The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian

Set against the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide during World War I, this poignant novel intertwines the lives of Elizabeth Endicott, a young American woman volunteering in Aleppo, and Armen, an Armenian engineer grieving the loss of his family. As Elizabeth witnesses the horrors faced by the Armenian people, she becomes deeply involved in their plight, forming a profound connection with Armen. Decades later, their story is uncovered by Laura Petrosian, a novelist and descendant of Elizabeth, who embarks on a journey to unravel her family's hidden past, exploring themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of historical tragedies.