestseller. Give it a try, it’s certainly different.”