Journey to Virginland- Epistle 1

Armen Melikian’s “Journey to Virginland- Epistle 1” begins with a Soliloquy which culminates with following paragraph:

“Anthropods refuse to believe that these pages narrate a human biography.  They aver that this is a nefarious distortion of their sublime nature.  Let bipeds simmer in their sentiments.  On my part, I can’t allow humanoid extrapolation in terms of emending the work.  That would entail betraying my dog.  She is the true author.  I don’t exist here.  But no!  Perhaps I am a dog after all.”

Intrigued yet?

Once I read the opening pages I knew that “Journey to Virginland- Epistle 1” was going to be a book unlike any that I had ever read before.  As I continued to read my initial expectations were upheld.  Melikian has created a very intelligently written, original work of fiction.  I do admit that my knowledge of the English language was quite tested at points and my vocabulary much expanded after reading this book.  It is certainly not a light, fast read and requires your rapt attention to fully enjoy the work.  

In this unique work there exists Dreamland which contains locales such as Pharoahland, Allahland, Socratesland, WhiteBearland, Napoleonland, and the physical United States as we know it is named as Satanland.  There is a map diagram in the opening pages and then an explanation of the geography.  In Virginland resides God, in Satanland resides Satan.

In Melikian’s fictional novel he touches on many social, cultural, and philosophical issues making for quite a thought-provoking and interesting ride.  If you are looking for a book to read that is quite out of the ordinary, then add “Journey to Virginland-Epistle 1” to your list.


Journey to Virginland- Epistle 1
Armen Melikian
Two Harbors (2011)
ISBN 9781935097518
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (1/12)