A Czech language and literature student has a crush on an older Englishman who works in Bulgaria. The realisation and non-realisation of their love happens through the journey of the heroine in Bulgaria and abroad but the most significant journey she undertakes is the one within herself.
Bachkovo monastery, Bansko, Melnik, Prague and the social and political crisis in Bulgaria make the background of this enchanting, exquisitely written story.
“Enchanting with the charm of youthful discovery, the book is a light and fascinating read which might make the unseduced reader not to notice its underwater currents. It is a delicate flower whose beauty veils the stony soil from which it grew up. And we are amazed by the ability of this fledgling author to be able to achieve entertainment and depth with such ease.
But perhaps this is a sign of youth. Of the talented youth.”
Hristo Dimitrov – Hindo, More literary magazine
“Almost Intimately‘’ both describes and personifies a young girl’s steps into womanhood. The language is innocent, excited and vulnerable, with tantalising glimpses of the person she will become. The plot is set in the flush of post communist Bulgaria, and subtly evokes the parallel changes in how that society sees it itself.”
Phil Madden, poet and writer
“The story, written from a female perspective, describes the search for self-perfection, the refusal to be bound by routine and to accept that human relationships can be fruitless, with overcoming transience in a search of a real friendship – a friendship which paradoxically contains both lasting bitterness and reconciliation.”
Rumen Spasov, Azbuki literary newspaper
“Almost Intimately” /excerpt .pdf format/