If you’re looking for books about Bulgaria, there’s a wide range of powerful stories and insightful nonfiction to explore.
From novels and short stories that capture everyday life and national identity to historical works that explain Bulgaria’s past, these books offer a rich way to understand the country.
Whether you’re interested in personal memoirs, literary fiction, or cultural history, the following titles highlight Bulgaria’s unique voice in world literature.
- 1. Border: A Journey to the Edge of Europe by Kapka Kassabova
- 2. East of the West: A Country in Stories by Miroslav Penkov
- 3. Bai Ganyo: Incredible Tales of a Modern Bulgarian by Aleko Konstantinov
- 4. Under the Yoke by Ivan Vazov
- 5. Natural Novel by Georgi Gospodinov
- 6. Wild Tales by Nikolai Haitov
- 7. Road to Freedom: Poems by Geo Milev
- 8. The Shadow Land by Elizabeth Kostova
- 9. A Ballad for Georg Henig by Viktor Paskov
- 10. Everything Happens as it Does by Albena Stambolova
- 11. Wolf Hunt by Ivailo Pretov
- 12. You Can Smile on Wednesdays by Zdravka Evtimova
- Nonfiction Works on Bulgaria
- More Books About Bulgaria
- Read Around the World Challenge
- Travel Essentials
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1. Border: A Journey to the Edge of Europe by Kapka Kassabova
In this evocative memoir, Kapka Kassabova retraces her childhood in Bulgaria, journeying through the borderlands between Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. She intertwines personal memories with historical narratives, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and the remnants of the Iron Curtain.
“You stand in a portal. Now you’re mortal, now you’re not. Now it’s you, now it’s everyone who passed here before you.”
About the Author
Kapka Kassabova was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, and now resides in the Scottish Highlands. She is the author of several poetry collections, numerous travel essays, and the acclaimed memoir Street Without a Name.
2. East of the West: A Country in Stories by Miroslav Penkov
This collection of short stories offers a glimpse into the lives of Bulgarians, both within the country and in the diaspora. Penkov’s narratives blend the surreal with the real, capturing the essence of Bulgarian culture and the complexities of its history.
“I thought how much I wanted to be like the river, which had no memory, and how little like the earth, which could never forget.”
About the Author
Miroslav Penkov was born in Gabrovo, Bulgaria, and moved to the United States at the age of 18. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing and is a professor of creative writing at the University of North Texas.
Read Next: Learn how to listen to audiobooks on Spotify here.
3. Bai Ganyo: Incredible Tales of a Modern Bulgarian by Aleko Konstantinov
Translated by Victor A. Friedman and Christina E. Kramer
Aleko Konstantinov introduces readers to Bai Ganyo, a satirical character embodying the flaws and virtues of the Bulgarian national character. Through his travels across Europe, Bai Ganyo’s adventures serve as a critique of Bulgarian society and its aspirations.
About the Author
Aleko Konstantinov (1863–1897) was a Bulgarian writer and satirist. He is best known for creating the character Bai Ganyo, which has become an iconic figure in Bulgarian literature.
4. Under the Yoke by Ivan Vazov
Set during the Ottoman Empire’s rule over Bulgaria, this historical novel portrays the struggles and resilience of the Bulgarian people leading up to the April Uprising of 1876. It is considered the national epic of Bulgaria.
“The brave man is not he who does not feel fear, but he who conquers it.”
About the Author
Ivan Vazov (1850–1921) is regarded as the national poet of Bulgaria. His works, particularly Under the Yoke, have had a profound impact on Bulgarian literature and national identity.
5. Natural Novel by Georgi Gospodinov
Translated by Zornitsa Hristova
This experimental novel explores the life of a young writer in post-communist Bulgaria, blending elements of fiction and autobiography. It delves into themes of memory, identity, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing society.
“We will never be loved as much as we were when we were children. This is why childhood is such a cruel time. Its cruelty is in what will come later. Where does this love go after that? Why do we spend the rest of our lives wanting to be loved as we once were? for no other reason than that we exist?”
About the Author
Georgi Gospodinov is a Bulgarian writer and poet. His works have been translated into multiple languages, and he has received numerous literary awards, including the International Booker Prize. Other famous works by him include The Story Smuggler, The Physics of Sorrow and Time Shelter.
6. Wild Tales by Nikolai Haitov
This collection of short stories captures the essence of rural Bulgarian life, filled with folklore, superstition, and the complexities of human nature. Haitov’s narratives offer a window into the traditions and struggles of the Bulgarian countryside.
About the Author
Nikolai Haitov (1919–2002) was a Bulgarian writer and screenwriter. His works often focused on the lives of ordinary Bulgarians and the challenges they faced.
Read Next: Learn more about how to listen to audiobooks and read e-books with Everand in my full Everand review here.
7. Road to Freedom: Poems by Geo Milev
Geo Milev’s poetry collection reflects the tumultuous period of early 20th-century Bulgaria, touching upon themes of revolution, freedom, and the human condition. His works are marked by their emotional depth and political consciousness.
About the Author
Geo Milev (1895–1925) was a Bulgarian poet, journalist, and revolutionary. His works have been influential in Bulgarian literature and political thought.
8. The Shadow Land by Elizabeth Kostova
An American woman in Bulgaria discovers an urn containing the ashes of a man who died under mysterious circumstances. Her quest to return the urn to his family leads her through Bulgaria’s complex history and her own personal journey.
“In your country you don’t care about history, and in my country we cannot recover from it.”
About the Author
Elizabeth Kostova is an American novelist best known for her debut novel The Historian. She has received numerous literary awards for her works.
9. A Ballad for Georg Henig by Viktor Paskov
A Ballad for Georg Henig is a poignant narrative that delves into the life of Georg Henig, a violinist whose journey intertwines with the tumultuous history of Eastern Europe. The novel explores themes of identity, the impact of war, and the enduring power of music.
About the Author
Viktor Paskov is a Bulgarian author known for his deep explorations of human emotions and historical contexts. His works often reflect the complexities of life in Eastern Europe during the 20th century.
10. Everything Happens as it Does by Albena Stambolova
Translated by Olga Nikolova
In this novella, Stambolova presents a series of interconnected lives, each marked by chance encounters and unforeseen consequences. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, emphasizing the randomness and inevitability of life’s events.
“Nobody has taught us how to marvel, and that is why no one knows what marvel is.”
About the Author
Albena Stambolova is a Bulgarian writer whose works often explore the intricacies of human relationships and the complexities of modern life.
11. Wolf Hunt by Ivailo Pretov
Wolf Hunt is a gripping tale that blends elements of folklore and modern storytelling. The novel follows a group of individuals as they embark on a perilous journey, confronting both external dangers and internal demons.
About the Author
Ivailo Pretov is a Bulgarian writer known for his vivid storytelling and ability to weave traditional elements into contemporary narratives.
12. You Can Smile on Wednesdays by Zdravka Evtimova
This collection of short stories offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Bulgarians, capturing moments of joy, sorrow, and the complexities of daily life. Evtimova’s writing is characterized by its empathy and keen observation.
About the Author
Zdravka Evtimova is a Bulgarian author whose works have been translated into several languages. She is known for her insightful portrayals of human nature and the nuances of Bulgarian society.
Nonfiction Works on Bulgaria
The Shortest History of Bulgaria by Nikolay Ovcharov
Ovcharov provides a concise overview of Bulgaria’s history, from its ancient roots to its modern developments. The book offers insights into the nation’s cultural heritage and historical milestones.
About the Author
Nikolay Ovcharov is a Bulgarian archaeologist and historian, renowned for his work on the ancient history of Bulgaria.
A Concise History of Bulgaria by R.J. Crampton
Crampton’s work offers a comprehensive yet succinct account of Bulgaria’s history, covering its political, social, and cultural evolution. The book serves as an essential resource for understanding the complexities of Bulgarian history.
About the Author
R.J. Crampton is a British historian specializing in Eastern European studies, particularly the history of Bulgaria.
Imagining the Balkans by Maria Todorova
Todorova examines the construction of the “Balkan” identity, exploring how historical narratives and stereotypes have shaped perceptions of the region. The book challenges readers to reconsider the biases associated with the Balkans.
“The Balkans are Europe’s ‘Other within,’ a mirror reflecting the continent’s own contradictions.”
About the Author
Maria Todorova is a Bulgarian historian and professor, recognized for her work on Balkan history and identity.
Princes Amongst Men: Journeys with Gypsy Musicians by Garth Cartwright
Cartwright embarks on a journey through Eastern Europe, immersing himself in the lives and music of Romani musicians. The book offers a rich tapestry of stories, highlighting the cultural contributions and challenges faced by the Romani community.
About the Author
Garth Cartwright is a British writer and journalist, known for his works on music and culture.
The Balkans by Mark Mazower
Mazower provides an in-depth analysis of the Balkans’ history, focusing on the region’s complex interplay of politics, culture, and identity. The book offers insights into the challenges and transformations that have shaped the Balkans.
“The Balkans are a crossroads of civilizations, where histories converge and diverge.”
About the Author
Mark Mazower is a British historian specializing in European history, particularly the Balkans.
Read Next: Looking for a different way to read? Check out these 18 ways to access audiobooks and e-books for free.
More Books About Bulgaria
These works collectively offer a multifaceted view of Bulgaria and the Balkans, encompassing both fictional narratives and scholarly analyses. They provide readers with a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history, complex identities, and the enduring spirit of its people.
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Read Around the World Challenge
Are you a wanderlusting bookworm? A digital nomad? An armchair traveller? Or all of the above? Me too. Whether you want to understand places at a deeper level or diversify you bookshelf, this challenge is for you.
And at a time when division and misunderstanding dominate headlines, I think reading the world offers a quiet but powerful form of resistance. It invites us to listen, to learn, and to appreciate the nuance of human experience from every corner of the globe.
Are you up for the challenge? Ok, let’s go…
Your Literary Passport: The Travel Reading Journal
I’ve also created a Travel Reading Journal, which is a companion for documenting your literary adventures.
Fantastic Books & Where to Find Them
For more of what to read where, check out my full Travel Books Guide, filled with book recommendations for different destinations, the most beautiful bookstores around the world, tips on how to get the best deals on audiobooks and e-books, as well as more literary travel.
Travel Essentials
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi (learn more about Kiwi travel hacking here).
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki (learn more about Genki digital nomad health insurance here).
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
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