The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker, Book Review

~ Veselin ~ 4 Comments

The struggle with the story of the golem and the jinni was real. Over the course of 620 pages, two theoretically enslaved magical creatures fight for building their identity, freedom, and personal growth. The writing style reminds of the tales of Scheherazade. It’s slow-paced and enchanting.

The book itself is a work of art: hardcover, high-quality paper, large print, and beautiful full-color page edges. It’s definitely one of the most beautifully designed books I’ve read recently. Many thanks to everyone involved in its production.

The story unfolds slowly. For a five-star rating, the plot could’ve been trimmed down to 300 pages. Most secondary characters didn’t need to die.

4*/5 but thanks to the beautiful print, the book already has a new home.

Cherni Vrah

~ Veselin ~ 5 Comments

I was lucky to have the first successful hike for the year. We did two in the winter but the weather was windy and unpleasant and we got nowhere. There’s still some snow here and there, just enough to enter your shoes. The weather was very warm – t-shirt, sun screen, and winter boots type of weather.

I’m thankful I was able to do this. 15k steps, roughly 3h.

National Theatre Ivan Vazov

~ Veselin ~ 16 Comments

My daily walk got me to this iconic place in Sofia, which I frequently feature here. It’s probably the prettiest area in the city, although I see some competition forming around Doctor’s Garden and some other places. It’s dominated by tourists during the day and by young locals drinking beer during the night.

Some trivia, in case you get there:

  • There’s a dude selling expensive balloons who wears shorts from April. You see a dude selling balloons with shorts, it means the spring is here. It can be freezing cold, doesn’t matter.
  • There are older men playing chess. Some coins get exchanged, playing is not free.
  • The best place to visit within this garden, apart from the benches with this particular view, is the City Gallery. I’ve never regretted visiting it.
  • One of the best vegetarian restaurants is just behind (and to the left), called Satsanga
  • Starbucks Srebarna is good but doesn’t have a nice toilet, you’d be happier visiting one of the two McDonalds in the area