Mina Bancheva

Mina Bancheva (born in Sofia, Bulgaria; now living in Bath, UK) is a psychotherapist-turned-novelist whose debut novel, A Secret Life, explores the complex terrain of love, loyalty, and survival under communist rule. After arriving in the UK in 1968, she trained and worked as an English teacher before transitioning to psychotherapy. In 2013, she completed an MA in Creative Writing with distinction from Bath Spa University. 

A Secret Life, inspired by her own family’s experiences, follows Yana as she flees 1970s Bulgaria to rebuild her life in Wales—only to be drawn back into the shadows of her past. Reviewers have praised the book’s emotional authenticity, nuanced characterizations, and finely drawn historical setting. It was long-listed for the Jankow & Nesbit Prize, shortlisted for the Cinnamon Literary Debut Novel Award, and forms the first installment of a planned trilogy.

Balancing her literary pursuits with a full-time psychotherapy practice in Bath, Mina is working on a prequel titled Family Life that continues the story across generations. A Secret Life stands out for its blend of psychological insight and historical drama, and has garnered reader acclaim for its rich portrayal of moral dilemmas and human resilience.