IRIS DORBIAN
UPDATE: 12/21: An Epiphany in Lilacs is a 2025 Literary Global Book Awards finalist in the adult fiction category!! To see the citation page, visit the link.
From Amazon:
J. F.
5.0 out of 5 stars A wake-up call that we should all acknowledge
Reviewed August 7, 2025
"Reading An Epiphany in Lilacs was like sharing someone’s unforgettable and disturbing nightmare. I was continuously stunned by the descriptions of trauma, starvation, and near-death encounters. At such a young age, poor Daniel experienced a troubling journey from being forcibly tossed overboard, navigating through corpses at the camp, and losing nearly every family member, but I couldn’t look away. Each page left me with a lingering ache and a deep sense of responsibility to witness these events.
"The novel presented the realities of the Holocaust without avoiding its harsh details. Through Daniel’s recollections, dreams, and self-discovery, it showed that survival does not necessarily bring an end to hardship. At times, he was portrayed with little vitality, while at other times, he appeared more vibrant. This recurring contrast highlighted the psychological effects of such experiences, which may sometimes be overlooked during accounts of someone else’s tragedy.
"Beyond personal tragedy, the book is a powerful reminder that governments and societies must acknowledge, not disguise, past and current atrocities. As hate and intolerance resurface across the globe, Daniel’s story calls on us to remember what happens when silence replaces accountability."
PRESS & REVIEWS (II) for An Epiphany in Lilacs (3rd ed.) and One More Encore (forthcoming, spring 2027)
UPDATE: 12/8/2025: What a nice surprise! An Epiphany in Lilacs is a five-star Readers' Choice Book Award recipient in the adult fiction category!! Thank you!!
UPDATE: 1/23/26: An Epiphany in Lilacs is a winner of the 2026 PenCraft Seasonal Book Award Winter Competition for Fiction - Realistic Genre. Thank you, PenCraft!
UPDATE: 10/20/2025: More great news! An Epiphany in Lilacs is a 2025 Firebird Book Award winner in two categories--Holocaust and friendship! I'm beyond pleased. Thank you, Firebird!
From Amazon
Laura A.
5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful and impactful young adult protagonist
Reviewed on August 8, 2025
"World War II is such a fascinating time in our global history, and a horrifically inspiring event for many an artist to draw upon when crafting stories. Iris Dorbian does a mesmerizing job telling the story of a young Daniel, who survives the concentration camps and must cope with the aftermath of so much loss internally and externally. His story of attempting to finding his family--and the good in others--is profoundly moving and tragically still relevant in today's world. The author expertly stirs every sense within their reader. The words are haunting, and ultimately, hopeful, despite such grief.
I would be remiss to not recommend this book to any educator to include in their curriculum, if the subject matter fits within your wheelhouse. Poetic and heart-gripping, this is the type of read that will impact lives for the better as it touches upon something we are forgetting about more and more -- our shared humanity.
UPDATE: 12/19: An Epiphany in Lilacs is a recipient of several Outstanding Creator Awards (Fall & Winter 2025)
• 1st Place – Jewish Literature
• 2nd Place – Historical Fiction
• 3rd Place – Multicultural / Multilingual / Bilingual Fiction
• 3rd Place – Motivational / Inspirational Books
I'm very honored. To see the results, please visit this link.