Georgi N. Nikolov on “The Secret of the Silver Thread” by Kalina Tomova.pdf

Kalina Tomova’s novel The Secret of the Silver Thread (2012) is a profound spiritual and psychological work that invites readers to explore the mystery of life, death, and the afterlife. In this insightful article by Georgi N. Nikolov, originally published in Bulgaria Sega newspaper, Tomova’s novel is presented as “a story of impossible possibilities,” blending fiction, theology, philosophy, and deep emotional insight.

Tomova, a Bulgarian poet and writer based in Chicago, is already known for her poetry and short stories. In this ambitious novel, she takes the reader into a world where the spiritual and material realms intertwine. The story follows characters like Kati, Alisa, Dr. Stoyanov, and the lovers Iliyan and Violeta as they navigate both earthly and metaphysical challenges. Through a dramatic accident and a supernatural encounter, the novel explores the silver thread that connects body and soul—a metaphor for the invisible bond between this world and the next.

Nikolov praises Tomova’s ability to merge spiritual awakening, poetic narrative, and social commentary, offering a novel that is at once deeply human and divinely inspired. The characters grapple with grief, love, and transformation, ultimately discovering that the soul's journey does not end with physical death. Themes of reincarnation, divine mission, and cosmic harmony are central to this work, positioning it as a rare contribution to contemporary Bulgarian literature.

The article highlights Tomova’s role as both a literary figure and a modern-day messenger of spiritual values. She challenges readers to look within, to awaken to the fragrance of goodness, and to rediscover the essential truths that modern life often hides.

1. Georgi N. Nikolov on “The Secret of the Silver
Thread” by Kalina Tomova
Kalina Tomova, who lives in Chicago, is well known to Bulgarian readers for her poetry and short literary works
published in periodicals. Now, we are presented with her novel The Secret of the Silver Thread – published by
CMK "Alphamarket," Stara Zagora, 2012 – with the intriguing subtitle: “A Story of Impossible Possibilities.” The
novel stands out with its unusual plot and theistic perspective on the modern world, making it deeply
memorable. As the author shares:
"Anyone who is interested in something beyond the prose of everyday life—the daily ration of bread, water, and small
pleasures—might wish to glimpse another, distant and unknown world. What they accept or reject from this tale is
theirs to decide. What matters is the desire to listen, to reflect, to search the depths of one’s consciousness and find the
path to inner illumination, which lifts the soul and opens new horizons toward a more meaningful life. Only then can
humanity be saved—from itself and through itself.”
This is a story about the afterlife. Since ancient times, humankind has pondered the meaning of the self. Why
are we here? Are we born merely to reproduce and die? Is there not something more profound than survival and
societal status? Is there a path after death? And where does it lead?
Every religion engages with the triad of birth, life, and death, embedding within it philosophical essence and
messages to future generations. God is the symbol toward which all mortals strive—hoping to touch the divine,
to be guided through life and embraced in eternity. Kalina Tomova’s novel leads us along this path through
characters like Kati, Alisa (a real-life friend of the author), Dr. Stoyanov, Nora, Yavor, the lovers Iliyan and Violeta,
and Pavlina, joined by secondary figures like Marina, Ignat, Grozdan, Valentina, and Plamen.
All of them walk the streets of a provincial town, their days and nights marked by the tragedy of Alisa’s early
death. Her son Iliyan keeps a diary in which he shares everything with his absent mother, forging an unseen
bond. Alisa’s spirit visits her loved ones unnoticed, showing how intimacy transcends death and returns to the
realm of the living—where love, trust, and family began.
Kati’s car accident introduces the novel’s central idea. Entering the world of the dead, she reunites with Alisa. In
an imaginative twist, Kati allows Alisa to temporarily inhabit her still-living body, whose “silver thread” of life
“The Lord is
my shepherd,
I shall not
want…”

2. remains unbroken as doctors fight for her survival. Alisa reconnects with her loved ones and “meets” Iliyan, while
Kati learns to harness the light of thought, preparing for her return to Earth with a mission.
A divine mentor tells her:
"You can help others with what you've learned. Find a way to show them that we must not dwell solely in the material
world but nourish the spirit too. Modern life lures us into a trap of consumption and distraction. But by remembering
our spiritual nature, we return to our true self.”
Tomova’s reflections form a moral code, balancing the human and the divine in a fragile harmony. Though dark
forces often seduce the human soul, spiritual awakening and prayer can lead us back to our original light. The
appearance of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus consecrates Kati as a living saint, tasked with spreading this
wisdom. She becomes an advocate for love, harmony, and awakening, preparing others for the paradise that
awaits those who transcend materialism.
The novel suggests that after physical death, we enter a realm where light, thought, knowledge, harmony, and
goodness reign. Masks fall away. Earthly burdens, laws, and prejudices dissolve. People drink from the well of
perfection and return their energy to the cosmic order—just as generations before them have done.
Yet humanity is imperfect. Even while lighting candles in church, our thoughts often drift to worldly concerns.
This divide must be healed through positive example. Who can do this? People like Kati—modern-day
messengers, silent and radiant, often overlooked, but forged through trials of “impossible possibilities.” They are
the guardians of the silver thread that connects body and spirit.
Kalina Tomova does not reject civilization or modern comfort. But the Ten Commandments remain eternally
relevant. They are a mirror to our actions. As Tomova says:
"People must be awakened. Everyone who opens their eyes will lead others to light.”
But what if humanity refuses? What if it descends deeper into conflict, consumerism, and spiritual neglect? Will
there be another great flood? A new Noah to lead the survivors toward redemption?
The novel leaves the ending open. It provides fertile ground for reflection. It is a skillfully psychological narrative,
portraying consciousness in both mundane and extreme moments—challenging us to look within and ask who
we are and whether we belong in the harmony of eternity or in the purgatory of guilt.
“The Secret of the Silver Thread” is a crucifixion novel—for thinking readers with clear minds. Readers who know
that Alisa, Kati, the Teacher, and the heavenly host are watching. Waiting for us to awaken to the fragrance of
goodness, as God commands.
Do we have the will to answer the call? The heart to understand it?
“Yes,” the author Kalina Tomova seems to whisper. Her novel is one of the most compassionate challenges
offered by contemporary Bulgarian literature—within and beyond its borders.
Editor’s note: This review was sent to us by the author, Georgi Nikolov.
It was previously published in Bulgaria Sega newspaper.