A Bulgarian-American writer's latest work weaves together three generations of immigrant experience, communist escape, and supernatural encounters in a story that has already captured multiple literary honors before its official release.
Kiril Kristoff's "Crossing Borders & Generations: One Man's Journey to Search for His Ukrainian, Greek & Bulgarian Roots" follows the parallel journeys of Grandpa George, who fled Bulgaria's communist regime, and his grandson Alex as they navigate both earthly struggles and spiritual realms. The novel, which earned the Literary Titan Gold Book Award and finalist positions in the International Impact Book Awards' Fiction and Historical Fiction categories, represents a deeply personal exploration of Eastern European immigrant identity in America.
The story centers on George's escape from communist Bulgaria and his determination to build a new life in America during the Cold War era. Starting from nothing, George works his way up to eventually open Nick's Auto Repair on Coney Island Avenue in South Brooklyn, where his first son, Nick, is born at Coney Island Hospital on Ocean Parkway. His journey mirrors the experiences of countless immigrants who pursued the American dream despite overwhelming obstacles.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn when both George and Alex fall into comas following a tragic accident. In this suspended state between life and death, they encounter Saint George and must confront Vasiliy, a demon and Bolshevik ancestor determined to destroy their family legacy. These supernatural elements bridge past and present, examining how faith and cultural identity persist across generations.
- 5.0 out of 5 stars
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- Captivating Story
- Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2025
- This is a captivating historical novel about a grandfather's journey from Bulgaria to America in hopes of a better life. Readers will experience Grandpa George's trip to America alone and the new challenges he faces as an immigrant starting over and making a life for himself. The author perfectly captures the emotions and complexities of the characters, as well as Grandpa George's unique bond with his grandson. The world-building and vivid setting truly keep you engaged throughout the whole book. This heartwarming and compassionate story is full of family love and is all about honoring where you came from. Recommended.
- 4.0 out of 5 stars
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- Interesting read!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2025
- I love how the author included personal experiences, history, culture, the Bible, and current events. He gave so many details about each character and what was happening that you feel right there. It's an interesting read!
- 5.0 out of 5 stars
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- Touching and Inspiring
- Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2025
- This is a heartfelt, beautifully told story about family, resilience, and staying connected to your roots. It follows Grandpa George’s journey from Bulgaria to America as he starts over and builds a new life. The bond between him and his grandson is touching, and the writing pulls you in with vivid details and emotion. It’s a warm, thoughtful read that sticks with you. Definitely recommend
- 5.0 out of 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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- 🇧🇬🤝🇩🇴
- Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2025
- Rarely is such a unique perspective laid out so vividly. As someone from an immigrant family, I deeply resonated with this book. Whether your roots are in the Balkans, the Caribbean, or elsewhere. The experience of coming to America and assimilating while carrying the weight of your homeland’s history is both a harrowing and exhilarating journey. This book captures that duality with remarkable depth.
- 4.0 out of 5 stars
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- A Powerful Journey Through Family History
- Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2025
- Crossing Borders and Generations is a heartfelt story about a man searching for his Ukrainian, Greek, and Bulgarian roots. The author brings his family’s past to life with emotion and care. His journey through history, war, and migration is moving and inspiring. Anyone interested in ancestry, culture, or personal stories of resilience will enjoy it.
- 5.0 out of 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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- A powerful testament to the immigrant experience
- Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024 and the bonds that connect generations across time and space.
Kristoff's literary work draws heavily from his own immigrant experience. The author spent his first 27 years in Bulgaria before immigrating to the United States, eventually settling in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, before moving to New Jersey with his wife and three children. His background as a physical therapist and acupuncturist, with a postgraduate degree in Oriental Medicine from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture in New York City, brings a unique perspective to his writing about the intersection of physical and spiritual journeys.
The novel garnered significant recognition even before its wide release. In addition to the Literary Titan Gold Book Award for Fiction in March 2025 and the International Impact Book Awards finalist positions, the work received honors from the Indies Today Awards in 2024. The Philadelphia Journal has featured Kristoff's contributions to Bulgarian immigrant literature in the diaspora, noting his role in preserving and sharing Eastern European cultural narratives.
Kristoff originally published his memoirs in Bulgaria before adapting them into English with assistance from his son Kris. This collaborative effort reflects the intergenerational themes throughout his fiction, where family connections transcend borders and time.
The author has expressed hopes that "Crossing Borders & Generations" will eventually reach audiences through film adaptation, with a concept video currently in development for Angel Studios. This multimedia approach aligns with Kristoff's stated mission to educate and inspire readers about the resilience of immigrant communities and the enduring power of cultural heritage.
The novel joins a growing body of literature examining the Eastern European immigrant experience in America, particularly focusing on communities that settled in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach neighborhood. By incorporating elements of historical fiction, memoir, time travel, out-of-body experiences, and afterlife encounters, Kristoff creates a narrative that operates on multiple levels while remaining grounded in the very real struggles of immigrant families.
"Crossing Borders & Generations" is now available through the author's website and major book retailers. The work is a personal testament to one family's journey and a broader exploration of how immigrant communities maintain their cultural identities while building new lives in America.
About the Author
Website: https://booksbykirilkristoff.com/
Kiril Kristoff is a storyteller whose work reflects his deep appreciation for cultural heritage and personal resilience. Through his writing, he hopes to inspire readers to reflect on their own stories and find strength in their roots.
For more information, reach out to the author’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest pages. His other books can be found here. More so, the author can be found at Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and X.
