Two literary events take place in Burgas this evening, both starting at 6 p.m. Yancho Cholakov will discuss his non-fiction account of the pandemic, "Covid Ward," at the House of the Writer, while Dencho Mihov will present his critical collection "Literary Meridians. What Is Being Written Here and Now" at the Yavorov Regional Library.
A Departure for Cholakov
"Covid Ward" marks a sharp turn for Cholakov, whose previous work has centred on magical realism, fantasy and alternate history. According to the source, it is his first book entirely outside science fiction. The text is a non-fiction account of the coronavirus pandemic told through the author's own experience, and Cholakov says he wanted to describe the epidemic as he personally witnessed it while receiving oxygen therapy. The book is dedicated to relatives and friends who died during the crisis.
Cholakov made his literary debut in 1984, founded the Ofir publishing house, and has won the Graviton award and the Petko Rosen plaque. His launch is organised by the Science Fiction Club and the Salty Winds association as part of the Autumn Literary Festival programme.
A Map of Contemporary Voices
Mihov's collection gathers literary reviews that examine recent writing critically. It is organised in three parts: poetry, fiction, and titles that won the Equilibrium award. The editor is Elitsa Dubarova. Literary critic Petya Staneva, quoted in the source, reads the collection as a portrait of a community and of the man who chose to observe it closely, describing it as a map of today's many literary voices.
Publisher and Practical Details
The launch is organised by Libra Scorp, a publisher run by Mihov himself. Mihov is an associate professor of chemistry at Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov University, and until now he has published mainly specialist scientific and teaching literature through his own imprint. Entry to the library launch is free.