Jealous of the Dead: Secrets of an Immigrant Survivor

by Aldiana Pehlivanović Deumić

How do you rebuild hope while chasing the American Dream?
At nine years old, Aldi is thrust into chaos by the Bosnian War, witnessing loss and fear as her family flees genocide. Arriving in America, the promise of safety brings new cultural isolation, fractured identity, and the ongoing struggle with mental health. Aldi’s journey explores the real cost—and potential—of the immigrant experience in pursuit of a better life.

Jealous of the Secrets of an Immigrant Survivor offers a raw, honest account of surviving twice—first in a war zone, then as a refugee in a foreign land. Aldiana’s memoir lays bare the psychological struggles of adapting, healing, and redefining identity against all odds. As new conflicts erupt across the globe, Aldi’s story remains urgently relevant, offering a window into how childhood war trauma leaves a permanent mark on survivors—and what it takes to find hope again.

Confronts mental health and lifelong effects of war traumaIlluminates the American Dream from an immigrant’s perspectiveA timely, powerful read for understanding today’s ongoing wars and refugee crisesGreat for school curriculum, community discussions, and diverse classroomsA true story combining war, immigration, hope, and transformationAldi’s courage and resilience will inspire and educate, helping readers and students better understand the courage it takes to transform survival into belonging—and why these stories matter now more than ever.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Alina Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was powerful, heart-wrenching, and brutally honest. The war chapters were so vivid, I felt like I was there with Aldi and her family. The immigrant struggles were relatable and well-told. The writing is beautiful, descriptive, and poignant. I highly recommend this book for teenagers and adults.

[Sanela Jurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me deeply moved. Told through the eyes of a nine-year-old girl, it captures the raw innocence of childhood colliding with the unimaginable horrors of war. From being sent to a concentration camp with her mother and sister, to losing family members and watching adults crumble under grief, her story is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Even after escaping to the U.S., her struggles didn’t end—facing bullying, learning a new language, and taking on adult responsibilities far too soon. She becomes her family’s voice and strength, even while her parents still see her as a child.

This memoir is not just a story of survival—it’s a story of courage, love, and the quiet power of a child who carried more than her share.

[Leyla Torz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Aldiana for sharing your story. My mother is a war refugee of the Bosnian War as well. I grew up hearing stories from her and my aunt about the horrific events that occurred during that time. Although deep down I know they have not shared everything. They also hold secrets from that time. Aldiana’s story moved me in many ways. It educated me and opened my eyes to what my mother and family member endured during the scariest moments of their lives. As a Bosnian-American I need to educate myself and those around me about what occurred in the 90’s. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Monica Deumic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. It is written through the eyes of a child experiencing war and trauma after trauma. I was brought to tears throughout. Such an honest and vulnerable book about a brave young woman. It will stay with me for years to come.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a heartbreaking, brave, and necessary read. Aldiana, thank you for sharing your story with us. Thank you for enlightening us about the Bosnian War. It takes so much courage to share, but I am so glad I got to hear your story and I admire your strength and resilience.