Svilengrad's public library hosted the launch of "Forgiveness Is Not Trust", the debut novel by writer Kalina Moneva. The literary evening was part of the festival marking Svilengrad Day on October 5, and drew a large crowd of book lovers.
Among the guests was academician Marin Kadiev, head of the Union of Independent Writers in Bulgaria. He gave the manuscript high praise and helped get it published. At the event, he spoke at length about the book's themes, saying it deals with humanity, love, and a woman's ability to stay true to herself, whatever hurdles life throws at her.
"Svilengrad has always been close to my heart," Moneva told the audience. Born in Dimitrovgrad, she has kept a strong bond with Svilengrad, where close relatives of hers live. She said she spent her childhood summers in the town, visiting her aunt.
The town also features in the novel itself — the story opens there, in the Garata neighbourhood. Moneva said the book took her two full years to write, and that "Forgiveness Is Not Trust" only became possible as her literary debut after she retired.
In the story, Moneva takes on trauma, guilt and love, along with the political culture and corruption of Bulgaria's transition years. Through her characters' lives, she looks at human relationships and the mark that painful experiences leave behind. She also looks at people's inner strength to keep going despite what they have been through.
Svilengrad's deputy mayor, Svetlana Dinkova-Margaritova, also attended the event.