Janigian Discusses and Reads from New Novel “This Angelic Land” at Art Museum Event

Denise Altounian
Staff Writer

In April 1992 the world watched for six days as Los Angeles self-destructed. The city had finally reached a breaking point in the days following the not-guilty verdict of the Rodney King trial. Although most have since forgotten those days, the memories are still alive for those who lived through the devastation.

On Wednesday, September 19, author Aris Janigian returned to his roots to share these fascinating moments at a forum to read and discuss his new novel, This Angelic Land. This event took place at the Fresno Art Museum, as a result of a collaboration between Fresno State’s Armenian Studies Program and the Fresno Art Museum.

Janigian explored the devastating effects of the 1992 Los Angeles riots from the perspective of multiple characters experiencing the chaos and destruction. This novel was a new venture for Janigian, as his other books take place in his native Central Valley. The idea for the book stemmed from his experience living in Los Angeles during the riots. According to Janigian, this is the first fictional novel written about the riots in the twenty years following.

Although writing about such a sensitive and painful event is intimidating for some, Janigian took on the challenge and created a fascinating cast of characters. The novel follows Adam Derderian, a Lebanese-Armenian refugee from the Lebanese Civil War, and his family as they watch the riots unfold. While trying to find his way in the world, Adam watches as the city he and his family have found sanctuary in, burn, just like the one they left behind in Lebanon.

During the presentation, Janigian read captivating readings from various passages throughout the book.

Those in attendance were given a glimpse into those chaotic days in 1992, through the eyes of the eclectic group of characters. Janigian brought his characters to life with his artful reading and obvious love for the characters of his book. Each passage brought to life the unique charisma of the characters as they found their way through the ruin. As the twenty-year anniversary of the riots has come and passed, Janigian’s novel is one of the more unique ways the memories of those six days have been kept alive.

Aris Janigian is the author of Bloodvine, and Riverbig, and the co-author, with April Greiman, of Something for Nothing.