The Weight of Our Hearts

This novel is set in Constantinople. While performing his duties, Lieutenant Levon, assigned to a military intelligence unit, decodes a message addressed specifically to him. The message appears to be from Dalita Kazarian, an Armenian woman who previously saved his life and whom he believes perished along with other Armenians in her village. The message urges him to meet with her.

With a sense of duty and lingering feelings, he agrees to meet Dalita with hopes of reuniting with her. However, in that meeting, he discovers that Dalita’s half-sister, Davitina Kazarian, sent the message. Davitina works at a dovecote, handling carrier pigeons used for military intelligence communications. She found Dalita’s diary and believes that Dalita is still alive, but a Turkish informant is holding her captive.

Initially, Levon is skeptical of Davitina’s claims and wary of her intentions, especially given the pervasive presence of spies and double agents. Despite his reservations, he agrees to assist Davitina in her quest to find Dalita, leading them to embark on a perilous journey across the Ottoman Empire.
As they navigate the dangers of the crumbling Ottoman Empire, Levon and Davitina encounter numerous obstacles, including espionage, deception, and physical threats. Throughout their journey, they begin to develop a tentative trust, which gradually blossoms into deeper feelings. Both characters are forced to confront their personal traumas, Levon’s battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and feelings of inadequacy, and Davitina’s struggles with her past and quest for belonging.

Their search leads them into a complex web of espionage involving multiple intelligence agencies. They uncover a treacherous plot that endangers their mission and their lives. In a series of intense encounters, Levon and Davitina rely on their wits, newfound trust, and faith to navigate their perilous situation and attempt to rescue Dalita.

The novel concludes with the resolution of the central conflict, offering insights into themes of healing, forgiveness, faith, and the transformative power of love amidst the ravages of the crumbling Ottoman Empire. Levon and Davitina’s journey underscore the importance of trust and resilience in overcoming personal and external adversities.