Born for freedom

By Kristal Duval and Armine Babayan

"Born for Freedom" is a gripping narrative that delves into the essence of human resilience, desire for liberty, and the lengths one goes to preserve personal freedoms. Set against a backdrop of political turmoil and societal upheaval, the protagonist's journey reflects the universal quest for autonomy, identity, and the right to live without the constraints of oppressive ideologies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Sep 9, 2023

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Born For Freedom

Copyright © 2023 by Kristal Duval

Illustrations © 2023 by Armine Babayan

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review.

Printed in the USA.

Published by K&A Dreamland Publishing

Wonderland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90009

Visit us on the web at

www.dreamland.global

www.kristalwriter.world

www.armine-babayan.art

Library of Los Angeles Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Book Title: Born For Freedom

Author Kristal Duval.

Illustrator Armine Babayan

Gyumri Chronicles: My Artistic Genesis

At the core of Armenia, a city emerged. The city with many identities: from Kumairi to Alexandropol, Leninakan, and now Gyumri. Here, my artistic journey began.

I had the Babayan surname, a gift from my father. Beyond just a surname, Babayan brings to mind tales of Armenian royalty, linking me to ancient princely families of Armenia.

Gyumri is bursting with creative energy. Legends like Anania Shirakatsi and the musical brilliance of Nikogayos Tigranian are proof. Icons such as Frunzik Mkrtchyan, Shara Talian, and international star Olga Chekhova originated here.

Historically known as the 'city of poets and ashugs', Gyumri has a rich arts legacy. The opera Anush by A. Tigranian and the ballet Gounod's Walpurgis Night marked significant milestones in Armenian arts.

Growing up in Gyumri was a journey into its vibrant culture, filled with ambition and its unique brand of humor. Often considered Armenia's humor capital, this city has been pivotal in shaping my creativity.

Children of Wars and Ruins

During my years our lives were overshadowed by war and earthquake. I would often hear about war: Transnistrian, Nagorno-Karabakh, and the Chechen wars. The specific details remain elusive to me. What I do know for certain is that we lost friends of our family to these battles. We rarely spoke openly about these as if trying to protect ourselves from the pain they inflicted.

The year 1988 left a mark on my life. I was a child when an earthquake shook our