Bulgarian Journalist Inspires David Baldacci Character

David Baldacci (l) and Boyko Vasilev (r) in Baldacci's office in Virginia, photo by BNT

Bestselling US novelist David Baldacci has created in his book The Forgotten the character of a Bulgarian ranger nicknamed Mecho (Bear) after speaking to a Bulgarian journalist.

Well-known Bulgarian political commentator and TV host, Boyko Vasilev, and his cameraman, Hrisimir Danev, spent one hour in Baldacci's office in Virginia to interview the author, who became inspired to introduce a Bulgarian personality in his novel.

The Bulgarian 24 Chassa (24 Hours) daily reports Baldacci, himself, has told Deutsche Welle that he had been seeking something catchier for the storyline and after meeting the Bulgarian journalists, he had decided to learn and read more about Bulgaria.

The interview took place in December 2011, and is part of Vasilev's documentary, shot in the US, titled "To Love Monday." It focuses on the justice system, which took the Bulgarian journalist to Baldacci as the latter is also a lawyer and an attorney.

The novelist tells Bulgarians about the myths around American judges and prosecutors, and explains he supports the "Occupy Wall Street" movement because he has been born in a poor family.

"He was touched to find out he is famous in Bulgaria and his books are translated in Bulgarian. He is an extremely charming man, he has been ranked a while ago among the 50 most beautiful men in the world; he has Italian blood; speaks fast; was in a good mood, and we laughed a lot. We were surprised to learn he had created a Bulgarian character – this is something so rare. On top of it, Mecho is a good person. We joked with the cameraman about who is the exact prototype – he or I, as we are both quite solid," says Vasilev.

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