REMEMBER ME

by Sanela Ramic Jurich

Narrated by: Lindsay Carrillo

Production by: Sanela Ramic Jurick

Powerful, Moving, Haunting!

At the age of 15 Selma is a young girl entering adulthood with the innocence experienced only by the young. Newly in love, deciding her future of college and her career, Selma is set for life until the war arrives in Bosnia in 1992 unleashing the vile evilness only humankind can create and foster. Trust is not something she can afford to have in her neighbors, friends, or anyone after a trusted family friend brutally violates her repeatedly. She has no one she can trust, all she has loved is gone, and she has no hope of surviving unless God answers her prayers.

The author, Sanela Ramic Jurich paints a devasting picture of what Selma’s life becomes and the effects of war. She does not spare the listener with soft descriptions but rather gives them the bare truth of war and the horrible devasting actions of evil men subjecting women and children to extremes in suffering. Each character is skillfully built and developed into vivid people that are forced to suffer the most painful, devastating emotional and physical pain a human can endure. She eases her listeners into the story by showing us familiar acts and emotions – shopping, falling in love, family and friendships. The suddenness of the war reaching her hometown is unexpected and jarring and where she highlights the despair, pain, raw emotions, fear, and more. The love story between two people is amazing and provides hope and renewal. She brings the story full circle and demonstrates that healing is possible. The story flows steadily. Not only are her words powerful but her imagery is as well.

The narrator, Lindsay Carrillo provides a moving performance projecting the excitement, love, and passion for life that Selma has until the unthinkable happens. She then projects the horror, pain, despair, anger, and more with each passing word. It is as if she has become Selma with each passing word. Carrillo takes the listeners through the renewal of Selma as she confronts her attacker and reclaims some of what she has lost. I have not had the pleasure of hearing Carrillo prior to this book, but her performance is amazing.

Overall, this is a book that must be read or heard in order to appreciate the strength and sufferings of those who endure such atrocities. It is powerful with raw emotions. I am thankful for the opportunity to hear and review this book.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

This book was awarded the AudioBookReviewer’s Choice Award as it was deemed to deserve a higher rating than the standard 5-star review allowed.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.