Rouben Simonian’s recently published memoir, Uncharted Canvas: A Journey through Beirut, Brussels, and Beyond, has a Covington connection. The author takes us down memory lane to the town’s early seventies.
Rouben shares the inspiring story of his Armenian heritage and his transformative journey from childhood in Beirut to a successful architectural career in America. As the son of Armenian Genocide survivors, Rouben comes of age along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. He continues his education in Brussels, encountering challenging and eye-opening adventures during Europe’s counterculture years.
By chance, he meets Kathy Elliston, a native of Covington and the daughter of Dr. Lewis Elliston, who served as Tipton County’s medical doctor from 1937 until his retirement, after which he donated his clinic for use as the Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center.
After their marriage and Rouben’s graduation from architecture school at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, the couple lived briefly in Covington before settling permanently in Memphis. Kathy initially teaches French at Christian Brothers High School, then transitions to a new career in finance. Rouben pursues his ambitions as he moves up the corporate ladder.
However, tragedy looms on the horizon, prompting him to reevaluate his life. This heartfelt memoir explores themes of identity, resilience, and rediscovery as Rouben reconnects with lost family and finds new purpose in his ancestral homeland. Blending personal history with professional success, Uncharted Canvas serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of one man shaped by both tragedy and hope. Rouben’s story spans continents, cultures, and generations as he paints a vivid picture of his journey, where opportunity and fate shape the next strokes on his canvas.
Rouben co-wrote the memoir with his wife, Liz, who encouraged him to share his story. Uncharted Canvas is available on Amazon and Novel Bookstore in Memphis.
All royalties from this memoir benefit the Armenian Museum of America in Watertown, MA. The museum, which sells the book in its gift shop, provided the authors with extensive material about Rouben’s father’s life, including his escape from the Genocide and his upbringing in an orphanage in Beirut.
In retirement, Rouben resides in Germantown, TN, and is an active painter and photographer. His work is showcased on his website, www.unchartedcanvas.com, which also includes photos from the memoir.
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