This an audio book that jumps backwards and forwards from Bosnia to Australia and back as early as the 40s to near present day, but mostly 70s to 90s. Sometimes I was confused by the timeline and which generation was being talked about. But I was intrigued and appalled in equal measure as I listened as a story of mental health issues, parental neglect, genicide and conflict and abuse unfolded. A young girl’s journey from child into adult hood and her relationship in particular with her mother. It captured the different cultures she lived within, and the changes in society. Unfortunately world conflicts seem to continue some of the struggles she went through. Thank you to Pishukin Publisher and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

I like reading memoirs. I listened to the audiobook version and it was well read. This is a memoir of a girl who grew up between Australia and Bosnia. Her mother suffers from bipolar, her father dies young. The heartaches, the ups and downs of her mother’s mental illness, the moves... This author has been through a lot. I appreciate the glimpses into growing up with a bipolar mother and the difficulties that come with it.

3.5⭐️ Rounded up.

Things Nobody Knows But Me is Amra Pajalic’s memoir of growing up with a mentally ill mother.

This was not an easy read, as the author details the many upheavals and traumas she experienced in her childhood. Prominently featured are incidents of sexual abuse and sexual assault, numerous incidents experienced by her or other children she knew. It’s an unimaginable upbringing to endure, but this book also felt like a lot to endure- bordering on a bit of trauma porn in its retelling.

Still, it does give one lots to think about- and to be grateful for.

* I received an audiobook ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.