I Drank From The Nile: An Unbreakable Memoir of Resilience

by Katya Dunko

“What kind of mother kidnaps her own child? The kind who has no other choice.”

Katya Dunko grew up in chaos, learning to silence her wounds. To her, home was a place that didn’t exist on a map. Pills dulled the ache, and survival became the mask for an addiction—introduced by the one person who should have protected her.

Determined to prove she was worthy, Katya followed love to Egypt, believing it would be her transformation. Instead, it became the place that forced her to confront the pain.

Spanning four years and four countries, I Drank From the Nile is a raw confession of addiction, survival, and the relentless pursuit of self-worth. A story of resilience, carved from struggle and bound by one unbreakable truth—the cycle ended with her.

For readers of The House of My Mother, Only Say Good Things, The Girl Who Smiled Beads, Lit, and Not Without My Daughter, this intimate memoir of survival after trauma—of hidden addiction, resilience, motherhood, and breaking generational pain—proves that even in our darkest chapters, we can turn pain into power.

Genres: Memoir

332 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Katya Dunko is the author of I Drank From the Nile, a haunting memoir of resilience, motherhood, and rebirth that spans four countries and one woman’s escape from Egypt in search of freedom and self-worth.

Written for anyone who has ever felt trapped in the past or believed the life they dreamed of was out of reach, Katya’s story explores generational trauma, hidden addiction, and the courage it takes to rebuild after losing everything. It is a reminder that no matter how far you’ve fallen, or how distant a new beginning may seem, there is always a way out—and a way home to yourself.

She writes what most people hide, turning pain into power and survival into art.

Follow on IG @katya_dunko · katyadunko.com

Reviews

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this down. I have to say, it was one of the most frank, candid, evocative things I have ever read. The way Katya carried that candour throughout the entire narrative is remarkable. The conversational tone made it seem as though she was sitting across from me, sharing her story directly.

I loved the dry wit, the authenticity, the way it made me pause and reflect deeply on events in my life I had long since shoved down to the back of my mind, more than once. The story has a way of inviting the reader to not only see and connect with Katya's experience, but to examine their own. It was richly detailed, vivid, immersive... It's a story that will stay with me for a long time. Make sure you have your tissue box at the ready!

[Maria Sanzari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What Katya overcame in the first 3 decades of her life is more than most people survive in a lifetime. I found myself rooting for her over and over again, while riding the insane rollercoaster of events and self-sabotaging decisions that were made throughout her 20’s. An unbelievably unique memoir, with an unexpected hero, and fabulous writing!

[Lori Early Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving memoir

A very moving memoir about a young woman who has had many adversities and struggles to overcome. Katya’s writing at times makes you feel like you are curled up with a glass of wine while your friend tells you a heart wrenching tale about her past. This is one of those hard to put down books because you are constantly wondering how each situation is resolved.

[Allison Pace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This review is my honest opinion.

4.5- What a moving memoir. I kept thinking about this story when I wasn’t reading and towards the end I could not put it down.

I really appreciated the authors vulnerability and willingness to share her story. My heart was breaking for the things she went through and I was filled with rage by the actions of the people around her. I can’t imagine the strength and courage it took to face these trails.

My only minor criticism is that I found there to be some repetition in the writing.

I'd recommend it to anyone interested in overcoming trauma and finding the light at the end of the tunnel.

[Katharine Wenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

It felt real and raw. Exposing yourself in such a way, especially when admitting to ones substance use, can be so hard. I felt for the kid who didn't have anyone looking out for her or getting her into services. I could see the progression from childhood to adulthood and was surprised at Katya's strength to make changes in her life.

[Kelly Rushby · Rating 5 out of 5]

📕 BOOK REVIEW 📕

I DRANK FROM THE NILE BY @katya_dunko

This is one of the most eye opening, memoirs I have ever read. Katya takes us on a journey and tells her life story which is the most colourful life and takes you to places that you will never even imagine or have heard of before. By the time she is 27 she has already lived a thousand lives.

Katya has a hard life feeling unloved and unworthy and seeking validation from the men she loves and her family but she never seems to get it. No one deserves more validation and credit for merely surviving and showing warrior strength throughout the horrific events she has lived through.

Putting your memoir to paper when this is your story shows the most unbelievable amount of courage. A former addict and married to an Egyptian under the watchful and strict laws over there, with a desperate need to escape even if it means she has to kidnap her own daughter in the process.

You will read this memoir with your jaw on the floor in shock and come away admiring the author so much. What a woman!! You will be unable to put this down. Katya Dunko writes so beautifully, it’s like musical poetry.

#bookreviewer #bookrev #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookreader #idrankfromthenile

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I have worked with refugees and immigrants for 17 years, many from Katya’s home country of Ukraine. I studied Middle Eastern studies, and was very curious to see how she landed in Egypt. Her story of bouncing around and hardship is one I am familiar with all too well. Katya, if you see this review, you should be very proud of yourself and all you have overcome. You endured many painful hardships with the odds against you since childhood and rose above it all. Congrats on your ongoing sobriety journey. I am glad you and your daughter are safe. I wish you peace, happiness, security, strength and safety for the future. Thank you for sharing your story with us, it was brave of you to put yourself out there.

[Djenane Nakhle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I regret that Katya’s experience of Cairo—a city of historical legacy and striking beauty—was so bleak, I commend her fortitude. She fought her way through childhood hardship, the turbulence of adolescence, and drug addiction, taking it one hard step at a time. With forgiveness and love as her guiding principles, she built a life for herself and her daughter through her own courage and determination. As she wrote, “Choices are never easy,” but Katya proved that even in challenging circumstances, the right choices can be made.