Why Georgi Gospodinov’s novels resonate with readers around the world

The Physics of Sorrow

The narrator of 'The Physics of Sorrow' reflects on a time when he possessed the ability to be everything, to be all-encompassing, but in his later years, burdened by age and a perceived lack of talent, he seeks solace in collecting fragments of what was lost.

The novel's perplexing narrative style contributed to its widespread popularity and propelled it to become one of Europe's best-selling novels.

"I dislike conventional narratives that follow a linear path, from point A to point B. Life itself is not lived in straight lines. I aim to engage with readers by including side passages where the author and reader can converge," Gospodinov explained.

"This perhaps accounts for the novel's appeal to readers. Labelling it as a bestseller may be an overstatement; rather, it simply found its way into the hands of readers across the globe."

In 'The Physics of Sorrow', Gospodinov weaves together elements of autobiography, magical realism, and Greek mythology to recount the tale of the novel's protagonist, the Minotaur, who dwelled alone at the centre of the Labyrinth. According to legend, Minotaur is a fabulous monster of Crete that had the body of a man and the head of a bull.

The author explains the symbolism behind the Minotaur: "I sought to capture the profound emotions of sadness and solitude that permeated the 20th century, interwoven with my own childhood recollections. I chose to employ the character of the Minotaur, the epitome of profound loneliness." 

"In my interpretation, the Minotaur is not a monster, but a young child, somewhere between two and three years old, unjustly isolated in a basement merely due to his differences. The legend has treated him harshly."

"However, through cultivating empathy and reshaping the narrative, we can uncover the truth about the monsters inside of us. Within the Minotaur, we can discern the presence of a vulnerable child."

Works translated into over 25 languages

Bulgarian literature is rarely translated, but Gospodinov's works stand out as the most widely translated among his Bulgarian peers. His writings have been translated into over 25 languages, including Arabic.

In 2016, the novel, 'The Physics of Sorrow', was published and translated from Bulgarian by Nedelya Kitaeva, a childhood friend of the author.

"She is intimately familiar with my literary works and understands my style," Gospodinov said.

"It was not easy to translate The Physics of Sorrow's intricate text, but the Arabic version has received positive reviews and resonated with Arab readers."

Gospodinov expressed his profound admiration for Arabic literature, highlighting his upbringing on ancestral tales that bear resemblance to the timeless Arabic narratives found in One Thousand and One Nights. 

Time Shelter

Gospodinov's recent novel, 'Time Shelter', published in April 2020, explores the idea of establishing a secure space tailored for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. However, numerous healthy people express a desire to reside in this "clinic for the past," perceiving it as an ideal sanctuary.

I asked about the period when humanity collectively shared emotions and thoughts during the Covid-19 pandemic, yearning for the past and seeking a safe haven.

Gospodinov agreed.

"I finished writing the novel before the pandemic, but anxiety over the future and longing for the past have always been part of human nature."

"During the pandemic, anxiety consumed everyone, and prevailing unease lingered in the air because we lacked clarity about the unfolding events. We could sense an impending breaking point and realised that persisting in such a state was no longer viable." 

In the "clinic for the past," Dr. Gaustine, the protagonist, employs a psychological trick of creating artificial memories for his patients.

But how did Gospodinov come to write this novel?

He explains: "I dedicated considerable time to studying the disease, yet the true significance lies in how Alzheimer's disease has profoundly affected our entire society."

"It is crucial to delve into the coexistence of past and present within individuals, the profound losses caused by amnesia, and the interplay of time within and around us."

"Countless philosophical matters emerge when exploring memory and its connection to the past. Without memory, life becomes untenable, even on a fundamental biological level."

When asked about reconciling fiction with reality in his creative narratives, Gospodinov responds: "I don't consciously strive for it. It comes naturally to me, influenced by the stories that shaped my upbringing. It's my unique perspective on the world. I incorporate everyday life into my writing, seeking out the extraordinary."

Bulgarian influence

What role does Bulgaria, his home country, play in all of this?

Gospodinov maintains that the essence of his creative pursuits is often influenced by the history and culture of Bulgaria.

He explains: "The thoughts and emotions of individuals hold the utmost significance for me. I believe that a person's biography or life story holds greater significance to me than the grand narrative."

"I have consistently preferred intimate stories and have been deeply intrigued by the factors that contribute to an individual's happiness or discomfort. Bulgaria harbours countless untold stories that I aspire to bring to light."

Gospodinov, known for his poetry and novel writing, authored the first Bulgarian graphic novel, 'The Eternal Fly', which delved into themes of immortality and quest for power.

According to Gospodinov, "Across my entire collection of books, my objective is to shed light on the often-overlooked issues. In 'The Eternal Fly', I imagine a world where the housefly, rather than humans, takes centre stage."

"How would the culture, history, and mythology unfold in this alternative reality? Ironically, the seemingly inconspicuous fly emerges as an unforeseen superhero."

Multiple personalities

Gospodinov chose to assign the same name to the narrator in both 'Natural Novel' and 'The Physics of Sorrow'.

When discussing his perspective on this decision, he explains, "In Natural Novel, there are not just one, but three Georgi Gospodinov characters: a homeless man, a literary editor, and a deranged gardener and natural historian."

"I believe that I could embody any of them since we all have multiple personas within us. However, we are conditioned to feature only one character."

"There could be a writer with multiple personalities inside me, and I am not afraid to explore them. The different personalities are part of the main character in my novel, so there is no need to come up with different names."

Poetry

Gospodinov's debut poetry collection, 'Lapidarium', won the 1992 National Prize for Best Literary Debut.

"I started as a poet and continue to write poetry. Poetry, for me, teaches rhythm and sensitivity to the world. I lead an ordinary life in Bulgaria, just like I have in various corners of the world. I strive to stay grounded and compassionate amidst a crumbling world, finding solace in poetry," he explains. 

Importance of empathy and inspirations

When asked about his diagnosis of "obsessive empathetic-somatic syndrome" as a child and how it impacted him as an author, Gospodinov says: "I have indeed received a diagnosis of this syndrome, and I believe it continues to manifest in some way."

I just invented this diagnosis. But I believe it might exist.

"I am convinced that empathy is an essential trait for both authors and readers. In fact, empathy is a fundamental part of being human."

When asked about what inspires as an author he lists: "My childhood, my daughter, and the little joys of life, like a sunny day, a captivating melody, cherished memories, or the words of a book or poem."

He says admires all writers who exhibit a genuine concern for humanity and possess a vivid imagination – much like the stories of his grandmother, who can barely write her own name.

Process and future works

When asked about his writing process, Gospodinov said: "I don't have any rituals. Being alone in the room is sufficient for me."

"As for what next, I don't have specific projects lined up. I simply write whatever comes to mind first and go with it."