Explore the story of George, a Bulgarian immigrant, and his family’s powerful journey of survival, faith, and generational healing.
In Crossing Borders of Time, Kiril Kristoff takes us on a profound journey through memory, legacy, and survival, bridging the past and present across continents and generations. This gripping narrative explores the immigrant experience and the unspoken traumas that shape families across time.
The story begins with George, a young Bulgarian who fled the chaos of the communist regime following World War II. On Easter morning in 1948, he was one of twenty students attempting to cross the dangerous Bulgarian-Greek border. Soldiers opened fire at the Maritza River, known locally as the River of Death, and George was the only survivor. This moment marks the beginning of his new life, one that would be shaped by both grief and courage, carrying him far from his homeland in search of a future in the West.
After finding temporary refuge in a Displaced Persons Camp in Trieste, George met Mia, a fellow immigrant with whom he formed a deep connection. Their bond grew amid uncertainty, each silently preparing for their separate futures in America. When George received passage to the United States, he carried with him the hope of creating a better life in NYC, but the scars of his past were never far behind.
Settling in Brighton Beach, Southern Brooklyn, George’s life mirrored that of many immigrants, a story of quiet perseverance. There, he met Maria, an Italian immigrant, and they built a family together. Their honeymoon was a simple subway ride to Manhattan, but it was a moment of peace in a life defined by hard work and sacrifice. Over the years, George’s memories of the war and the loss of his homeland became hidden chapters of his story, largely buried until his grandson, Alex, sought to uncover them.
Alex’s road trip with George, meant to strengthen their bond, takes a surprising turn after a tragic accident. What began as a journey through the American landscape evolves into a spiritual passage, where memories of the past come alive. During this emotional journey, Alex uncovers items that tie his family’s legacy to the past, a St. George icon and a bullet-ridden Bible. These relics serve as symbols of endurance and identity, linking him not only to his grandfather’s story but also to the larger history of their ancestors, including George’s grandfather, Captain Georgiy Kakhovskiy, who served in the Battle of Shipka Pass during the Russian-Turkish War of 1878 in the Balkans.
The discovery of Kakhovskiy’s long-lost memoir manuscript adds depth to the family narrative. It reveals a legacy defined by love, war, and faith, and shows how the trauma of past generations shapes the lives of those who follow. This hauntingly beautiful story invites readers to reflect on how inherited pain and unspoken truths shape future generations. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength of family and the healing that comes through understanding one’s roots.
Kristoff’s own journey mirrors the story he tells. Born in Lyubimets, Bulgaria, he moved to the borough of Brooklyn at the age of 27 and later settled in suburban New Jersey with his wife, two daughters, Nicole and Julia, and his son, Kristian. His work as a physical therapist and acupuncturist deeply informs his writing, enriching it with a unique perspective on healing and transformation. His novels and memoirs, initially published in Bulgarian, were later translated into English.
Crossing Borders of Time has garnered worldwide recognition. It was named a finalist for Author of the Year – 2025 in both Fiction and Historical Fiction at the “International Impact Book Awards” and the “International Christian Book Awards,” and it received the Literary Titan Gold Book Award for Fiction. It’s a story that resonates deeply with readers who value themes of cultural heritage, spiritual realism, and multigenerational storytelling.
In addition to Crossing Borders and Generations, Kristoff has authored sequels, including Finding Your Roots, further expanding on the themes of discovery and generational healing. The emotional depth and cultural resonance of these stories make them a perfect fit for a broader audience, including the possibility of a film or limited series.
For those interested in the cinematic potential of Kristoff’s work, the story’s potential adaptation is already being explored. A trailer for his book, created in collaboration with Angel Studios, Netflix, and Great American PureFlix, hints at the powerful narrative that could soon reach a global audience. You can watch the trailer for Finding Your Roots here: Finding Your Roots Trailer.
Kristoff is currently seeking representation from both literary agents and Hollywood producers to help transition his award-winning book into traditional publishing and a potential film adaptation. With its powerful emotional arc, rooted in history and family, this story has the potential to resonate deeply with a broad audience.
To learn more about Kristoff’s books, view the film trailer, or inquire about representation, visit booksbykirilkristoff.com or contact him directly at ki************@***il.com.
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