Giving a sympathetic hearing to the tortuous relationship dilemmas and uncomfortable life choices faced by a displaced, vulnerable young woman, the author handles the search for peace and belonging with acuity and a fluid writing style. Set against a backdrop of manipulation, coercion, and the far-reaching pressures of war, the narrative delivers an intimate perspective on injustice, corruption and nation-based perceptions surrounding unresolved conflicts of former Yugoslav republics. The simmering reveal of an acquaintance from the past burns its way into the protagonist’s present story, igniting passions and unearthing dark truths in need of closure. Convincing, idiosyncratic characters dealing with issues ranging from poor critical discernment to self-absorption to morally indefensible choices underpin the plot. In this novel, A. S. Andrejevic has skilfully captured a heartfelt observation of friendship, fixation, and love. Well worth reading.