Letters to an Embryo

by Jasna Kaluđerović, Alice Copple-Tošić (Translator)

A true story.

A broken marriage.

A frozen embryo.

And one impossible

SHOULD IT not LIVE?

________________________________________

Letters to an Embryo is an autobiographical novel that explores the deeply personal journey of Jasna Kaludjerovic as she grapples with the aftermath of a painful divorce. Left with a frozen embryo from the final IVF attempt, she feels torn between the responsibility of giving it a chance to live and the emotional weight of her past.

Over the course of many letters, Jasna writes to the embryo, reflecting on motherhood, identity, and the complexities of letting go.

The novel touches on themes of loss, hope, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit, offering readers an intimate exploration of one woman’s emotional and psychological struggle. With honesty and vulnerability, Kaludjerovic invites readers to walk with her through a personal crisis that many can relate to, yet few are willing to speak about.

Does it have the right to live?

How will it fit into her new life?

What will it take to make a decision?

__________________


⚠️ Content

This memoir includes themes of infertility, IVF, divorce, emotional distress, and ethical dilemmas surrounding reproductive choices.


"Raises intriguing, morally complex, and timely issues."
- Kirkus Reviews

"About divorce, loneliness, and healing after betrayal, Letters to an Embryo is an intimate memoir. "
- Foreword Clarion Reviews

"Jasna Kaludjerovic's vulnerable memoir is about processing the dissolution of her marriage through letters to their last frozen embryo."
- Foreword Clarion Reviews

"The letters spend significant time on the role of women in society and how she now sees her own place in the world. She had always wanted to be a mother, but now she is wrestling with who she is."
-BlueInk Review

"In this sweet, poignant memoir, Jasna Kaludjerovic writes to her last viable frozen embryo, deciding whether to go ahead with a pregnancy when she and her husband—the embryo's 'papa' - are divorcing. She mourns the demise of her marriage but seizes on her newfound freedom to find a new man and craft a new career."
- BlueInk Review

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2025

About the author

Jasna Kaludjerović is a Serbian author and IT consultant, originally from Montenegro and currently living in Belgrade. She studied mathematics and computer science in Moscow and Belgrade, and today she is self-employed, running her own IT company.

Her first book, Letters to the Embryo, was written between 2015 and 2018, during a period of personal reflection and uncertainty about what to do with a frozen embryo left behind after a divorce. The book is an honest and intimate exploration of loss, choice, and emotional survival.

You can reach her on Instagram at @jasna_kaludjerovic_author, where you can find news and updates about her book.

Official website: https://jasnakaludjerovic.com

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when life doesn’t go as originally planned? And, all you ever wanted in life was to be a mother?

In the author’s case, she decided to write letters to her last embryo from the IVF treatments she endured prior to the divorce from her husband.

There is a special connection that readers will feel to the author, as we become privy to the intimate letters of her life that she openly shares with her embryo. Especially as we embrace the emotions of the ‘mama’ to her unborn ‘child.’

“You might be just a frozen embryo, but I’m still your mama.”

In this unique, compelling, thought-provoking measured story, readers may find themselves deeply affected by this complex personal story. It is both heart-warming and heart-felt with an engrossing ending.

I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

❥ My Thoughts & Rating ❥

This true story took me on a very emotional journey. When I read a memoir that deals with a heavy topic, it just hits differently. This is a medium paced read that is reflective and intimate. It made me feel hopeful and sad. I have never read anything like this before! It is a unique story that is very thought provoking. This book explores themes of motherhood and identity, divorce and loss, love and longing, forgiveness, personal reflection and finding purpose! It is extremely well written, captivating, comes from a personal experience, thorough and has a clear thesis. I also found it to be conversational because it deals with womanhood themes! Overall, I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

❥ Quick Synopsis ❥

"Letters to an Embryo" is a story where a woman writes to a frozen embryo. After have gone through a divorce, she struggles to make the ultimate decision on what she should do with the embryo. She begins writing letters to the embryo, which expresses the turmoil she is dealing with.

❥ Who I think would enjoy reading this and Content Warnings ❥

I think women that love to read memoirs that have a heavy and sensitive topic, would really enjoy this one. Content warnings include IVF, infertility, emotional distress, divorce, ethical dilemmas and reproductive choices.

❥ Thank You ❥

Thank you to NetGalley and author Jasna Kaludjerovic for this electronic ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

❥ Release Date ❥

This book is out now at all major retailers!

❥ Quick Review ❥

♥️ A True Story
✔️ Motherhood & Identity
♥️ Divorce & Loss
✔️ Personal Reflection
♥️ Finding Purpose
✔️ Writes Letters to an Embryo
♥️ Love & Longing
✔️ Unique Story

》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《

❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Letters to an Embryo by Jasna Kaludjerovic

Note: If you have any adverse triggers regarding pregnancy/infertility, etc., it may be best for you to skip this one.

Letters to an Embryo is a poignant literary-autobiographical novel that delves into the ethical, emotional, and psychological complexities surrounding IVF, frozen embryos, and personal identity after divorce. Written in an intimate epistolary style, the book chronicles a woman’s raw, unfiltered dialogue with her last remaining embryo—a symbol of lost love, unresolved grief, and the weight of reproductive choice. Kaludjerovic’s prose is both spare and lyrical, blending clinical realism with poetic introspection to explore themes of autonomy, guilt, and the blurred boundaries between hope and self-preservation.

The novel’s strength lies in its unflinching vulnerability. By structuring the narrative as diary entries and letters, the author immerses the reader in the protagonist’s soliloquies, where medical terminology (e.g., “cryopreservation,” “blastocyst”) collides with existential questioning. This stylistic choice mirrors the dissonance of IVF itself—a scientific process laden with emotional stakes. The ethical dilemma at the core of the story (whether to implant, donate, or discard the embryo) is never trivialized; instead, it becomes a lens to examine broader questions about motherhood, regret, and the right to define one’s future.

Kaludjerovic’s work stands out for its nuanced portrayal of post-divorce fertility struggles, a topic often marginalized in literature. The protagonist’s ambivalence—her simultaneous attachment to the embryo and resistance to co-parenting with her ex-husband—challenges conventional narratives of maternal instinct. The book’s emotional impact is amplified by its autobiographical undertones, though its universal themes (loss, agency, the search for closure) will resonate far beyond the IVF community.

Critique & Considerations:

-The fragmented structure may disorient readers seeking linear storytelling, but it effectively mirrors the protagonist’s psychological fragmentation.
-A trigger warning for infertility, divorce, and reproductive trauma would be ethically prudent, as the text’s visceral honesty could overwhelm vulnerable audiences.
-While the translation (by Alice Copple-Tošić) preserves the original’s emotional cadence, some cultural nuances of the Serbian context may require additional contextualization for Anglophone readers.

How I would describe this book:

-A hauntingly beautiful meditation on love, loss, and the embryos that outlive relationships.
-Kaludjerovic turns a frozen embryo into the most compelling literary protagonist of the year.
-For fans of The Argonauts and The Light of the World, this is IVF storytelling at its most raw and revelatory.
-A book that doesn’t just ask what if—it demands how do you live with the answer?

Acknowledgments:
Thank you to Jasna Kaludjerovicr (and the self-publishing team) for providing an advance review copy of this extraordinary work. Translating and sharing such an intimate story is a courageous act, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to engage with its depths. This book is a gift to readers navigating the intersections of science, ethics, and the human heart.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – A must-read for contemporary feminist literature and reproductive ethics syllabi.

Note for Readers: Those interested in IVF narratives may also appreciate the Netflix film Joy, which explores similar scientific and emotional terrain.

[Abhay Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚫️Reading Letters to an Embryo feels like being handed someone’s most private, unspoken thoughts tender, painful, reflective, and full of unanswered questions. Jasna Kaludjerovic writes as though she’s whispering to a child who might never exist, and in doing so, she speaks to all the versions of womanhood that don’t get talked about openly.

⚫️This isn’t a straightforward narrative; it’s a raw, poetic stream of emotions about choice, longing, guilt, grief, and the quiet ache of wondering what if. Each letter reads like a confession, sometimes gentle, sometimes jarring, always honest. It doesn’t try to offer easy answers, and that’s what makes it powerful. It sits with the discomfort. It respects the weight of silence.

⚫️There’s something universal in it, even though it’s so deeply personal. Whether or not you’ve faced similar decisions, you can feel the truth in her words. This is a book for those moments when you want to be reminded that your inner world messy, uncertain, and full of feeling is valid, and that some stories deserve to be told even if they begin and end in the same breath.

Happy reading ❤️✨

[Walkwitha_book · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching and emotional story about a woman who has gone through a painful divorce. After years of trying to have a baby through IVF, one last embryo was left frozen. Now, three years later, she is alone and confused about what to do with that tiny possibility of life. She doesn’t want to raise a child with her ex-husband anymore. But she still feels a strong connection and responsibility toward the embryo. So, she starts writing letters to it—sharing her thoughts, feelings, and fears. These letters help her explore her heart and mind.

The book is mostly written in the form of diary entries and letters. This style makes the story feel raw. Through her words, we see how the woman struggles with guilt, hope, love, and uncertainty. The author confidently talks about IVF and fertility struggles in a realistic way. It focuses on a woman’s inner journey, not just the medical side. It makes the reader think about life, choice, and responsibility. It shows how healing takes time and how writing can be powerful therapy. The language is simple, emotional, and poetic at times. It feels like you are reading someone’s private thoughts. That makes the book very moving and relatable, especially for anyone who has faced loss, big decisions, or loneliness. It’s a quiet but powerful story of choice, love, and personal growth. Go and order your copy now !

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book one quiet afternoon and didn’t realise when tears rolled down my cheeks. Letters to an Embryo is not just a story—it’s a heart talking. The woman in the book writes letters to her frozen embryo.

The way she writes—like she’s whispering secrets—made me feel like I was sitting next to her, just listening. She doesn’t know what to do with the embryo. She’s scared, hurt, and also hopeful.

I liked that the book talks about topics people in our society avoid—like infertility, failed relationships, and choosing your own path. It’s bold and soft at the same time. The book made me realise that not all stories have happy endings, and that’s okay. Some just stay with you, quietly. If you want a book that touches your heart and makes you think, this is it.

[Dari Malaunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

(ATTENTION: VERY LONG REVIEW! haha)

Thank you NetGalley and the author Jasna Kaludjerovic for the amazing opportunity to read this memoir, Letters to an Embryo. This is my honest review of the ARC I received, thank you again!

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a memoir, and oh boy... I should’ve picked one up sooner. There’s something so fascinating about watching humans, especially their behavior and their choices, and reading about their lives and struggles from a psychological perspective. You know what I mean? It’s touching. That’s what I mean by this.

I kind of knew from the start that I was probably going to cry while reading this book, but I didn’t expect to be in tears by page 15. Yet... here we are. From the very first pages, this book pulls at the deepest strings of your soul. Especially as a woman who also wants kids, but you know, men these days... I SO get the author’s point of view. Like, OMG. She’s so right. I see right through her and her struggles. This book hit me close to the heart and soul. Publishing something so personal and vulnerable? That’s brave. I’m standing and applauding the author because wow - it’s a heroic act to share thoughts that are so relatable, so raw. The anxiety, the pain, the suffering in those letters? It’s deep. Just saying. Her fear of never marrying again? Damn girl, I see you. I see you sooooooo clearly 😢

Her dilemma about whether to give birth or not, it’s very relatable. She just wants to be financially stable and able to give her child everything they need. That’s responsible. That’s love. And I just want to say, well men?... sad, sad, sad. I wish the world were better when it comes to partnerships between men and women. It would be so much easier if we just respected each other. But as a woman over 25, I KNOW how hard it is to find a good man. A deserving one. One you’d actually want to have kids with. Especially these days.

Watching her try to collect herself after the divorce, after all that love between her and her man? Heartbreaking. Truly. It breaks your heart to see her sorrow on the pages. Anyone who’s been through a divorce or even a breakup with someone they thought was their soulmate, this book will hit you hard. Life is unpredictable, isn’t it?

The topic of having a child with your ex-husband? That’s a dilemma. A HARD choice. All her fears, her struggles, her questions: what if I fall in love again? What if he doesn’t want me because I have a child? It HURTS to live in a world where so many single moms just need some LOVE. It’s both a burden and a liberation, deciding whether to have this child or not. And reading about it? It’s heartbreaking.

This book is emotionally tough. The decision-making process the heroine goes through is intense. Loneliness. Doubts. Sisterhood. Suffering. Joy in love. And so much love for the embryo from its mama. This book has a little bit of everything.

Trying to distract yourself from chaotic thoughts? Memory loss? Making excuses for why you don’t want to do this or that? It’s all so real. When you break up with someone, you want to occupy yourself with everything, but you just can’t. You think about it every day. You want to be distracted, but you also want to cry and feel everything. All the stages of heartbreak and loss? They’re here. And yes, they touch the depths of the soul.

We ARE living in strange times. Marriage, liberty, having kids - it’s all become so complicated. It’s madness.

Quote: “I turned off these ordinary men.” Girl, YES. That’s so right! Haha. I get it so much. My gooooooosh! And you deserve an amazing man by your side, just saying!

Why was this book so touching for me personally? Because it was relatable in so many ways. My own fears and worries as a woman in this harsh world... I’m not gonna lie, it’s still hard to be a woman these days. But maybe one day we’ll be respected equally. Maybe one day, real equality will be fair.

I wish I could include ALL my favorite quotes from this book (most of them are on the Goodreads profile though), but then this review would be endless haha. There’s so much depth and wisdom in this book - about life, philosophy, rhetorical questions with no answers, even now with all the knowledge we have. Haha!

That burning desire for romance that’s always there but never fulfilled? Oh yes. That’s the world we live in.

Some cons: Some word choices like “a flirt” (as in a new romantic interest), “my kid called me” (referring to a man she’s dating), and “my girlfriends” (as female friends) were a bit confusing to me. Maybe it’s a translation thing, perhaps in Serbian it makes more sense, but in English, it felt a little off? That’s why I docked half of a star. The translation was just a bit weird for me personally.

The book felt a bit drawn out at times, but since it’s written in diary format, I can’t really judge what should’ve been removed. Those details were clearly important to the author. It’s just a matter of taste. Some small details like where she went and with whom got lost for me because I couldn’t remember the names of secondary characters or the many "dates". That’s just my issue. I guess what I mean is: it’s unlikely you’ll read this book in one sitting. It took me several days. And I read fast when I’m interested and I was interested, but it’s just morally difficult to read about this journey. It touches the heart, of course.

In general, I recommend this book to all women who’ve thought about having children or have gone through a separation. It raises ethical and moral questions: should you give birth to a child from someone who’s no longer in your life? But if love is stronger than anything, and you have support like loyal friends, parents (future grandparents), relatives - then why not?

I was actually very sad to read that her ex-husband already has a new family and children. While she’s suffering like this? It’s not fair. Women deserve more. But most often, after a breakup, it’s women who take longer to find a new partner. You have to go through all the stages of grief, survive it, and then start over. That can take years. Meanwhile, men? A week after a breakup, they’re already saying “family’s not my thing” and then they marry the first woman they meet, supposedly the love of their life, and a year later they have kids. I’ve seen it happen. It’s wild. It happens less often with women. WHY?! Oh well. Who knows. Personally, I think women are more intelligent and mature than men. No offense, buds, but it’s true.

When analyzing the book, it felt like the heroine was more focused on finding a relationship than deciding whether she wanted a child. But maybe that’s because she wanted a man by her side and these days, men aren’t exactly trustworthy or held in high esteem. So maybe it was even a little pointless to look for someone when she already had everything inside her to raise a child alone. Of course, single parenthood is a dilemma. But if the child is important and there’s support, is it really necessary to urgently find a partner to take on that responsibility? Especially when it’s so hard to find someone adequate for that mission. Honestly, I’d say it’s almost impossible.

And the ending? Damn. It broke my heart.

[Book Island · Rating 5 out of 5]

• 𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝕽𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜 •
Jasna Kaludjerovic's "Letters to an Embryo" is a tender whisper, a delicate tapestry woven from the most raw human emotions. It pulls you into the deeply personal world of a woman standing at a heartbreaking crossroads, her soul poured onto pages addressed to her last frozen embryo. This tiny, potent possibility, born from the arduous journey of IVF, now hangs suspended, caught in the silent aftermath of a fractured marriage. More than a story, this book is a quiet meditation on the very essence of living—on the enduring power of love, the intricate dance of life, and the profound, often hushed, echoes of choices that break your heart as much as they define it.
This isn't a book that races or screams for your attention. Instead, it unfolds with a quiet grace, a slow tide of introspection that gently pulls you deeper into its emotional currents. Each letter feels like a confession, penned with an honesty so unflinching it's almost startling. You can feel the protagonist's swirling maelstrom of pain, the tender tendrils of love still clinging on, the icy grip of fear, and the disorienting fog of confusion. As I sat in my quiet room here in Kolkata, sipping a warm cup of coffee, I found myself utterly lost in her world. Even if you've never walked in her shoes, the echoes of her sorrow and the fragile flicker of her hope are palpable, reaching across the pages to touch something deep inside. There were moments, many of them, when I just openly sobbed, the raw emotion of her journey mirroring feelings I didn't even realize I held.
The sheer weight of the themes—infertility, the shattering of a marriage, the labyrinth of life-altering decisions—is balanced so beautifully by writing that feels simple, almost gentle.
"Letters to an Embryo" is—a pure, unfiltered channel for genuine feeling. The woman we meet meet here is profoundly human, vulnerable in her fears, yet remarkably resilient in her enduring hope.

[Ashley Mertz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This women’s literature novel takes readers on a deeply emotional journey, filled with raw and often painful moments that left me wondering how I would navigate such challenges myself. I commend the author for bravely tackling such sensitive and intense topics—it’s clear that a great deal of thought and emotion went into this story.

While the book is well written, I found that the pacing and length detracted from the impact. The narrative jumped back and forth between events, which at times caused me significant stress and anxiety. The repetitiveness made it feel longer than necessary, and I believe the same message could have been delivered just as effectively in a shorter format. For this reason, I give 4 stars.

There were moments of frustration that made it difficult for me to stay engaged. I found myself internally shouting, "Just implant the embryo already!" I also struggled with the protagonist’s constant illnesses and questionable work ethic, which made it hard to connect with her. And when it was finally revealed that her ex-husband could be so easily persuaded to sign off, I couldn’t help but wonder—why wasn’t this conversation had much earlier?

Despite these frustrations, I pushed through to the end, holding out hope that something good would finally come her way. While the journey was difficult at times, I recognize the emotional weight this story carries and appreciate the author’s courage in sharing it.

[Trisha Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters to an Embryo is an emotional journey that surprised me. By the final chapters, I wasn’t prepared for the intensity — I cried, truly cried. The second-to-last chapter closes with “Your mama (probably)” and the last with “Your mama (almost),” two lines that hit me harder than I expected.

The story follows the MC’s growth, showing how life’s path, with all its challenges, can lead toward inner peace. Rivers, sudoku, and travel (especially to Qatar) are used as metaphors for life and renewal. Symbolic details stood out — like a ring remade from her wedding band engraved with “Everything changes,” and the imagined jewelry carrying “Inner peace.”

The ending, where the MC meets two girlfriends (one who had an abortion, one who miscarried), highlights life’s very different choices and outcomes.

This book left me in turmoil — exhausted, emotional, and still thinking about it. If the author writes another, I’ll be first in line.

[Kayla Brudnicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

“You see, when you take a little responsibility, forgiving is actually quite easy.”

This is a biography of raw, complicated, complex and emotional decisions women and even partners make on a daily basis. You don’t really know someone until they’ve told their story.

While I am glad I got to know this author more, this book just was a wrong book wrong time for me. Letters to an Embryo tells the story of the author’s divorce, infertility/IVF, and dating pools along with decisions she’s had to make regarding time, work, and work life balance. It is written in letter format as I usually love, but with it being the whole book and indecisive thoughts it started to take a toll on me as I would imagine her journey did.

My intentions are not to discredit or even keep people from reading this, but I warn you of the heavy topics and journey you will go through when reading this.

I prefer to leave this story as is. I thank NetGalley for providing me with this novel. #LettersToAnEmbryo #NetGalley

[Megha Ghosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

On most weekdays, life feels like a loop—wake up, emails, meetings, dinner, sleep. But Letters to an Embryo was something that actually made me pause. It’s a simple idea—a woman writing to her frozen embryo after her divorce. But the emotions are anything but simple. Regret, love, confusion, guilt—they’re all in there, flowing through every letter.

I liked how the book didn’t try too hard. It wasn’t about being clever or entertaining. It was just... honest. The kind of honesty that’s rare. I think what stayed with me was the emotional contradiction. She doesn’t want to raise a child with her ex, but she can’t let go of the embryo either. That kind of emotional tangle felt real.

It’s not the kind of book you recommend to just anyone. But if you’ve ever had to make a tough decision and live with the silence after it—this one will resonate. It’s not loud, but it echoes.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all! Some books grab you and don’t let go. Letters to an Embryo is one of them. A broken marriage. A frozen embryo. One impossible decision. Jasna Kaludjerovic writes with honesty that cuts straight to the heart.

Each letter is raw and intimate—filled with grief, hope, and the quiet ache of imagining what could have been. I could feel the sterile chill of the clinic, the emptiness of a life upended, and the weight of a choice that feels almost unbearable.

This isn’t just a story about an embryo—it’s about identity, resilience, and the courage to face heartbreak. By the end, I wasn’t just moved; I was changed. Jasna’s voice stays with you long after the last page, a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to survive and let go.

[readerkd · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books you don’t just read—you feel them. Letters to an Embryo is one of those. It’s about a woman writing to her frozen embryo after going through IVF and a painful divorce. These letters are full of heartbreak, guilt, and also courage.

What I appreciated most was how raw the emotions were. Nothing is sugar-coated. She’s confused, she’s angry, she’s tired. But she keeps writing. That’s her way of trying to heal.
The writing is simple, yet it has a deep impact. Even though I haven’t gone through anything like this, I could still connect with the loneliness and the fear of making the wrong choice.

It’s not a typical story with a beginning, middle, and end. It’s more like small moments stitched together by emotion. If you're looking for something reflective and real, not dramatic or fast-paced, then this is worth your time.

[Rodrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very emotional

This book is a series of raw, funny and sad letters to the author’s frozen embryo. I loved her honesty about divorce and family pressure. The conflict between freedom and motherhood feels very real and something I’m sure a lot of women deal with. One thing I didn’t like is that some letters repeat similar feeling and worries, and the timeline was confusing to track. But still great reading and very emotional. If you enjoy intimate, reflective memoirs, this one will get you.

[Allison Lakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, it's easy to read and so relatable. Highly recommend for any one to read especially someone who has gone thru infertility and have come to face a variety of dilemmas with moving forward wanting to have a child

[Jerry Minchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different kind of book. It's almost like reading a novel, but it's nonfiction. It's one woman's thoughts and dilemma revealed in a series of letters to an embryo. There are ethical questions and realistic questions. There is no simple answer, but a decision must be made. Deciding to do nothing is a decision. It leaves you thinking, "What would I do?"

[Jus · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Letters to an Embryo” by Jasna Kaludjerovic.
First edition.
ISBN: 9788690766215
Translation by Alice Copple-Tosic.

‼️Spoilers and trigger warnings ahead‼️

As part of booksirens, I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book for free and give my honest review.

It’s written is like a diary format only focusing on years 2015 to 2018. Non fiction, than a fiction story. A letter written to a frozen embryo by the author aka “your mama”. I read this book in one day. I picked up this book without reading the sypnosis.

“You might be just a frozen embryo, but I’m still your mama. And that’s why I’m going to write real letters to you.”

“Instead of running, I’ll spend an hour before work writing you this letter – my first letter to you.”

A moving, reflective autobiography about the writer telling her frozen embryo her life story. Relationship breakdowns, two failed IVF, life after divorce, healing, self improvement, soul searching, marriage, and the books she read, life as an aunt, being surrounded with people with children, going through a personal transformation, moving, dreams and nightmares, up coming suitors aka “flirts”, future husbands, religion.. lack of faith.. embracing change, fear and failure, self-confidence, career change, celibacy, fortune tellers and travelling.

This book (diary) touches on various subjects of life and how things don’t always go to plan. Everyone has an ideal plan on how they want their lives to be, and they don’t always go that way. In my experience, it’s a wiggly line, never straight forward.

There was lots of repetition about “papa”, her ex-husband.

Even though the book focuses on the extra help on getting pregnant, there are other aspects of the authors life where she was successful, like frequently travelling, having kind supportive and loving sister and friends. These little wins / happy points shouldn’t be forgotten. (And this traumatic experience gave her the power and push to write and published a book!)

“The only difference is that since you came to be in the form in which you exist, as a fertilized egg, you’ve never been inside your mother’s body. There were four of you in all. You resulted from the last IVF attempt just before the divorce. Two of the embryos
were the most advanced, so they decided to put them back inside me. They said that you and the fourth one were of poorer quality and would probably not turn into blastocysts that could be frozen. In any case, they left you to grow as much as you could.”

“He would love you and take care of you. When we split up, he said: there might be a hundred women and 350 children, but if I need sperm for a new IVF or if I want to give birth to you, I can count on him. With his new wife and child, who knows whether this still holds.”

Author referencing her first husband and her egg.

May 8, 2015 - aunt chapter

“I found the book my girlfriend recommended when she heard about my predicament. It’s the autobiography of a yogi. If I understood correctly, the
yogi had a life of suffering and went through a lot of soul-searching until he found the answer. Her recommendation of the book seemed along those lines. We’ll see. As soon as I finish the history of marriage, I’ll start it, but you still won’t be born in the meantime.”

“And I need love. I don’t know how I could give birth to you all alone. I don’t know whether I need marriage or can accept something less. I don’t know how or whom to ask for what I need to ensure your birth, but I know I don’t want it from your papa. God grant us a solution that makes both of us happy and gives you a chance to be born. Amen.”

“I finished reading “A History of Marriage” by Elizabeth Abbott. Now I have a better understanding of my position as a divorced woman. I know why married and other men started hanging around me so much after the divorce, I know that people look at me as being “husbandless”, a “divorcée”. I knew that already from experience, looking around me in amazement and analyzing people’s behavior toward me after the divorce. Civil liberties date from not long ago, practically yesterday. And not only in the Balkans. It’s the same in the West. Interracial marriages were not legalized until the 1960s, just a dozen years before I was born, and women only
became persons in Canada in 1928. Able to sign documents by themselves, own property, have the right to vote and all the rest. So, it’s no surprise that people still hold onto traditional roles. Not everyone is equally smart when it comes to dealing with all the liberties they now have. Everything is possible, so you wonder about the right thing to do.”

“… Karl Marx’s “Das Kapital”. The history of marriage talked a lot about equality. Women’s equality, gender equality, homosexuals’ equality, so Marx was a logical choice to continue the subject of equality in a time in which it had not yet become a reality.”

“Priručnik za raspuštenice” (The Handbook for Divorcées) – a book by Serbian author Svetlana Đokić. May 22, 2015.”

“..I love children now. But I think that bringing them up is a responsible and difficult job. I no longer envy people who have children, I’ve started to love my freedom. If you didn’t exist there in your test tube as a cooked-up combination of genes that’s been sleeping its whole life, I wouldn’t want to give birth to a child on my own. I wouldn’t have IVF with donor sperm just to have a baby, by myself. The question of giving birth with or without love concerns you alone, just because I already feel love and responsibility toward you as unborn, but already existing somewhere.”

“..finding someone without a child from my first marriage. When someone hears about
my dilemma over giving birth to you, they ask, “What do you need that for?” The answer, of course, is, “I don’t need it for anything”. And that’s the truth. The way I am, I really, truly don’t need you at all..”

“Conscience is a strange thing... includes conscience as an important element. You’re not even in religious books. How could you be when there was no IVF and frozen embryos at the time of Buddha, Jesus and Muhammad? All the books say that murder is a sin, abortion is a sin. Does it say anywhere, “If, during your lifetime, you make children that are currently not inside your body, and were conceived and are currently located in test tubes in a laboratory, you are under obligation to provide them the right to be born or you will be eternally damned, condemned to hell, fire and brimstone, blah-blah-blah…” – of course it’s not written anywhere..”

This paragraph reminds me of something I blogged about.. IVF came after all the holy books in the world that was created, therefore this is why, holy books will not have anything stating: conceiving outside your body, without your egg and partner’s sperm, would be seen as adultery.

“I know my nephew’s presence will do
me good. Children bring back equilibrium. The love and lightness they bring can’t be replaced by adult conversations or compassion.”

“What’s interesting is how the people around me commented on my falling head over heels for a younger man. It’s more than obvious that such a couple doesn’t fit into the generally accepted concept of love between men and women.”

“How will this book and my fate end? It’s been about two weeks since I last wrote and everything I wrote is no longer valid! What’s still valid is that I want to give birth to you. But the circumstances have changed. I
don’t know where to be.”

April 10, 2017: “…I haven’t forgotten you, but I have nothing to say about your birth. That’s right. I have a boyfriend now and I’m making a baby with him. I feel I have a right to that, to try, although I don’t know whether I do. I’m happy. What can I do. This very moment I’m fantasizing that I might be pregnant
with him already..”

October 3, 2017: author is finally calling embryo “dearest child”

Oct 321, 2017 back to calling “dearest embryo”

Nov 11, 2017: broke up with bf
Nov 13, 2017 author is 40yr old

March 1, 2018:
“Whether or not this is important news remains to be seen. For now, I’m leaving the company in June, probably late June,
and I’m planning a baby as soon as I leave my job. I’m also planning a baby if I stay.
That baby is you.
Interesting start to March, isn’t it?”

2018: author talks about reaching fifth decade??? I thought she was 40

March 11, 2018;
“Your cousin, my nephew, turned ten today. And I wanted a baby with your papa before he was even conceived. That means I’ve been agonizing about how to become a mother for more than eleven years.”

The “Adventurer..” - fortune teller told her in 2018 new love..

May 5, 2018:
“Your Mama – and now this “Your Mama” sounds a bit different when I know that tomorrow they’ll put you back inside me. It has a different meaning and weight. Not only will you become more of a baby tomorrow, but I’ll also become more of a mama. Wonderful! I’m off!
Hi Babykins,
You’re are finally inside me. The embryo transfer took place yesterday. I woke up at 9:30, unusually late for me.”

“During the embryo transfer I prayed a lot and felt wonderful. It went quickly. It’s done without anesthesia and nothing hurt at all. It was like a normal gynecological examination. There was a microscope photo of you on the table. A ball with some spots inside – that’s what you look like now. You’re not a little bean. You’re a little ball. My sweet little ball. Now grow. Now’s your chance.
And be born and be a healthy, beautiful baby. I truly wish you life. Life isn’t easy, though. If you’re born, you’ll certainly have troubles of your own. But life is beautiful all the same. Regardless of the troubles. I truly hope it succeeds. This was your first birth. Implantation in the uterus. A formal occasion. In your case the cards were not dealt equally, and the implantation was rather difficult, a little uncertain.”

“May 16, 2018
Just as I suspected, you didn’t take. I sensed it, nothing happened. You stayed Embryo. I hoped you would be something more. A fetus or a baby, but nothing came of it.”

[Brie Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was rooting for her. I did get bored like 25% of the way through. And just as I suspected, the ending was what I thought it was going to be.

[Pooj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letters to an Embryo is a very introspective memoir about the author's journey with her frozen embryo after a divorce. This was super vulnerable and had great insight into the mindset of someone going through IVF but with extra complications. I was worried the whole book that by the time we got to embryo transfer it would fail and the rest of the book would be about parsing through grief. Overall, a very interesting read. 4/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Rutuja Ramteke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters to an Embryo is a deeply contemplative and emotionally resonant narrative that captures the psychological weight of unresolved longing, complex identity, and the fragile intersection of personal choice and societal expectation. Through evocative, introspective prose, Jasna Kaludjerovic crafts a story that explores the emotional terrain of infertility, womanhood, relational strain, and the invisible burden of unrealized futures.

At its core, the book examines how the intangible—the imagined life of a child, the silence left behind by broken relationships, and the quiet grief that doesn’t fit neatly into categories—can profoundly shape one's inner world. Kaludjerovic writes with lyrical clarity, balancing poetic restraint with emotional authenticity. Her language feels unfiltered and honest, often confronting uncomfortable truths with sensitivity and grace.

Rather than focusing on linear plot or dramatic events, the narrative unfolds in thematic layers, gently circling questions of identity, motherhood, autonomy, and forgiveness. There is a rhythm to the prose that mirrors internal conflict—at times repetitive, but intentionally so, echoing the recursive nature of real emotional processing. While some readers may find this structural style occasionally disorienting, it adds to the authenticity of the work’s introspective atmosphere.

What stands out most is the author’s ability to evoke the tension between vulnerability and strength. The voice within the story is not defined by despair but by its quiet persistence. The symbol of the frozen embryo—central yet abstract—serves as a powerful metaphor for suspended possibility and the lingering presence of what could have been.

Letters to an Embryo is not designed for escapism. It’s for readers drawn to emotionally layered, meditative fiction—stories that stay with you not because of what happens, but because of how they make you feel. It invites reflection more than resolution, making it a quietly powerful experience for those who appreciate slow-burning, soul-searching literature.

[Garima Bhatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me differently. I wasn’t expecting it to stay with me the way it did, but here I am—still thinking about it days after finishing the last page. Letters to an Embryo is not your typical story. It’s raw, personal, emotional… and so quietly powerful. What I loved the most was how real everything felt. It’s like I was reading someone’s private diary, something not meant for the world, and yet I felt lucky to be let in.

The format itself is so unique—just letters. Intimate, unfiltered letters from a woman to her frozen embryo. Sounds strange at first, but once you start reading, it makes perfect sense. It’s about grief, love, motherhood, identity, and the hard choices that life throws at you when nothing goes according to plan. Every letter felt like a piece of her soul. Some made me smile gently, others left me heavy and teary-eyed.

There’s something incredibly therapeutic about the way she writes. I could feel her pain, confusion, and also her strange, deep love for this embryo—this “maybe-baby” that carries so many emotions and memories. It made me reflect on how we attach meaning to things we can’t fully understand or control. The book helped me appreciate the silent strength in vulnerability.

I also loved how the author didn’t try to make everything pretty or wrapped up in a bow. She just told the truth—messy, emotional, and brave. It made me feel less alone in my own scattered thoughts. And even though her story is so personal, it touched something universal in me—the need to be heard, the struggle to choose what’s right for you, and the quiet battles we all carry.

If I had to sum up the experience of reading this book in one word, it would be intimate. It felt like I was listening to a friend whisper things they’ve never told anyone. I’m really grateful to have read this. It reminded me how healing writing can be—and how sometimes, it’s okay to not have all the answers.

Definitely one of those books I’ll keep coming back to.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some decisions are too important to make swiftly.

One of the most interesting things about this epistolary

memoir was that Ms. Kaluđerović spoke to her frozen embryo as if he or she were a fellow adult. The letters in it included references to dates, career decisions, occasional money problems, and more. It made me smile to see how deeply connected she already felt to her possible child and how willing she was to talk about sensitive or complicated subjects. Those are good signs in a parent or potential parent in my opinion! So much suffering can be prevented or reduced if a mom or dad is happy to talk about anything and never makes their child feel embarrassed for wanting to know how the world works.

While I enjoyed learning so much about the author’s life, I struggled with the slow pacing of this memoir and had trouble keeping my interest levels high as I read. There were many details that were included that didn’t seem to have anything at all to do with the decision of if or when to implant her final frozen embryo. Even once she knew which option was best for her, there were still many delays along the way that I thought could have been trimmed down or left out.

The ending was well written and matched the tone and themes of the earlier letters beautifully. I ended up searching for the author online to see if there were any additional updates to her journey because I felt like I’d gotten to know her well and was so curious to find out what happened next. There is definitely something to be said for memoirs that dive so deeply into both the positive and negative moments in someone’s life. While I don’t want to spoil anything for other readers, this is definitely something I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre and is even slightly curious about how in vitro fertilization and similar fertility treatments can work.

Letters to an Embryo was thought provoking.

[Colleen Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letters to an Embryo follows Jasna Kaludjerovic’s personal emotional decision of implanting a frozen embryo left from an IVF procedure after a painful divorce. From the beginning, I was happy that this deeply religious woman was fairly certain she’d want to have her baby eventually. However the frustrating part was her focus on when would be the best time. Years go by as she decides. As the Jasna deliberated her options, she took the reader on a path of her life, her career problems, sharing her family, friends and boyfriends, indulging on dreams and goals, and coordinating home improvement projects. Unfortunately, her having a baby took a backseat to everything else.
I liked the easy-reading style of the journal entries. Jasna grows throughout the story as she accepts the responsibility of potential motherhood, although at the end I still didn’t feel the sense of emotion I’d expect in this situation. She concentrated too much time on her career and boyfriend relationships, and the impact of a baby in the midst of those relationships. One aspect I noticed is that the journal entries became repetitive and mundane at times. Overall, I enjoyed reading about her excursions to other countries, her jobs and the prospect of becoming an independent company, and the different boyfriends she’d had, but I craved more in-depth emotion concerning her life-changing decision. A heartfelt book a wide audience of readers will appreciate.

[Marcia Vida · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Letters to an Embryo” is a profoundly moving and intimate work that blends memoir, diary, and epistolary storytelling. Written as a series of letters to a frozen embryo, the book explores themes of motherhood, identity, loss, and the search for meaning after divorce. Each letter is a tender conversation between the narrator and the unborn, conveying vulnerability and resilience as she grapples with love, family, faith, and the uncertainty of the future.

The narrative is honest and raw. The author does not shy away from portraying loneliness, doubt, and grief but balances these with humour, self-reflection, and hope. What makes the book compelling is how the embryo becomes a mirror for the narrator’s own growth—a silent confidant to whom she shares her deepest fears and desires. The writing is vivid and heartfelt, drawing readers into both the immediacy of everyday life and the timeless questions of choice, fate, and love.

Overall, “Letters to an Embryo” is an original and brave book. It will resonate with readers who appreciate personal stories told with raw sincerity, as well as those interested in the intersections of family, womanhood, and the complexities of modern relationships.

Worth a read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Book Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jasna Kaludjerovic’s Letters to an Embryo is a bold and emotionally raw memoir that explores the aftermath of a painful divorce and the haunting question of whether to bring a frozen IVF embryo to life. Framed as a series of letters to that embryo, the book offers a unique and intimate lens on grief, identity, and reproductive choice.

The premise is strikingly original, and Kaludjerovic’s voice is sincere and unfiltered. Her reflections on loss and longing are often moving, and the letter format gives her space to explore complex emotions with freedom and depth.

But while the concept is powerful, the execution falters. The narrative soon becomes repetitive—cycling through the same romantic missteps, self-pity, and career frustrations without much growth. The central question—“Will I or won’t I?”—loses urgency as it’s revisited without new insight. The diary-like structure, though authentic, begins to feel stagnant.

This is a memoir that dares to be vulnerable, but it could have benefited from tighter editing and more narrative momentum. Readers looking for emotional honesty will find it here—but they may also find themselves wishing for more movement beneath the surface.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Letters to an Embryo" by Jasna Kaludjerovic The book explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the passage of time. It delves into the emotional complexities of anticipating a new life while reflecting on one's own experiences and memories. Through intimate letters, the narrative weaves together the personal and universal aspects of human connection and growth. Kaludjerovic portrays motherhood as a profound and transformative journey, filled with both joy and uncertainty. She highlights the deep emotional bonds that form even before birth and the way these connections shape a mother's sense of self. Through her introspective letters, she captures the duality of nurturing a new life while navigating her own evolving identity. The letters serve as a poignant vehicle for expressing the raw emotions and inner thoughts of the mother-to-be. They provide a deeply personal insight into her hopes, fears, and dreams, allowing readers to connect with her journey on a profound level. By structuring the narrative through these intimate communications, Kaludjerovic effectively captures the timeless and universal aspects of motherhood and personal growth.

[Mili Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letters To An Embryo
By Jasna Kaludjerovic
Genre – Epistolary Memoir / Nonfiction
Rating – 4 / 5

There are some books, you rarely come across, it’s heartfelt, warm, poignant, and very unique narration. The title itself says the story. Yes, it’s a letter collection that Jasna Kaludjerovic wrote to her frozen embryo. She put it to IVF after enduring years of a broken marriage

I was feeling like I should cuddle in bed, sip my cold coffee, and read this book. Sometimes I took pause to absorb her journey. An introspective narration told in a very unique way.
Do you remember, when we want to talk to someone but we can’t, we try to write letter to that person, letters that were never sent, do you ever open that part of your cupboard?

And thanks to the translator who translate this book without losing all the essence.

Read full review here

https://miliswritingdesk.wordpress.co...

[Lisa Brooke Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letters to an Embryo is one of the most moving and beautifully raw books I’ve read in a long time. Jasna Kaluđerović writes with an honesty that goes straight to the heart, laying bare the hopes, grief, love, and longing surrounding motherhood in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Each letter carries such tenderness and vulnerability that I found myself pausing often to absorb the words and feel them. This isn’t just a book, it’s an intimate conversation about love, loss, resilience, and the strength it takes to dream of new beginnings.

The writing is lyrical yet grounded, and the emotions behind every page shine with authenticity. It’s rare for a book to feel like a story and a companion, but this one does. I closed the final page with tears in my eyes and a full heart.

A truly unforgettable, soul-stirring read that I’ll be thinking about for a long time. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the wonderful ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Debjit Pathak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most evenings after work, I like to read something non-fiction. Last week, I picked up Letters to an Embryo, and it stayed with me in a different way. This isn’t your usual memoir. It’s a series of letters written by a woman to her frozen embryo—left behind after years of IVF and a failed marriage. The idea itself made me pause. We often talk about love or motherhood, but not about the confusing in-between spaces. The writing is intense and personal. It doesn’t try to impress. It just speaks, honestly and directly. And that’s what made it powerful.

As someone who’s gone through quiet heartbreaks of my own, I found parts of this book oddly comforting. It reminded me that uncertainty and longing don’t always need fixing—sometimes they just need space. This isn’t a story for quick readers. But if you’re in a stage of life where you think more than you talk, this book might just meet you there.