Mirza Klimenta
A Story of Trauma, Forgiveness, and Resilience
In this poignant and powerful novel, follow the story of a young Bosniak who, as a child, witnessed the brutal murder of his father by Serbian police during the Bosnian War. Haunted by this trauma, he unexpectedly finds solace and healing from a Serb with the same name as his father’s killer.
Waters of the Green
Ismet is a young boy when he learns about the conflict between his people, the Bosniaks, and the Serbs. Living in Serbia with his family, he sees police brutality firsthand and witnesses the murder of his father by Serbian police during the Bosnian War. Deeply traumatized, Ismet and his mother flee Serbia during the Kosovo Crisis and settle in Sarajevo. However, his past haunts him, making daily life difficult.
Ismet’s mental health issues force him to take a break from university, and a panic attack at his new job triggers memories of past trauma. Surprisingly, it’s his Serbian neighbor, who shares the same name as his father’s killer, who helps him on his path to recovery. This story shows the lingering effects of prejudice and war, the struggle with PTSD, and the unexpected ways healing can happen. Despite the darkness of his past, Ismet finds hope and support, even from someone linked to his painful memories. It’s a tale of resilience, showing how history shapes us and how we can find light even in the darkest times.
Mirza Klimenta's portrayal of Ismet is more than a simple retelling of the atrocities of war and its consequences. It is a shining example of human resilience, the ability to overcome trauma, and a testament that, no matter what has happened, better times can and will come.
Mirza Klimenta
Mirza’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of storytelling. Growing up during the Balkan wars of the 1990s, he witnessed the horrors of conflict and its lasting impact. Despite these challenges, Mirza chose a path of hope and resilience.
From a young age, he found comfort in stories, recognizing their ability to heal and connect people. Influenced by Hermann Hesse, Mirza’s writings explore themes of identity, culture, and the human condition. His narratives, drawn from his diverse background and experiences, challenge readers to rethink their views and embrace a deeper understanding of humanity.
Through his work, Mirza shows that even in the darkest times, we can create beauty and meaning. His stories inspire us to use our past as a source of strength, building a better future for ourselves and others.
"This novel is bookended by the lovely waters of the Green. A poignant story of hurt, ache, conflict, and restoration, informed by the author's own life, it is a timely call for reconciliation. Well-written, it will stay with you for days, compelling you to act as an instrument of forgiveness and peace."
Don Pape, US Literary Agent
"Waters of the Green is an incredibly powerful story of rebirth and reconciliation, and probably the rawest and most authentic depiction of post-traumatic depression and social anxiety that I have ever read. It’s a masterpiece of (damaged) character study; and were we still in the Modernist paradigm I have no doubt it would be hailed as a literary triumph."
Stephen Carver, Author
