Cathy Burnham Martin narrates the true story of her family in this historical fiction. Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family features generations of Gulumians and their perseverance, strength, and hope as immigrants to the United States. In 1916, after witnessing the brutal persecution of the Armenian Christians by the Ottomans and losing their loved ones, the Gulumians set sail to America. Although not without a few obstacles on the way, they settle and build a life for themselves. The story particularly focuses on the youngest Gulumian, Hrant Gulumian, and his evolution from a young boy who spoke no English to an outstanding young man teaching in an American college.

I have to say, I admire how Cathy Burnham Martin eternalizes her family in print. The story conveys the reality of immigrants and their journey to freedom. It also touches on the vital subject of the struggles of immigrant families to retain their culture in a foreign land and create a close-knitted community. The Gulumians story is sad yet inspiring, and adding descriptive photos of the original families further solidifies the story. Although Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family is book 2 of the series regarding the Gulumians,  as the author mentions, it is not necessary to read the first book.

The author’s storytelling technique is unique. However, occasionally the dialogue between the characters sounds unnatural. The author also tells the story of different generations in a concise read, narrated hurriedly like an overview of history. It is a great book to flip through for anyone fascinated by history. It’s very educational, giving insight into the Armenian genocide with facts. On the side, the book also features an interracial romance that is sure to warm the heart of readers.

Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family (The Destiny series Book 2) is a historical fiction novel based on the author’s family. Filled with emotion, inspiration, and even some romance, this is a story that will educate the reader as much as it will entertain.

Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0B6CX1QF8