This is an incredible story about survival, resilience, and empowerment. Cilka's strength and determination to live and help others is the consistent theme throughout the book and she has to make many sacrifices. The book was very hard to put down - I wanted to know what happens next. The author included some information about her research at the back of the book which I found to be very interesting. At times, there is brutality which was hard to read, but I do appreciate that the author did not shy away from this aspect of Cilka's story. I do wish that we could know what the future held for some of the others in the story - I feel like those were left hanging. Perhaps for more companion books?? I would love to read them! Highly recommend this book to anyone.