“The Story of One Life” is an autobiographical novel by the Armenian prose writer Stepan Zoryan. The first book was published in 1934, and the second in 1939, on the eve of the war.

The novel opens with a lyrical monologue in which Zoryan alludes to the autobiographical nature of his narrative. The Story of One Life tells about a boy named Suren and his poor family. His parents dream that their son will become an intelligent and worthy person and continue his studies in Tiflis (Tbilisi).

The work narrates the trials, hardships, and loves of life. On his way to Tiflis, Suren befriends a boy named Tigran, who becomes his constant companion throughout his studies. At first, Suren stays at the home of his relative, Uncle Shamir, and later rents an apartment with his friend. To pay for their housing and education, they tutor the landlord’s children. Tigran enters the Nersisian School, while Suren searches for other kinds of work and, over time, discovers a new vocation for himself — writing.