By Jason KUROSU

“The Sandcastle Girls,” the 2012 novel authored by Chris Bohjalian, is the subject of Glendale’s One Book/One Glendale event. On Feb. 27, Bohjalian will speak about the novel at the Glendale Central Library. The event is free, open to the public (though seating may be limited) and Bohjalian will also be joined by Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian as they discuss the novel and its themes, particularly in relation to Armenian history.

“The Sandcastle Girls” takes its readers through the better part of the 20th century, beginning in 1915 Syria during the height of the Armenian Genocide. A young Armenian engineer named Armen and recent American graduate Elizabeth fall in love as World War I continues to ravage Europe. From there, readers are given a look at the lives affected by the genocide, as generations pass to modern day New York City when a young author named Laura Petrosian explores her Armenian heritage, an exploration analogous to Bohjalian’s own family history.

Awards for “The Sandcastle Girls” include Best Book of 2012 awards from the Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews and the Library Journal, as well as a Book of the Week designation from Oprah.com.

The event starts at 7 p.m.

The Glendale City Library is located at 222 E. Harvard St. in Glendale.

  Jason Kurosu