Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch - Dance of the Banished

Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Paperback first published in the United States in 2015

Paperback first published in Canada in 2014

Text copyright 2014 Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

This edition copyright 2021 Pajama Press Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of the publisher or a licence from The Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency (Access Copyright). For an Access Copyright licence, visit www.accesscopyright.ca or call toll free 1.800.893.5777.

The publisher gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council for its publishing program. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Book Fund for our publishing activities.

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk, 1954-, author
Dance of the banished / Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch.

ISBN 978-1-927485-65-1 (pbk.) | ISBN 978-1-77278-230-1 (EPUB)

I. Title.

PS8587.K79D35 2014 jC813.54 C2014-903335-4

Publisher Cataloging-in-Publication Data (U.S.)

Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk, 1954

Dance of the banished / Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch.

[240] pages : cm.

Summary: A teenager leaves his fianc behind in their Anatolian village to make a new life in Canada for them both. But when World War I breaks out, he is sent to an internment camp while his betrothed struggles to survive and find a way to join him.

ISBN-13: 978-1-927485-65-1 (pbk.) | ISBN 978-1-77278-230-1 (EPUB)

1. Canada History 20th century Juvenile fiction. 2. World War, 1914-1918 Canada, Internment camps Juvenile fiction. 3. Canada Immigration and emigration Juvenile fiction. I. Title.

[Fic] dc23 PZ7.S5696da 2014

Cover illustrationPascal Milelli

Map illustrationJohn Lightfoot

Photographs courtesy of Ron Morel Memorial Museum, Kapuskasing, Ontario

Cover and interior designRebecca Buchanan

Manufactured by Friesens.

Printed in Canada.

Pajama Press Inc.

469 Richmond St. E, Toronto, Ontario Canada, M5A 1R1

Distributed in Canada by UTP Distribution

5201 Dufferin Street Toronto, Ontario Canada, M3H 5T8

Distributed in the U.S. by Ingram Publisher Services

1 Ingram Blvd. La Vergne, TN 37086, USA

For the forgotten ones

Zeynep stood before me, her head tilted in concern. Whats the matter?

I hesitated as I stared at the dimple on Zeyneps cheek, at her messy hair tied loosely in a piece of red silk. The thought of leaving her was almost more than I could bear.

You know that Hagop Gregorians taking my brother with him when he travels back to Canada tomorrow. Well, it wont just be Yousef going; Hagop is taking me too.

She gasped.

Hagops nephew Krikor was supposed to go, but you know he is sick, I said quickly. It would have been a waste of an expensive ticket if someone didnt fill his place. Mama convinced Hagop to take me instead.

A wave of anger passed over Zeyneps face. You promised wed go together.

How many years would it take us to save up for two tickets? I asked. Mama convinced Hagop to give me this ticket. Now I can go, take the job Hagop found for Krikor, and earn enough money for Mamas taxes and your ticket. It will be faster this way.

But its not, began Zeynep. Then she stopped. She knew I was right. No one bought our rugs or silk anymore. Our mountain pastures and patchy fields produced barely enough to feed us. It was impossible to make money here. The only people getting fat were the tax collectors.

The men took turns working in another country for a few yearssometimes even decadesand sent their earnings home. The women could then pay the taxes and buy food for the children, but it was a lonely existence for everyone. When the men came back years later, sometimes they didnt recognize their own family. Some of the men never returned. Thats why Zeynep and I had decided to leave for Canada together. But for all our planning, we hadnt managed to save any money.

Suddenly, with Krikors illness, everything changed. Hagop had a rooming house in Canada. There was a good foundry job waiting for me. The freedom that loomed in front of me both frightened and excited me. Why couldnt Zeynep be happy for mefor us?

We may have nicer houses, but with the men all gone, the heart of this village is dead, said Zeynep.

Ill come back for you as soon as I save the money. Well get married. In the meantime, Ive brought you a gift. I reached into my bag and drew out two identical journals. One of these is for you. While we are apart, keep this journal for me and Ill write in the other for you. As you fill each page, tear it out and mail it to me. Ill do the same. That way, we will still be together.

Zeynep took the journal and frowned, flipping through its blank pages. I refuse to be your betrothed, never knowing when, or even if, youll come back.

She pulled a thin leather strap from around her neck. Strung on it was her cherished blue evil-eye bead that had protected her ever since she was a baby. Take this. She stood on her tiptoes to put it over my head. It will keep you from harm. Ill always love you, but I will not wait for you. We both deserve better than that.

She turned and walked away.

Zeyneps betrayal shook me to the core. How would I live with the other half of me gone?

June 5, 1913

Dear Ali,

When I placed my cherished evil-eye pendant around your neck for good luck, I meant it when I said that I loved you. But just because I love you, it doesnt mean that I will wait for you. I am writing in this book like you told me to, but I wont tear a page out of it and mail it to you until I receive a letter from you first.

Did you forget the promise you made to me when we were children? Didnt we cut our palms with the same knife, mingle our blood together, and pledge to love each other above all else?

We were supposed to escape together.

I dont believe you when you say that youll write. Now that you have left, youve put me out of your mind. Thats what the men do when they leave. We arent likely to ever meet again. I dont believe it when you say that youll come back.

But if you do return, maybe Ill show you this journal, and then youll know how badly Ive been hurt.