Georgi Gospodinov’s novel “Time Shelter,” translated by Angela Rodel, has made history as the first Bulgarian novel to win the prestigious International Booker Prize 2023. The book tells the story of a unique clinic that offers unconventional treatment to Alzheimer’s patients by allowing them to revisit various iconic moments from different decades.
The jury, chaired by Leïla Slimani, praised the novel for its irony, melancholy, and exploration of the contemporary question of memory loss. Gospodinov’s work delves into the profound impact of disappearing memories on individuals’ identities and personal narratives. It also serves as a reflection on Europe, a continent in need of a future, where the past is reinvented, and nostalgia becomes a poison.
The author expressed that the inspiration for writing the book stemmed from the feeling that something was amiss in the fabric of time, particularly after the events of 2016. Gospodinov observed the rise of populism and the manipulation of the past for political gain in both the United States and Europe. This motivated him to explore the idea of “referendums on the past” and highlight the empty promises of both communism and populism.
Translator Angela Rodel emphasized the importance of translation and its ability to bring different voices and melodies together. She hoped that winning the prize would shed a spotlight on Bulgarian literature, which has often been overlooked on the global literary stage. Rodel also criticized the belief in the English-speaking world that translations are inferior to original works, emphasizing the need to challenge this viewpoint and embrace diverse voices.
“Time Shelter” triumphed over five other novels on the shortlist, securing its place as a groundbreaking literary work.
