site.btaAngela Rodel Presents English-language Edition of Vera Mutafchieva's The Case of Cem in Sofia

The English translation of  the the 20th-century Bulgarian classic, The Case of Cem, was presented in Sofia on Thursday evening. The event on the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the birth of the author, Vera Mutafchieva, was organized by National Endowment Fund 13 Centuries Bulgaria (NDF).

Translator Angela Rodel said she felt a great sense of responsibility to be Mutafchieva's voice in English. She shared that this is the second book by a deceased author she has worked on, which turned out to be very difficult. She pointed to the translation of Turkish words as a challenge.

"She is perhaps one of the few people who during her life managed to overcome the gravity of earthly prejudices," said Vice President Iliyana Iotova about Vera Mutafchieva. She defined her as a "rich personality" who left a very significant mark on Bulgarian literature and recent history.

"Vera Mutafchieva is one of the giants of our literature," said Bisera Yosifova, Executive Director of the NDF.

Kin Stoyanov, Director of the Hristo Botev culture and education channel at the Bulgarian National Radio, and screenwriter Antoineta Bachurova shared their memories with Vera Mutafchieva. Bachurova said that she will remember the "devilish fire" in her eyes.

At the presentation, a documentary film about the writer based on a script by Antoineta Bachurova was screened. She mentioned that it was structured similarly to the novel The Case of Cem and includes viewpoints of her characters as well as a portrait interview with Vera Mutafchieva from 2006.