Three Summers

Three Summers by Amra Sabic-El-Rayess is a poignant coming-of-age novel set in 1980s Bosnia, focusing on the lives of five young cousins who, over three summers, form an unbreakable bond as they face the complexities of adolescence and the looming threat of ethnic tensions in their homeland. The story unfolds on their family's isolated island in the Una River, where they experience the joys and challenges of growing up. As the political and social landscape shifts around them, the girls are confronted with the harsh realities of the adult world, testing their resilience and their connection to one another.

Written with warmth and sensitivity, Three Summers explores themes of identity, family, and survival in the face of adversity. Through the cousins' journey, Sabic-El-Rayess captures the intensity of their shared experiences and the strength of their bond, illustrating how love, friendship, and the pursuit of self-discovery can offer hope even in the most difficult of times. The novel is a heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting tale that reminds readers of the power of relationships in navigating life's toughest challenges.