The most famous Bulgarian writer, about the relationship with Romania: “The most difficult form of curiosity is that towards your neighbor”
The most successful Bulgarian writer of the moment, Gheorghi Gospodinov, will participate in the Bookfest International Book Fair, which will be held in Bucharest, at Romexpo, from June 3-7, 2026. At this edition of Bookfest, Bulgaria is an honored guest.
“The most difficult form of curiosity is that of your neighbor, the one with whom you share geographical and historical proximity. It's time to tell each other's stories and read each other's stories. Literature can do simple but essential things: provide meaning, build memory and empathy, become an antidote to propaganda. When we tell our stories, we postpone, in a way, the end. In today's world, this is more important than ever. It is an honor for us to have Bulgarian literature at the center of Bookfest 2026. Let us share our stories and listen to yours. Happy new year!”, Gheorghi Gospodinov conveyed to the Romanian public, through a press release.
In a recent interview with HotNews, the Bulgarian writer talked about the past traumas and the present challenges that Romanians and Bulgarians share. “You and I lived in times when we were promised a brilliant future. Now they are trying to promise us a brilliant or glorious past. We must not let ourselves be deceived again. They are empty promises,” Gospodinov said then about the nostalgia turned into a weapon in this part of Europe.
Gospodinov's most recent book, “The Gardener and Death”, recently appeared in Romanian, in the Anansi imprint of Trei Publishing House.
Bookfest 2026. Bulgaria, guest of honor
At Bookfest 2026, Romanian readers and publishers will be able to discover contemporary Bulgarian literature, which has become increasingly visible on the international scene. Contemporary Bulgarian writers enjoy global attention, and their works appear more and more often in the international publishing space. An important moment was Georgi Gospodinov winning the Booker International Prize in 2023, as well as the nomination of writer Rene Karabash for this year's edition.
“Bulgaria has a culture that, although geographically and historically very close to us, still remains insufficiently known here. My hope is that this edition of Bookfest will help us discover it better. Even if it is one of the most complex editions so far, I am confident that Bulgaria will give us the opportunity to fully enjoy very good literature and discover outstanding authors.
Literature and books remain, in the end, bridges between people and cultures, bringing us closer to each other through the stories we share,” said Grigore Arsene, president of the Romanian Publishers Association.
Bulgaria's participation as guest of honor will include, in addition to events dedicated to literature, presentations of the contemporary Bulgarian literary landscape, analyzes of the book market and discussions on publishing trends. Opportunities for grants and funding programs will also be addressed, as well as topics related to residencies for writers and translators, literary festivals and exchange programs,” the organizers said in a statement.
The 19th edition of the Bookfest International Book Fair will take place at Romexpo between June 3 and 7, 2026. Visiting hours are between 10:00 and 20:00 on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 10:00 to 21:00 on Friday and Saturday. The Bulgarian stand, made with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria and organized by the Bulgarian Book Association (BBA), will be located in Pavilion B2.
