Can you still remember the last time you read a novel that succeeded as a pure story, one that hinged on personal and contemporary social problems? Cathy Burnham Martin’s Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear is based on a true story of an Armenian family’s struggle to survive against the oppressive circumstances surrounding their lives that were beyond their control. It starts with the young Hrant Gulumian who witnesses his family trying to flee from the Armenian genocide. It is traumatic for a young boy to bear witness to a massive scale of bloodshed, but his parents’ nurturing has somehow curbed this and molded him to become a good man as he comes of age. Decades later, Hrant’s granddaughter, Cassie, is plagued by nightmares. This is an experience that she will feel gratitude for enduring, which will lead to learning more about her heritage when her grandfather steps in to help.

Cathy Burnham Martin has created a novel that sustains the all-important emotional connection in a story that moves between the past and the present. It is a touching interlacing fabric of the lives of Hrant and his granddaughter. For Hrant, surviving the genocide is a triumph, yet it doesn’t stop there as he finds more struggles in the new land he calls home. On the other hand, Cassie must face her demons and learn from the lessons of the past. The narration of the characters is natural, convincing, and sticks in your mind. It is a novel that strikes me as a cross between Diary of a Young Girl and The Kite Runner. Destiny of Dreams is a magnificent historical drama that succeeds in its emotional impact and is a must-read for anyone to understand that every person around us comes from somewhere and has their battles.

Destiny of Dreams by Cathy Burnham Martin is a historical fiction novel based on actual events encompassing the Armenian genocide by the Ottoman forces at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1960s New Hampshire, thirteen-year-old Cassie is plagued by nightmares of atrocious acts committed by soldiers in uniform. When she relates her visions to her grandfather, Hrant Gulumian, he suspects Cassie to be the reincarnated spirit of one of his sisters, leading him on a trip down memory lane. Soon, Hrant recalls his younger self witnessing atrocities committed by Turkish soldiers in their quest to wipe out the Armenian people and form an Islamic nation under the Young Turks. He reflects upon the sacrifices made by his parents to provide him with a safe passage to America.

A poignant look at one of the most distressing events in history, Destiny of Dreams is a must-read for history lovers. Author Cathy Burnham Martin masterfully incorporates real-life events and people to craft a moving tale that showcases the brutal aspects of war without pulling any punches. This story portrays the worst that humans have to offer alongside the power of their resilient spirit amidst absolute horror in equal measure. The real-life events that inspired this tale provide a sense of depth and authenticity to the narrative, and it leaves a lasting impression long after you've put down the book. The characters feel real, making them thoroughly compelling to read. If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend Destiny of Dreams.