Premiere of "American Triptych" by Lyudmila Kaloyanova in Chicago
On 12 April 2025. Centre "Bulgarica" was filled with warmth, word and light. On this spring evening, the Bulgarian community in Chicago met the author Lyudmila Kaloyanova and her new novel "American Triptych"which was presented for the first time outside Bulgaria.
After successful premieres in several Bulgarian cities in the summer and autumn of 2024, the book found its way to readers in the USA. In Chicago, in the heart of the Bulgarian diaspora, it came to life again - through the words of the author and the moderators of the event - Vasil Slavov and Kalina Tomova.
The hall of "Bulgarica" was filled with people who came with desire to touch the characters of the bookto the thoughts and emotions woven into it. Excerpts were heard, full of depth and a sense of personal experience. The word echoed in the silence of those listening, as if everyone found a piece of themselves in it.
A particularly exciting moment of the evening was the presentation of the NIKE statuette of Lyudmila Kaloyanova on behalf of The League of Bulgarian Writers in the USA and Worldwide - recognition for her contribution to Bulgarian literature across borders.
For Bulgarica Cultural Center this meeting was not only a literary event, but also a celebration of the Bulgarian spirituality, of the community that lives, creates and is inspired abroad. April is a month saturated with cultural events, but this evening left a mark - with its power and light.
After the formal part, the evening continued with cocktails, talks and of course - autographs. Many of the guests left with several books, embracing the word as a treasured memory. And as someone shared: "To leave with a book in your hands, written by a fellow countryman - this is a personal encounter with yourself."
We thank Lyudmila Kaloyanova, Vasil Slavov and Kalina Tomova for their presence and inspiration.
Thank you also to everyone who was part of this special evening.
Until new meetings under the roof of "Bulgarica" - where the Bulgarian spirit lives and creates, even far from the homeland.
