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An Unexpected Voyage
Crossing Borders and Generations follows an immigrant navigating life in America as he travels through time, uncovering his family’s past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My 1st book sequel genre is historical fiction, emigrant memoirs, time traveling, OBE, Out of Body Experience, Afterlife, Inspirational, Faith-based, storytelling from Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Greece & Bulgaria.
Crossing Borders and Generations and Afterlife Stories My Grandpa Told Me narrates an unexpected voyage bridging Heaven and Earth, unveiling our lost family history.
The narratives traverse our physical and spiritual borders, spanning generations, cultures, and ideologies, interweaving tales of emigration and international exploration.
Crossing Borders and Generations is a historical fiction memoir in which names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. A Testimony of Faithfulness to God, this memoir chronicles the family history spanning four generations across the Old and New World. It’s dedicated to the memory of Captain Georgiy Kakhovskiy, the author’s great-grandfather, who migrated from Kakhovka, Ukraine, in the Russian Empire to Ljubimetz, Bulgaria, in the Balkans in 1878. Following his ancestor’s footsteps, George embarked on his journey to America in 1952, precisely 460 years after discovering the New World.
Crossing Borders and Generations marks an astounding, stunning, and awe-inspiring narrative…” Angel Kolev, the President of the Bulgarian Writers League in America, commends the work for its profound exploration of heritage and migration.
“For the dreamers and do-gooders. For the weirdos, outsiders. For the curious ones who have the guts to be different and adventurous_ This historical fiction story of an immigrant is for you.” – Kiril Kristoff
Who are you? For Bulgarians, you are an American, yet for the Americans, you are an immigrant with Bulgarian roots. Sometimes, you linger as the passenger aboard the original flight from Paris to New York, from the old airport 70 years ago. Yes, the outset was daunting. George encountered numerous closed doors in Sofia but stood resolute, recognizing that yielding to fear and retreating home would equate to defeat.
He couldn’t come back. He committed treason. If he wanted to succeed, he had to burn the bridges to his past to escape.
He had to believe in the future.
Today, we read tales of talented Bulgarian writers. For the immigrant’s reality, the battle for survival is “pearls in the mud.” Real and miserable!
George always believed that to craft something beautiful, something authentic, he needed to use the ink of blood from his wounds. He had to sit in front of his computer and sense that he was metaphorically bleeding. Only when the final word had passed, and pain and anguish had become a shared experience in his life, could his writing be a genuine success. America was an “enigma” to our generation, a life mystery we couldn’t quite explain but had to navigate in our unique ways. After the fall of 1989 and the collapse of the wall, many Bulgarians resembled hungry sharks, confined in the Communist-Controlled aquarium, suddenly set loose into the treacherous and untamed ocean. Each person had to find their own way of coping. In my personal experience, unless you had someone to guide you from the start, life as an immigrant was a tragedy. You were thrust into one ordeal after another. Overall, one had to endure several painful phases of adaptation:
The emotional pain from being separated from your parents, your siblings, and close friends, and your country.
The uncertainty is due to starting a life abroad, literally from scratch.
The painful sorrow is because of missing everything you knew before and being rejected for everything you tried before you were finally adopted.
This book represents the life of six generations, highlighting family members who are steadfast in identifying themselves as good ‘Bulgarians,’ particularly Ukrainians. George hails from a Russian noble family rooted in Kakhovka, Ukraine.
Within this historical narrative of two brothers, Georgiy Kakhovskiy emerges as a figure determined to uphold family traditions while remaining loyal to the Russian czar, symbolizing the grand empire that influenced a nation as small as Bulgaria and defeated the triumphed over the fading Ottoman Empire in the Balkans.
Remarkably, Captain Georgiy, the protector of his Christian brethren, settled his family in the shadow of the two mightiest empires, straddling the borders between Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. This decision starkly contrasted with his brother, Vasiliy Kakhovskiy, who harbored revolutionary fervor, actively engaging in the tumultuous events of the October Russian Revolution in 1917. Vasiliy emerged as a staunch Bolshevik leader and Stalin’s red commissar in the USSR, playing a pivotal role in shaping Socialism in
Bulgaria following the conclusion of World War II in September of 1944. The family name was altered to Kakhovskiy to embrace their new identity, reflecting a desire to assimilate more seamlessly into Bulgarian culture.
However, Georgiy Kakhovskiy was among the “lost generation,” forced to emigrate from Bulgaria during the communist regime’s grip. He ultimately sought refuge in America in 1948, where he adopted George Kakhovskiy. Like a boomerang, the next generations in his grandson will return to Socialism, a value he always tried to escape. One day, he returned to his birth country after the fall of the Berlin Wall, where he unearthed the missing fragments of his ancestors’ generational history. These revelations he shares with his grandson, Alex, against the backdrop of peculiar changes sweeping through America following its 2020 US Elections.
I firmly believe that my story is a compelling narrative, chronicling the unique struggles that I’ve overcome in pursuit of a brighter future. It is a testament to the true essence of bravery, sacrifice, perseverance, determination, and, perhaps most importantly, love. For many, this tale will offer newfound perspectives as I guide them beyond their comfort zones. For others, it may guide them to steer their lives and personal paths toward improvement.
I anticipate and hope my readers will be from all walks of life. Regardless of one’s origin or purpose, I am sure this story can tell—or contribute to—a universal truth. More than anything, I hope this book makes readers think more critically about their freedom, specifically. I know that at least one reader will understand that, though they, as humans, are entitled to freedom, it is still a great privilege they’ve been given to live under it and that such a thing is— in no way— free.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
My first book sequel, Crossing Borders and Generations, is memoirs, spanning historical fiction, time travel, afterlife exploration, and the immigrant experience, which are woven from the fabric of his own memories. The book delves into the intricate tale of the Kakhovskiy family, focusing on their trials and triumphs as immigrants in Brighton Beach, New York, and the City of Chicago. This narrative is a timeless tale of an immigrant grandfather finding his place in Brighton Beach, New York. While it may appear short and straightforward, its significance extends far beyond that moment. Delving into the journey of George’s family to America, the story explores the sacrifices and challenges they faced, ultimately shaping the trajectory of their family history—for better or for worse.
The story begins with George and his unwavering faith in his grandfather, Georgiy, and the revered military icon of Saint George. George shares with his grandson the profound significance of the icon and its storied history just before embarking on an otherworldly journey triggered by a harrowing car accident.
As they battle for survival in a coma, both George and Alex are granted a unique opportunity to journey through their family’s history, as well as George’s own. Throughout this extraordinary experience, George guides Alex, unraveling the significance of each moment and its profound implications. Alex gains insight into the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that shaped George and his lineage, paving the way for Alex’s present existence. From a younger, newly immigrated George, Alex learns the true meaning of perseverance and diligence with an open heart.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
My book Crossing Borders and Generations is a masterfully crafted fictional memoir that chronicles the lives of multiple generations of the Kakhovskiy family. At its heart is George Kakhovskiy, a Bulgarian native who, at just sixteen, escapes the oppressive grip of communism and emigrates to America. In this new world, he fights to survive, driven by the dream of a better future. However, through a surreal twist of fate following a car accident, George and his teenage grandson embark on an extraordinary, otherworldly journey—one that allows them to relive George’s past and trace the profound impact of immigration on their family’s history.
Using innovative narrative techniques elevates the storytelling, making George’s life unfold in an immersive and deeply emotional way. The supernatural journey shared by George and his grandson, Alex, serves as a compelling literary device, allowing readers to experience George’s struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices firsthand. More than a mere retelling, it becomes a deeply introspective exploration of generational resilience and the enduring consequences of leaving one’s homeland.
Themes of displacement, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American dream permeate the novel. As Alex observes his grandfather’s past, he gains an appreciation for the hardships George endured. The novel effectively captures this realization, and moments like these bridge the generational gap, transforming historical struggles into personal revelations.
One of the novel’s most striking elements is its ability to convey emotion through memory. The re-experiencing of George’s past does more than recount events, it immerses the reader in his emotional reality. The skill in translating raw emotion into words, allowing the reader to step into the mind of a man who has lived through exile, hardship, and ultimate resilience, is unmatched.
Beyond George’s personal journey, Crossing Borders and Generations skillfully examines how immigration shapes an entire lineage. The novel portrays the pain of separation, the struggle to adapt, and the complex emotional landscape that immigrants and their descendants navigate. George’s mental health, his son’s feelings of alienation, and the often-complicated father-son dynamic all intertwine to form a rich, multi-layered narrative. Yet, amid the adversity, the novel celebrates the enduring strength of the human spirit and the invaluable privilege of freedom—something often taken for granted by those born into it.
This novel is a captivating and inventive take on the memoir genre, skillfully blending fiction with personal history. Through its unique structure and poignant storytelling, Crossing Borders and Generations offers a compelling glimpse into Bulgaria’s past and the lived realities of those who sought a better future beyond its borders. Thought-provoking, deeply moving, and beautifully executed, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in immigration narratives, family sagas, and the timeless quest for belonging.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
His 1st book sequel, “ Crossing Borders and Generation,” received INCREDIBLE RECOGNITION, “Literary Titan – Book Award.” He is so grateful beyond words for the recognition bestowed upon his book with this fantastic award!
I am publishing my 2nd book sequel:” Finding Your Roots”; ‘One Man’s Journey to Discover His Ukrainian, Greek, and Bulgarian Roots’ and working on my website creation. My book will be available on Amazon very soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook
Meet George, a courageous immigrant who leaves behind the familiarity of his Bulgarian homeland to seek a better future in America. Experience his trials and triumphs as he navigates the complexities of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness in a new country, from the upheavals of war to the challenges of assimilation.
From working at the bottom rung of a car repair shop to building his own business, George’s journey embodies the struggle and perseverance of immigrants striving for success. As he grows old and becomes Grandpa George, his story intertwines with that of his grandson Alex, bridging the gap between traditional upbringing and modern American life.
Their relationship takes a transformative turn when a tragic accident leaves them both in a coma, guided by the spiritual presence of their Patron Saint Georgie and Grandpa Captain Georgiy. Together, they navigate the teachings of the saints while confronting Vasiliy the demon and George’s Bolshevik grand granduncle, who seeks to unravel their family’s legacy.
Based on true-life events, “Crossing Borders and Generations” offers a poignant commentary on the immigrant experience, the American dream, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through meticulous storytelling, author Kiril Kristoff weaves a captivating narrative that transcends time, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the sacrifices of those who came before us. Prepare to be transported through history and inspired by the extraordinary tale of love, resilience, and the enduring power of heritage.
CROSSING BORDERS AND GENERATIONS: One Man’s Journey To Search For His Ukrainian, Greek, And Bulgarian Roots
Kiril Kristoff’s Crossing Borders and Generations follows an epic journey of family, history, and identity. Blending memoir, historical fiction, and a touch of the spiritual, the book follows George, a Bulgarian immigrant, as he navigates life in America while uncovering his family’s past, spanning Ukraine, Greece, and Bulgaria. The story unfolds with surprising twists, including a near-death experience that enables George and his grandson Alex to travel through time, witnessing the hardships and victories of their ancestors—many of whom they had barely known existed. At its core, this is a book about survival, faith, and the sacrifices made by those who seek a better life—not just for themselves, but for the generations to come.
Kristoff’s writing shines when he details the harrowing realities of immigration and the emotional weight of exile. The depiction of George’s struggles in both communist Bulgaria and capitalist America is striking. One particularly moving passage describes his time in a Soviet-controlled Bulgaria, where food was scarce and hope even scarcer. His determination to escape, despite the risks, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Kristoff skillfully captures the isolation of an immigrant trapped between two worlds—too unfamiliar for his new home yet too transformed to return to his old one—compelled to forge a new identity in uncharted territory.
The novel’s structure is bold and unconventional. The blend of historical narrative, spiritual exploration, and generational storytelling creates a layered reading experience. The time-traveling, near-death elements feel jarring at times. While the afterlife journey adds a unique touch, it occasionally disrupts the story’s emotional momentum. For instance, the moment George and Alex find themselves in 1948 Bulgaria, reliving George’s youth, is gripping, but it sometimes overshadows the real-world immigrant experience, which is the book’s strongest element.
Kristoff’s prose is passionate and personal. His descriptions of family traditions, the immigrant experience, and the weight of history feel deeply authentic. The dialogue can sometimes be heavy-handed, particularly when characters serve as mouthpieces for historical exposition. At times, the book leans into overly sentimental moments, but given its themes of faith and family, this is forgivable. The storytelling is at its best when it lets the characters’ struggles speak for themselves, such as George’s heartbreaking survivor’s guilt over the friends he left behind in Bulgaria.
Crossing Borders and Generations is a deeply personal and ambitious novel that will resonate with those who appreciate stories of immigration, resilience, and family legacy. It’s a book for history lovers, for anyone who has ever felt caught between cultures, and for readers who enjoy narratives that mix reality with the metaphysical. Kristoff delivers a compelling story about the price of freedom and the power of remembering where we come from.
Pages: 399 | ASIN : B0CZJ5Q376
Detours in Time
Pamela Schloesser Canepa’s novel, Detours in Time, is anything but your run of the mill science fiction novel. It follows Professor Milton Braddock, who has conveniently developed a time-traveling car, and his assistant turned traveling companion, Tabitha (cutely nicknamed “Pinky” by the professor). The pairing of the older and more experienced Milt with young, spunky Tabitha will feel comfortably familiar to Doctor Who fans, as the two travel through time, encountering futuristic adventures as they begin to feel a bit closer than just friends. Though their time travels begin as scientific examinations into both the past and the future, Milt and Pinky’s present and future lives begin to unravel when they break their golden rule of not disturbing the future.
Canepa’s novel excels by creating three distinct time periods that each feel relatable to readers: 1997 (the “present” for Milt and Pinky), 2018, and 2047 (where most of the novel occurs). By creating a recent past setting, a practically present setting, and a not too distant future setting, Canepa creates a science fiction novel that relies on her well-developed plot and inter-character relationships rather than the spaceships, aliens, and high-tech gadgets of many science fiction works.
Detours in Time begins mid-adventure in 2047, without skipping a beat. Though 2047 is certainly more futuristic than what readers in 2017 experience in their daily lives, it is not so high-tech as to be completely beyond belief. But perhaps most shocking to readers will be how the citizens of 2047 describe the war that tore apart the United States in 2019, with reasons for division painfully realistic: “how tax money was spent, which citizen’s rights could or could not be limited and for what reason, the role of the military, who was allowed to immigrate into the country…” Milt and Pinky are aghast at the country’s divide, but readers’ hearts in 2017 will ache at the accuracy of what Canepa describes.
But, thankfully for readers, Canepa does not spend too much time dwelling on the demise of the United States, but rather takes a closer look at the questions that time travel inevitably brings: What happens when you interfere? Could a single action reroute history entirely? Are you better off not knowing? The last question is one that Pinky and Milt find themselves asking after they look into their own futures and decide to take a bite of the forbidden fruit: trying to change the future.
A truly five-star novel, Detours in Time is a well-written and interesting story with characters who are developed independently and whose relationships are carefully crafted, not flung together as if forced. Detours never stalls or bores readers, but it invests enough time in explanations and detail that it feels thought out. Readers will find Milt and Pinky’s 90s naïveté charming (What’s a text? What does it mean to swipe? Why would anyone eat food out of a truck?) but also eye-opening: how long ago were we asking those same questions ourselves? Milt and Pinky’s present is just twenty years in our past, which begs the question, what wonders or terrors does twenty years in our future hold? Canepa brings Detours In Time to a natural close, but leaves the door wide open for a second novel in the series, hopefully one that readers will not have to travel too far into the future to experience.
Pages: 305 | ASIN: B0711ZW6XF
LITERARY TITAN 