Insights Into the Inexplicable Physics of Sorrow

This November, Buch Wien 2019 set the stage for contemporary Bulgarian literature. Following Traduki’s invitation, the Bulgarian writers Georgi Gospodinov and Yordanka Beleva were in the city, and with the collaboration of BKI Haus Wittgenstein, Rumjana Zacharieva joined the two authors to discuss the literary scene in Sofia and Bulgaria and how “literature keeps producing and developing empathy”. Overall six readings took place, four at the book fair as well as two evening events, at the BKI Haus Wittgenstein and the Austrian Society for Literature. Through the authors’ words and texts it was confirmed once more, that the rich literary tradition of Bulgaria is continued to be written, rewritten, and spun into many a tale. The Viennese public listened enraptured, for in the end, as Georgi Gospodinov put it once, “we are made of the books we have read”.

The events at the Vienna Book Fair also symbolised a heartfelt and warm welcome to the newest member in the midst of the Traduki family, Bulgaria.