In "The Gimmicks," Chris McCormick weaves an intricate tapestry of love, betrayal, and the shadows of history that linger in the lives of three young Armenians against the backdrop of the Cold War's dying embers. This sweeping epic journeys from the heart of Soviet Armenia to the vast expanses of Europe and the sun-drenched streets of Southern California, all while grappling with the enduring legacy of the Armenian Genocide. Through the eyes of Ruben, a solitary figure obsessed with backgammon and the haunting memory of his ancestors' suffering, we are plunged into a story of deep emotional resonance, exploring the bonds of family and the corrosive power of vengeance. As Ruben's path diverges into the murky waters of extremism in pursuit of historical acknowledgment, the novel also intricately explores the lives of Avo, his larger-than-life cousin, and Mina, his childhood rival and unexpected friend. Their intertwined destinies, marked by Ruben's radical choices, unfold in surprising and heart-wrenching ways, revealing the complex interplay between personal loyalties and the inescapable pull of the past. McCormick masterfully shifts perspectives, introducing us to a cast of characters as rich and varied as the landscapes they inhabit, including the unforgettable Terry “Angel Hair” Krill, a former Navy man turned wrestler, whose life intersects with the protagonists' in profound and lasting ways. "The Gimmicks" stands as a mesmerizing testament to the power of storytelling, inviting us to reflect on the spectacles of history and the intimate scars they leave on individual lives.