America America

In the late 1890s, Stavros Topouzoglou lives in a village under Mount Argaeus, facing the dire poverty that plagues the Cappadocian Greeks and Armenians. His family's struggles reflect the harsh realities of life in Ottoman Turkey, particularly in Kayseri, where traditional ways collide with looming threats.

Despite the oppressive conditions, Stavros and his friend Vartan dream of escaping to America, which they believe to be a land of opportunity. Their aspirations symbolize hope amidst their grim surroundings, fueling their determination to change their fates.

Tragedy strikes when Stavros witnesses the brutal Hamidian massacre, which results in the death of his friend Vartan. This harrowing event not only shatters his world but also serves as a stark reminder of the violence threatening their community.

Understanding the imminent danger, Stavros's family devises a plan to send him to Constantinople. His father, Issac, entrusts him with their wealth, hoping that he will secure a better future for the family amidst rising violence.

Stavros embarks on a long journey through the Anatolian countryside on foot and with a donkey, facing various challenges. These challenges highlight the arduous trek many took in search of a better life, setting the stage for the trials ahead.

Along his journey, Stavros is robbed, prompting him to seek vengeance. In a desperate act, he kills the thief, illustrating the desperation and moral complexities he faces as he struggles to survive.

Upon arriving at his cousin Odysseus' house empty-handed, Stavros finds disappointment instead of support. Odysseus had hoped to revive his carpet business with Stavros' help, but the reality of their dire circumstances becomes painfully clear.

Now homeless and without resources, Stavros survives by scavenging discarded food and taking on demanding labor. His struggles introduce him to Garabet, a streetwise veteran who encourages him to keep his hope alive amid adversity.

After months of hardship, Stavros manages to save enough money for a third-class ticket to New York. However, in a cruel twist, he loses his savings to betrayal during a brief encounter, leaving him devastated yet determined to continue.

Involvement with local anarchists leads to disaster when police intervene, causing a massacre. Believed to be dead, Stavros narrowly escapes the chaos, finding solace with his cousin as hope begins to fade once more.

As Thomna and Stavros prepare for marriage, a confrontation reveals his true intentions. He confides in Thomna that he plans to use her dowry for a ticket to America, highlighting his ongoing desire to escape his circumstances.

Stavros reconnects with Hohannes, who offers him a chance to go to America in exchange for two years of labor. This pivotal moment reignites Stavros' dreams and sets him on a new path filled with uncertainty but hope.

Stavros begins an affair with Sophia, the unsatisfied wife of a wealthy rug merchant. Through this relationship, he gathers the necessary funds to finally secure a ticket to New York, marking a crucial turning point in his journey.

Upon arriving in New York City, Stavros's journey takes an unexpected turn as the ship undergoes quarantine. There, a secret meeting with Sophia leads to complications when her husband discovers their affair, culminating in a vicious fight.

In a desperate act, Hohannes sacrifices himself, allowing Stavros to take on his identity as 'Joe Arness' to escape back to America. Now armed with a new persona, Stavros begins the grueling process of making a life for himself while dreaming of reuniting his family.