Biographical Note

Bardarska’s (b. 1967) career is marked by a unique intersection of literary and professional excellence.

A graduate of Sofia University (in Philology) and the Free University of Brussels (in European Studies), she worked extensively in Bulgarian publishing and cultural organization—she notably organized the European Month of Culture, which was held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria in 1999—before transitioning to a distinguished career within the European institutions.

Following the accession of Bulgaria to the EU, she served as one of the first Bulgarian translators for the European Commission, later becoming a Head of Unit (2009–2021). She currently holds an advisory post focused on professional development.

Rusana is mother to two daughters, and is widowed. She speaks Bulgarian, English, French, and Russian. 

Her work is celebrated for its intellectual rigor and its ability to navigate the complexities of personal history and societal transformation. Through a blend of humor, feminism, and sharp cultural critique, To Essay—her biggest work to date—solidifies Bardarska’s reputation as an innovative and essential voice in contemporary European literature.