Not Even My Name summary

Surviving the Pontic Greek Genocide

In Not Even My Name by Thea Halo, we are introduced to the author's mother, Sano Themia Halo, who survived the Pontic Greek genocide. The book opens with the peaceful life of Sano in her village in the Pontus region of Turkey. Her idyllic childhood is shattered when, in 1920, Turkish soldiers arrive, executing her father and forcing her family to flee.

The journey to escape the genocide is harrowing. Sano witnesses the deaths of her family members and endures hunger, exhaustion, and violence. She survives by sheer determination, finding refuge in the mountains and later, in a Turkish village. Here, she is forced to convert to Islam and is given the name Selma. This marks the beginning of her loss of identity and her struggle to survive in a hostile environment.

Forced Marriage and Life in Exile

As Sano grows into a young woman, she is sold into marriage to a much older man. She becomes a mother at a tender age and her life is marked by hardship and loss. Throughout her life, she faces the challenge of preserving her Pontic Greek identity while adapting to her new life in Turkey. She raises her children with love and resilience, despite the constant threat of violence and persecution.

After World War II, Sano's family is forced to leave Turkey due to the escalating anti-Greek sentiment. They join the mass exodus of Pontic Greeks and settle in a refugee camp in Greece. Here, they face poverty and discrimination, further testing Sano's strength and determination to survive.

Emigrating to the United States

In 1951, Sano and her family emigrate to the United States in search of a better life. However, their struggles are far from over. They face poverty, language barriers, and the challenge of adapting to a new culture. Despite these difficulties, Sano remains resilient, working tirelessly to provide for her family.

As her children grow up and start their own lives, Sano is finally able to reflect on her traumatic past. She shares her story with her daughter, Thea, who is deeply moved by her mother's strength and resilience. Sano's story becomes a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The Search for Home

In the later part of her life, Sano becomes determined to reclaim her lost identity and find closure. She embarks on a journey back to her homeland in Turkey, accompanied by her daughter, Thea. This trip is a poignant exploration of Sano's past and a search for the remnants of her lost culture and heritage.

Despite the painful memories and the physical changes to her homeland, Sano finds a sense of peace and closure. She is able to reconcile her past with her present and find a sense of belonging, even in exile. Not Even My Name is a powerful and moving account of survival, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable horrors.