The 40 Days of Musadag

'The Forty Days of Musa Dagh' is a historical novel that recounts the Armenian resistance against the Ottoman government's genocidal policies during World War I. Set in 1915, it follows the story of Gabriel Bagradian, a wealthy Armenian from Paris, who returns to his ancestral village and leads the community in a courageous defense atop Musa Dagh (Mount Moses).

For forty days, they withstand the Ottoman army's siege, awaiting rescue by Allied forces.

Werfel's narrative explores themes of cultural identity, religious faith, and the struggle for survival against overwhelming odds.

The novel is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of the Armenian people's resilience and its powerful indictment of genocide.