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Irma and I
As a member of the largest international student organization, Irma represented her country at the International Congress in Nairobi in August 2011. During the Study Tour, the bus full of students was involved in an accident, in which Irma suffered severe head and face injuries and lost her right arm.
It took six long hours to reach a hospital in Mombasa, where doctors immediately performed surgery. Due to the severity of her injuries, she urgently needed to be evacuated to another hospital, as no facility in Kenya could provide the necessary treatment. The question of her evacuation from Kenya to Europe remained unresolved until one crucial phone call changed everything…
It took six long hours to reach a hospital in Mombasa, where doctors immediately performed surgery. Due to the severity of her injuries, she urgently needed to be evacuated to another hospital, as no facility in Kenya could provide the necessary treatment. The question of her evacuation from Kenya to Europe remained unresolved until one crucial phone call changed everything…
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2024
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 19, 2024
It's hard to be completely objective since I know the author personally and was actively involved in the events described. However, that only adds to my appreciation of the book. The way Irma’s struggle is portrayed is so detailed and heartfelt that it pulls the reader right in.
This book goes beyond being a memoir—it’s a novel and a motivational journey all in one. Even though I was a part of AIESEC in Sarajevo and saw the early stages of what was unfolding, I had no idea about the profound processes happening behind the scenes. Irma’s ability to overcome trauma and find happiness in the smallest, most genuine parts of life is beautifully depicted. Her journey is a reminder that despite facing immense challenges, one can still discover joy in love, passion, and purpose.
What stands out most is how Irma confronts the excuses that so many of us create to avoid living the life we truly desire. Rather than giving in to fear or obstacles, she pushes through, showing that it’s possible to build the life you want, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Her resilience and refusal to let anything stop her make this an inspiring read. It’s a powerful and uplifting story that everyone can learn from, and it deserves a spot on your to-read list.
This book goes beyond being a memoir—it’s a novel and a motivational journey all in one. Even though I was a part of AIESEC in Sarajevo and saw the early stages of what was unfolding, I had no idea about the profound processes happening behind the scenes. Irma’s ability to overcome trauma and find happiness in the smallest, most genuine parts of life is beautifully depicted. Her journey is a reminder that despite facing immense challenges, one can still discover joy in love, passion, and purpose.
What stands out most is how Irma confronts the excuses that so many of us create to avoid living the life we truly desire. Rather than giving in to fear or obstacles, she pushes through, showing that it’s possible to build the life you want, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Her resilience and refusal to let anything stop her make this an inspiring read. It’s a powerful and uplifting story that everyone can learn from, and it deserves a spot on your to-read list.
September 12, 2024
As the title reflects, the book "Irma and I" speaks of Irma and a certain other- the respective narrator.
Irma, a kind and carefree young woman went through a horrifying traffic accident in Africa, and this autobiography brings us to witness her experience of survival, recovery and search of a new and different self, deeper and braver than she had ever known before. Or is it so different?
This honest testimony opens up a narrative of a soul searching journey towards integration of the unimaginable pain and loss, while keeping the kindness of the soul.
How does one share and speak of trauma, and how to accept the newfound reality? Well, honestly and from the heart.
With each page Irma shows both the struggle and support, despair and strength, pain and joy she lived and the reader can find onself easily immersed in her journey. At times she is open and vulnerable, at times more distance is there, and we are not sure whom it protects, herself or us, the reader. We are greatful for all she has the courage to share.
The bravery in confronting the most painful physical, as well as emotional and psychological experiences is undeniable.
To the next reader I can certainly say, there will be tears, and pain, and in midst of all the difficulty, "Irma and I", brings inspiration and courage of spirit.
Irma, a kind and carefree young woman went through a horrifying traffic accident in Africa, and this autobiography brings us to witness her experience of survival, recovery and search of a new and different self, deeper and braver than she had ever known before. Or is it so different?
This honest testimony opens up a narrative of a soul searching journey towards integration of the unimaginable pain and loss, while keeping the kindness of the soul.
How does one share and speak of trauma, and how to accept the newfound reality? Well, honestly and from the heart.
With each page Irma shows both the struggle and support, despair and strength, pain and joy she lived and the reader can find onself easily immersed in her journey. At times she is open and vulnerable, at times more distance is there, and we are not sure whom it protects, herself or us, the reader. We are greatful for all she has the courage to share.
The bravery in confronting the most painful physical, as well as emotional and psychological experiences is undeniable.
To the next reader I can certainly say, there will be tears, and pain, and in midst of all the difficulty, "Irma and I", brings inspiration and courage of spirit.
January 26, 2025
This was an emotional read. I knew of Irma (through her close friends), I knew of the accident in Kenya, and then I had no idea what happened to her afterwards. I am really happy she wrote this and I got to take a peak into life after the accident. I admire her strength and courage and really power of will to push through every obstacle presented before her. She calls it luck (receiving all the help she did, including the most important help of transport to Europe), but I imagine, after reading this much about this amazing girl, that it's simply good karma coming back in the right time. What I am most amazed by: she holds really no grudge, neither to AIESEC, nor to her insurance company. I don't know if I would be so gracious. That being said, I have nothing but admiration for Irma.
I appreciate this for other reasons too. As a surgeon I get in contact with many patients with different disabilities, injuries, patients who have to have operation after operation, therapy after therapy and I simply found it fascinating to get a little peak (even though still limited) into this world from the eyes of someone who went through it. What a toll on the psyche and identity of every individual it takes. And ultimately how medical staff can also play a huge roll in the recovery (positively but also negatively). Put in my eyes a necessity of a different approach to my patients, one with patience and understanding (which is sadly not always doable with the amount of work one has).
4.25 stars
I appreciate this for other reasons too. As a surgeon I get in contact with many patients with different disabilities, injuries, patients who have to have operation after operation, therapy after therapy and I simply found it fascinating to get a little peak (even though still limited) into this world from the eyes of someone who went through it. What a toll on the psyche and identity of every individual it takes. And ultimately how medical staff can also play a huge roll in the recovery (positively but also negatively). Put in my eyes a necessity of a different approach to my patients, one with patience and understanding (which is sadly not always doable with the amount of work one has).
4.25 stars
February 12, 2025
I don’t know Irma personally, but I remember this accident. Irma and I are close in age, and I remember that we were all very shaken when this happened. Later, I found out that Irma survived, but I wasn’t familiar with her recovery. Now that I have read this book, I can say that her strength shines through every page, and it’s clear that she is a true hero. Irma is an example of how to live life to the fullest, no matter the hardships. Thank you Irma for this book and the lesson on the strength of will.
June 6, 2024
I will start this review with a disclaimer, I do know Irma personally, she was one of my first friends, we have known each other since early childhood, still I will keep my review as objective as possible.
Knowing Irma I can tell you that she truly is one of the kindest people I had ever known. I had known many parts of her story already but reading about it in her own words is very emotional and heart breaking and there were parts I had to pause on in order to not get overwhelmed. Irma really writes from the heart, laying out all her emotions and thoughts raw which really helps the reader understand and connect with her. Even with all that emotional impact, the story is very engaging and a real page turner. It is very inspiring on so many levels and I think everyone would benefit from reading this.
Every person has encountered some unfairness and hardship, such is the life we live, and I think reading Irma's story can really help and inspire everyone in dealing with their own issues as it showcases the strength and resilience of the human spirit even faced with the hardest possible odds.
This book also shines a light on many other important topic in today's society, like different types of discrimination, what inclusion really means, identity and what really makes us who we are. I think Irma really deals with those topics well and an interesting way, woven through her own story and experiences.
Overall this is an amazing book about a truly amazing individual. And while not taking credit away from herself, everything Irma does is incredible, she also shows us how important support from friends, family and even random strangers can be. All of us can make a world a better place by being kind, to ourselves, to our loved ones, and to anyone we may ran in to.
I am very grateful for Irma for doing this, sharing her experience and herself with the world in such a beautiful way, I really hope everyone reads it.
Knowing Irma I can tell you that she truly is one of the kindest people I had ever known. I had known many parts of her story already but reading about it in her own words is very emotional and heart breaking and there were parts I had to pause on in order to not get overwhelmed. Irma really writes from the heart, laying out all her emotions and thoughts raw which really helps the reader understand and connect with her. Even with all that emotional impact, the story is very engaging and a real page turner. It is very inspiring on so many levels and I think everyone would benefit from reading this.
Every person has encountered some unfairness and hardship, such is the life we live, and I think reading Irma's story can really help and inspire everyone in dealing with their own issues as it showcases the strength and resilience of the human spirit even faced with the hardest possible odds.
This book also shines a light on many other important topic in today's society, like different types of discrimination, what inclusion really means, identity and what really makes us who we are. I think Irma really deals with those topics well and an interesting way, woven through her own story and experiences.
Overall this is an amazing book about a truly amazing individual. And while not taking credit away from herself, everything Irma does is incredible, she also shows us how important support from friends, family and even random strangers can be. All of us can make a world a better place by being kind, to ourselves, to our loved ones, and to anyone we may ran in to.
I am very grateful for Irma for doing this, sharing her experience and herself with the world in such a beautiful way, I really hope everyone reads it.
July 10, 2025
A multi-layered gem of a book! First of all, this is the moving account of the aftermath of a horrendous road accident. A student from Bosnia Hercegovina joins an international student association (AIESEC) and goes on a congress-cum-study tour in Kenia. Horrifically injured in a nighttime bus accident on the road from Nairobi to Mombasa, Irma endures two years of endless medical treatment, reconstruction of her face, fitting of an artificial arm, learning to walk again … The author writes with gratitude towards the medical staff and her loving & inventive circle of family and friends. She shows humble detachment of the position in which she now finds herself. No tear jerking or whining. We share in her compelling story. We even get a cameo of a world-famous actress who lends a hand at a critical juncture.
As the book progresses the physical recovery becomes backdrop to a much deeper search: who is this Irma the author is looking at in the mirror? What can she do, who is she now? There are two ways to lead your life, she concludes. Either you live in comfort and predictability – but without the sense of achievement that comes from facing challenges. Or you live by seeking experiences. So, she summons the will to apply her skills as a gifted tennis & piano player to teach herself to write with her left hand. She practices for and delivers a one-handed piano concert at an international venue.
With this book Irma gives the reader not just a compelling story of recovery through strength but also a mirror, confronting us with two key questions: would I have the strength to rebuild my life, if needed? And how do I interact with those around me that are different – in whatever way – from me? Read this and be moved. Read this and be challenged. Read this and be inspired.
As the book progresses the physical recovery becomes backdrop to a much deeper search: who is this Irma the author is looking at in the mirror? What can she do, who is she now? There are two ways to lead your life, she concludes. Either you live in comfort and predictability – but without the sense of achievement that comes from facing challenges. Or you live by seeking experiences. So, she summons the will to apply her skills as a gifted tennis & piano player to teach herself to write with her left hand. She practices for and delivers a one-handed piano concert at an international venue.
With this book Irma gives the reader not just a compelling story of recovery through strength but also a mirror, confronting us with two key questions: would I have the strength to rebuild my life, if needed? And how do I interact with those around me that are different – in whatever way – from me? Read this and be moved. Read this and be challenged. Read this and be inspired.
September 14, 2024
One of the most deeply moving and beautifully written books I have read in a very long time. Irma’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and the power of sheer will in the face of tragedy. The stylistic choice to shift between Irma’s perspective for the majority of the book and an omniscient narrator during the horrific bus accident chapter takes the reader on a journey where they feel and empathize with the author on a more profound level.
Despite the unimaginable pain and challenges that the author was faced with, and the honest portrayal of the darkest moments, there is not a note of bitterness in the memoir. Instead, her carefully chosen words reach deep within you and inspire you to plough through difficulties you may yourself be facing. Irma’s refusal to let her injuries define the course of her life and pushing past each obstacle towards new goals through fierce determination is truly remarkable.
An outstanding piece of literature that teaches, motivates, and conveys one person’s incredible achievements whilst remaining humble, it is a symbol of hope and a reminder of human inner strength. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
Despite the unimaginable pain and challenges that the author was faced with, and the honest portrayal of the darkest moments, there is not a note of bitterness in the memoir. Instead, her carefully chosen words reach deep within you and inspire you to plough through difficulties you may yourself be facing. Irma’s refusal to let her injuries define the course of her life and pushing past each obstacle towards new goals through fierce determination is truly remarkable.
An outstanding piece of literature that teaches, motivates, and conveys one person’s incredible achievements whilst remaining humble, it is a symbol of hope and a reminder of human inner strength. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
October 5, 2024
This is undoubtedly one of the best books I’ve ever read. While I deeply regret the pain Irma endured, her vivid and detailed recounting of her accident and subsequent recovery is nothing short of remarkable. I can hardly begin to fathom the immense pain and strength this young woman had to endure, let alone her ability to convey it so powerfully. Her work is truly phenomenal, and it has only deepened my respect for her. Despite being told she would never regain certain abilities, she is now pursuing her PhD, playing tennis, swimming, playing the piano—essentially thriving in ways that defied all expectations. This book will profoundly change your perspective on life, and Irma will undoubtedly become your hero and inspiration to keep fighting, no matter the obstacles life throws at you. To call this an understatement barely captures the depth of what she endured, and yet, she has depicted it all so beautifully in this book. Irma, I salute you. Thank you for sharing your story and for your incredible bravery!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews