Whims of Fate: Short Stories of Armenian Life

Meet the people-and a few dogs-caught up in the Whims of Fate.

They are dreamers and schemers, faithful friends and lovable eccentrics; people of deep conviction, boundless curiosity, stubborn pride-and occasionally very questionable judgment.

In these short stories of Armenian life, Avetik Arabajyan casts an affectionate eye on a colorful assortment of characters confronting the surprises life sends their way. A kindly man emerges from years in prison only to face a most unexpected ordeal. A village blacksmith confidently holds forth on subjects he knows nothing about. A would-be priest discovers another side of himself at a traditional Armenian wedding. A preacher's favorite sermon returns to haunt him. And two unforgettable dogs contemplate the strange behavior of the human race.

By turns tender, absurd, poignant, and mischievous, Whims of Fate celebrates the resilience of people who have learned that life seldom goes according to plan-but is always worth living.

For in an unpredictable world, sometimes wisdom begins with the ability to laugh.