This book is a product of an exceptionally patient study of Caucasus region mainly Armenia and Azerbaijan and their neighboring countries, such as Russia. It gives deep and compelling account for Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict (1988-1994) which still persist and the suffering of the people from the convoluted aftermath and exacerbation. This book gives you an idea of how complex and intertwined the problem has become through the process of independence at the End of Soviet era that still awaits resolution.

 In this book the author De Waal refers to legendary Armenian Poet Sayat Nova as benign patron for this book for his generous sympathy for other culture and religions, and ethnicity. His poetry as well as Sayat Nova as a historical figure appears in this book many times as symbol of peace and understanding. Sayat Nova, born into a moderate Armenia family in Georgia, served as court troubadour in Georgia, wrote songs in Azeri, Armenian, Georgian, and Persian, was praised for the very diversity of his talent. He is truly the reflection of the sprit of the region today. And same could be said for the director for the film “Syat Nova (Color of Pomegranate) 1968”, Sergei Paradjanov who shares almost the same ethnic and cultural background.