Hakob Melik Hakobian, better known by his pen name Raffi, is a renowned Armenian author born in 1835. Raffi is a prominent figure of Armenian literature. Raffi (1835-1888), the great novelist of Armenia, who was really the founder of the Armenian historical novel. "Samvel"(Samuel) is one of his most famous novels, telling the story of a young nobleman Samvel. His father betrayed his motherland. Now Samvel, as well as all his family, has to make a choice between his country and father. This is a brilliant novel about love, war and loyalty. It also describes the political situation of Armenia in 370's.