Not Even My Name : From a Death March in Turkey to a New Home in America, a Young Girl's True Story of Genocide and Survival

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Summary: Well, no wonder he's not taken by this book
Review: He's addressing fans of so-called "fictional genocides," and since his only other review is of yet another of what he calls a "fictional genocide," we can only assume he's an expert in the matter. Amazingly enough there have only been two "fictional genocides" in the history of humankind, and both of them took place inside Turkey in the early decades of the 20th century. Yes, what a coincidence, and I can see now how he draws his expertise in these matters.

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Summary: Live memories
Review: The words used by Thea Halo were poetic and her descriptions of the country and of her Mother's memorable retracing of her childhood were extraordinary. I could not put the book down until it was completed. What a strong constitution her mother had to endure such a lifetime and I am so thankful that Thea Halo was able to recapture that lifetime while her mother was still alive to see it done.

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Summary: not true
Review: If you are a fan of fictional genocides, this is a good read. If you are interested in the complete truth, you have to read other books. In the period mentioned in the book, practically everybody was killing everybody else in a country torn by ethnic strife fueled by imperialist foreigners. Innocent ethnic Greeks were killed, yes, but keep in mind that lots of innocent Turks also perished. Calling this kind of nightmare a "genocide" is just an inappropriate use of the word.

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Summary: I never knew this genocide occurred
Review: This is a genocide which I had not learned about before. I am constantly amazed at how cruel man can be to fellow man because of something as trivial as ethnicity. Despite this, Thea manages to not harbor ill feelings towards the perpetrators, the Turks.

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Summary: Personal tragedy and renewal
Review: This is a moving story of tragedy, strength, human endurance, cruelty, and survival. It is a truly heroic saga. The weak writing does detract from the story, but the biggest problem with the book is the author's hatred. There is plenty to hate, but the author's mother, the victim, seems to have a much more complete view of her journey. The book shines when it tells its story, it fails when it tries to tell history. Millions of people died in that land in those tragic years. Not all of them were Greek, not all of them were Christian. There were many victims and many victimizers. Exploiting this story for political purposes is unworthy of this brave woman and her story.

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Summary: An incredable book!
Review: If you like biographies, if you like history and stories that take you on a journey filled with tragedy, fear and unspeakable horrors, if you like mysteries and suspense, and if you enjoy reading about the ultimate triumpth of the human spirti - then this book is for you. If by chance you are of Greek descent and/or if you an interest in the Armenian/Greek Genocide, or in Asia Minor - then get ready to be blown away!!!

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Summary: Not Even My Name
Review: Perhaps it is because I grew up in a wartorn country or because I love my mother so deeply or perhaps it is simply because the story of Themía (Sano) is a real, living person who endured real circumstances...it is for all these reasons that I highly recommend Thea Halo's book, "Not Even My Name". I don't think we Americans often get the opportunity to "live" the life of another and actually feel with her as she experiences her life. I don't think we Americans often understand the impact of ethnic genocide as personally as this book allows us to. And, I don't think we Americans think of how fortunate we are to be blessed by those who come to this country after enduring the life Themia (Sano) and others endured. This book is an experience we are fortunate to be a part of--a terrible privilege because this pain is so sacred and personal. "Not Even My Name" was not only pain and struggle, but also the story of a great woman. Thanks, Thea Halo, for allowing us to experience the life of your mother in such a real way.

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Summary: Unbelievable and inspiring!
Review: This book describes the genocide of the Christian minorities (Assyrians, Greeks, and Armenians) that took place in Turkey during WWI. This is a forgotten part history that I never knew much about before reading this book. But more importantly, this is an inspiring story of the power of the human spirit. Sano's life teaches us that love and forgiveness can overcome everything. Instead of being consumed by hate and bitterness, she chose to live a life of love and dignity. What an amazing story of triumph of the human spirit. Simply inspiring!

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Summary: Fabulous!
Review: I recently read Not Even My Name,and I was very impressed. The writing was vivid; it said what was needed to say without being excessive. I felt that I was with Sano in every step of her life, from her childhood being torn away from her to her life as a mother in New York. But what grabbed me the most is Sano's lack of bitterness about how her life went. I can't imagine a 15-year-old not being resentful about being sold into marriage to a much older man she doesn't know. Even when Sano returns to Turkey to try to find her childhood village, she doesn't feel angry toward the Turks she meets. I've been recommending this book to just about everyone I know. It shows that survival doesn't mean a loss of dignity or a heart consumed by anger and bitterness. We all should have such generous spirits. The pictures in the book show Sano to be a beautiful woman at any age, and I think that's basically due to the beauty inside her. My thanks to Sano Halo for telling her story, and to Thea Halo for writing about it so beautifully. What extraordinary people! Thank you so much for this wonderful book.

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Summary: Not last Death March in the history
Review: This is not unique, not first, and I am afraid will not be the last Death March in the history. It is Boers in South Africa, Aborigines in Australia and Canada, Irishmen in Ireland in 1800s, Scotsmen in Highlands, intellectuals in Russia, Jews in Nazi Germany, Bosnians in Sarajevo, Azeries in Karabag, Tibetians in China . It is sad, it is tragic. We all know that war is tragic. There is no winners, all loosers. It is good to know, however wit some misleading, some incorrect details, which are difficult for the writer to avoid, but generally a good wrap-up family history. No more. Do not expect remunarations, no political advantage, if you are after. A strong, economically sound, powerful Turkey is a must for America, for the writer, and for the readers. A good book to read, especially for those repeatedly and unnecessarily accused since 1915.