Anna Davtyan’s novel Khanna revolutionized modern Armenian literature. It tells the story of the title character, who longs for freedom, sex and reconciliation. While she tries to convert her uncle’s estate into a guest house, she falls in love with her cousin, sleeps with another man – even though she’s actually married. In her text, Davtyan succeeds in weaving desire, guilt and autonomy into a complex, multi-layered narrative. As part of his Prosa der Verhältnisse series, writer Deniz Utlu will sit down with Davtyan to discuss her award-winning work.

As part of 100 + 10 – Armenian Allegories

© Nazek Armenakyan, Untitled from the series Red, Black White, 2021