The destruction of some historic buildings began in the Soviet era. That practice continued after the independence of Armenia. The Old Yerevan Project is meant to restore the architectural heritage of the capital city, however, progress has been slow and controversial.

Translated into several languages, Mariam Petrosyan’s epic novel “The Gray House” has enchanted readers across the world. In this first book review, Lilit Margaryan speaks with the elusive Petrosyan about her life and the life of a novel that took 18 years to write.