“Armenpress” introduces 25th bestseller book list: writer Vahe Arsen wishes to see “Don Quixote” in the list

YEREVAN, JULY 5, ARMENPRESS: This week’s "Armenpress" News Agency "Bestseller Books List" is topped by foreign writer. Foreign literature has its own place in the bestsellers list. Lecturer of Yerevan State University, writer Vahe Arsen the selling of foreign literature in Yerevan considers as a predictable trend. During an interview to “Armenpress” the writer spoke about "Armenpress" News Agency "Bestseller Books List" stressing the importance of its role but mentioning that the quality of sold books is more important than the quantity. I would like that in the list would be included creations of Shakespeare and “Don Quixote” of Servantes,” said Vahe Arsen.

The list is headed by "The Alchemist" novel by contemporary Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. This book has been translated into 67 languages and according to AFP, it has sold more than 30 million copies in 56 different languages, becoming one of the best-selling books in history and winning the Guinness World Record for most translated book by a living author.

In the second place is the "Memories of My Melancholy Whores" by Columbian author Gabriel García Márquez. The book was translated into Armenian from the Russian version by Hovhannes Ayvazyan in 2010. "Memories of My Melancholy Whores" is dedicated to the love affairs of an old journalist, who falls in love with a young girl.

"Memories of My Melancholy Whores" is followed by the leader of the previous week - "Where the Wild Roses Bloom" by Moscow-resident contemporary Armenian author Mark Aren (Karen Martirosyan).

In the forth position is ''The Book of Lamentations'' by St. Gregory of Narek. The pearl of the medieval Armenian literature is also known to the public as "Narek" for short. The mystical poem "Book of Lamentations" has been translated into many languages and has played a significant role in the development of the Armenian literary language. This masterpiece by St. Gregory of Narek has always been included in our bestseller books list.

The Armenian version of prominent Azerbaijani writer Akram Aylisli's "Stone Dreams" published by "Graber" publishing house occupies the fifth position in the bestseller books list. Artak Vardanyan translated the novel into Armenian. Aram Ananyan authored the preface of the book and the publication was edited by Seyranuhi Geghamyan.Aylisli's "Stone Dreams" novel caused a lot of noise and hysteria in Azerbaijan. On February 7, 2013, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a presidential decree that stripped Aylisli of the title of "People's Writer" and the presidential pension. Earlier, Aylisli confirmed reports that his son, a customs official, and wife were dismissed from their jobs.

"The Little Prince" by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry occupies the sixth place. The novella is both the most read and most translated book in the French language, and was voted the best book of the 20th century in France. The book was translated into more than 250 languages and dialects, as well as Braille.

In the seventh position is again Akram Aylisli's "Stone Dreams" but this time published by "Edit Print" publishing house.

In the top ten list are also included Ashot Aghababyan’s “Only” novel, Aram Pachyan’s “Goodbye, bird” which is a story about a boy who has come from army and “Armen Ohanyan’s “The return of Kikos”.