Amra Pajalić’s *Time Kneels Between Mountains* is pitched as a mystery, but what unfolds is something far more sobering and powerful: a visceral account of life during the siege of Srebrenica. Though fictionalised, this novel reads more like historical non-fiction—so grounded is it in the brutal realities of the Bosnian War. As someone who lives in the region and knows its complex history and culture, I found this book difficult, necessary, and ultimately worthwhile.

Seka Torlak is a strong and determined protagonist whose story echoes the trauma endured by thousands. Her town collapses into violence and scarcity overnight, and Pajalić captures the horrors of starvation, shelling, and moral collapse with haunting precision. The “mystery” centres on Seka’s quest to expose the black marketeers stealing vital supplies—but in truth, we already know how this story ends. It is not the resolution that matters, but the human journey through impossible circumstances.

The plot is taut and well-paced, and the relationships—especially between Seka and Ramo—add warmth and emotional depth. However, I felt more could have been explored in the hinted relationship between Torlak and the doctor’s daughter, which might have added another layer of complexity.

It’s hard to say I “enjoyed” this novel—it hits too close to real tragedy—but I’m grateful to have read it. Fiction like this ensures we do not forget what happened in Srebrenica, and that matters deeply. Pajalić doesn’t offer comfort or easy answers, but she offers something more important: truth through storytelling.

For those interested in the recent history of the Balkans, and especially for those who *think* they understand it, *Time Kneels Between Mountains* is a must-read. It's not a mystery in the conventional sense—but it is unforgettable.

War fiction is never easy to read but worth reading as it’s not only when humans display the worst qualities, but also are at their best as they defy evil and cruelty to survive. Seka Torlak is a teenager as the Bosnian War takes place, which ravages Srebrenica and destroys the world she loves. Her account of survival is not easy, as this was the worst genocide in Europe since the Holocaust. Seka and her family and friends face sniper fire, bombing, and starvation, and the ethnic cleansing, which was so sad to read about. Despite the war, she tries to be a normal teenager, even falling in love and loving to read books. I enjoyed her bravery as she worked as a translator for a journalist.
I grew up in this time period and remember the news about it and cannot imagine what these people went through, as once again, religious and racial prejudice destroyed lives.
It’s a page turner and not for those who may not feel safe due to the triggers which include: death and intense scenes of violence, death of children and women, assault, suicide, ethnic cleansing, racism, abortion, rape. Thank you to @netgalley, Pishukin Press, and Amra Pajalic for this arc.