In what ways does Souren's Armenian background shape his identity? Do you have to be from a place to belong to it? How does Souren's experience resonate with current debates around immigration?

Younis tells Souren, "We'll always be from somewhere else, won't we?" In what ways does Souren's Armenian background shape his identity? Do you have to be from a place to belong to it? How does Souren's experience resonate with current debates around immigration?

To be a stranger in another land...just trying to survive, is difficult enough. Then add to it the unwelcome looks and actions of those who do not understand your past. It makes me think of how the people from South America are trying to come to the US for a better life/opportunity and being met with such hatred from the government. Where is our humanity?

I think that Souren takes his tragic childhood to form the basis of his new life in Paris. Here in his own language he entertains children with his beloved puppets; he transforms his sorrow into joy and excitement for his audience. But, he also tells the truth; his stories do not have happy endings.

As I was reading I couldn’t help but think of life as it is now regarding immigration. History keeps repeating itself. America has failed in their immigration polices and the way we treat the immigrants.