Vasil Lyutskanov to present his novel “Goodbye, Lavrak” in Pomorie

In the autumn of life, when the boat of memories drifts on the turbulent waters of the past, a Bulgarian writer invites his readers to say goodbye to the past and welcome the future. The poetic invitation is extended by Vasil Lyutskanov, who on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM, will present his new novel "Goodbye, Seabass" at the community center "Prosveta 1888" in Pomorie. The literary meeting will offer lovers of the written word an evening filled with "unexpected sea stories", as the author himself invites.

The event, which is awaited with great interest by the local cultural community, will be moderated by the artist Neli Todorova. The book will be presented by the publisher Ana Boyanova, who is also known as a poet, novelist, and musician.

The Creative Search for the Golden Vein

Vasil Lyutskanov is an artist with a deep mark on Bulgarian literature, and his work is described by the writer Zdravka Evtimova as a search for native gold. According to her, Lyutskanov is like a miner who searches for and finds gold ore to forge from it a ring whose value far exceeds the price of the metal. The beautiful jewels he creates shine with the craftsmanship of the artisan, leaving unforgettable stories.

Evtimova emphasizes that Lyutskanov's stories are at the same time "a search for, and a finding of the golden vein of sadness", but it is his talent and craftsmanship that give the works true value.

This is a craftsmanship that the writer has built over the years, publishing in almost all reputable Bulgarian publications, both before and after November 10, 1989. Lyutskanov's works have appeared in magazines such as "Rodna Rech", "More", and "Savremennik".

During his creative journey, he published two books of short stories and novellas in his early years – "Obtratni vlakove" (1987) and "Porselanovoto tsvete" (1991). After a 27-year literary break, Lyutskanov returns with two more books: "Dusshite ni stradat krasivo" (2022) and "Tretoto oko na Edip" (2024), once again proving his place in contemporary Bulgarian literature.

Insights into Life in "Goodbye, Seabass"

In her analysis of the new novel, Dr. Dobrina Topalova describes the book as a deeply personal narrative that at the same time possesses a universal charge. According to her, "It's inevitable – the times one by one drain away and with them your names from the past – Lavrak, Avral, Valche." She notes that in the novel, only imprints of life's drama remain – from the rebellions of youth and the absurdities of the army to the threats experienced as an investigative journalist.

The novel tells of the hero's return to his native Southern Sea, after he has gone through life's trials, including the loss of his wife and the separation from his sons. Dr. Topalova emphasizes that this return is a time for saying goodbye to bygone roles in life, but also a time for gratitude to those who remain – the son, the father, the man of the pen.

In "Goodbye, Seabass" a deep monologue unfolds, which leads the reader through the autumn of life, sending him to a sacred place – the Black Beach. There, time seems to stop, and the past and present embrace. According to Dr. Topalova, this is a place for peace, where the hero can fall silent with himself and pour himself out before the Sea. This is how the book is born – as a confession, inspired by the ironic dialogue with the hero from the author's previous work, Oedipus.

Despite the accumulated drama, the work strategically lowers its pathos, as even in the most tragic moments, life's wisdom emerges in a "life-affirming smile". Inspired by the words of the biblical Job and the testament of the fisherman Barba Yani, Lyutskanov's hero greets the autumn of his life with "light humility", as a natural part of existence, but also as a challenge.

The plot asks the question of whether the boat of life still sails whole on its path, despite the storms and rocks, symbolizing difficulties. Vasil Lyutskanov's novel offers not just a story, but a deep philosophical journey into the human soul, which is eagerly awaited by the literary community.

• Literary meeting in Pomorie
• Presentation of a new novel
• Vasil Lyutskanov
• Novel "Goodbye, Seabass"
• Community Center "Prosveta 1888"