Once we are safe

 - By Alessandra Carati

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review. 

Family, illness and redemption are at the core of this book. 

A new favorite read!!! This book resonated with me in a way that I just cannot explain. It represented the world as it is, as it was and as it will stay. Broken. And yet filled with hope and beauty. Just like some can see the world with two lenses, one that depresses and angers the soul and one that brings elation and peace. 

In this novel we follow Aida and her family as they flee Bosnia during the war. This book shows us the shadows that war cast and how death can destroy and heal. This shows human empathy, love and culture. The book shows the lot taken up by all children and it shows us the ugly face that war reveals in those we would never expect it from. 

There was a lot of quotes and beautiful phrasings thar I got from the book and pieces that will always stay inside and apart of me. Fractured as we all are by life, there will always be those who love us unconditionally. 

There was so much symbolism and beauty, and there was raw, fierce and ugly parts that made me want to turn away (and it made me want to stay) 

This is everything I wanted it to be and more. I will always remember this. 

DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND READ THIS BOOK!!!

Characters 5/5

Setting 5/5

Story 5/5

Overall 5/5