My Childhood Under Fire is the actual diary of Nadja Halilbegovic. It chronicles her life from the age of
12 until the age of 16. The diary begins shortly before her thirteenth birthday - and shortly after the war in Sarajevo began.
As she and her family tried to live one day at a time, Nadja turned to her diary for comfort. Some days were better than others, and these she details happily. The sad days are here as well, as she dealt with the loss of loved ones and strangers alike.
Nadja, of course, hoped that her family would be safe for the duration of the war. She began speaking on radio programs, reading her poetry and talking about peace. With occasional poignant paragraphs, Nadja considers ways to fix the political situation. Even after she is hit with schrapnel and has to endure a long healing process, she never loses hope.
Eventually, at the age of 16, she is allowed a permit to leave the country. That in itself is another perilous journey. Her mother accompanied her but had to stay behind. Nadja came to America, where she now has a new life and new opportunities. Still speaking and writing about peace, it is obvious that she never will forget where she came from nor what she went through.
Review: The writing is very honest and straightforward. The text of the diary is presented as originally written, simply translated into English. Sometimes, portions of entries are reproduced so readers can see her handwriting - plus a doodle here and there.
Interjected throughout the book are paragraphs entitled "Looking Back," with the now-adult Nadja remarking on what she had written and what she had experienced.
Rating on a scale of 1 - 10: 7
Reviewer: Little Willow
From: California
