After reading Majda Tometić’s novel The Women Upstairs, I was deeply impressed by the layered nature of the story and the emotional power with which the author managed to convey the struggles, hopes, and everyday challenges of her characters.

This work is not only a story about women sharing a common space, but also a reflection on inner struggles, a sense of belonging, and the search for stability in an uncertain world.

The story is complex, yet clear and linear, with occasional flashbacks that allow for a deeper understanding of the characters. Through their personal struggles – be it love, family, career, or dreams – one feels as if the author has masterfully captured the real emotions and challenges of modern women.

The characters are incredibly authentic. Each woman in the story brings a unique perspective, but what they have in common is dealing with a sense of insecurity and transience. I was particularly moved by the depth with which the author portrayed their inner conflicts and relationships. Despite their differences, the reader can feel the connection between them, and through their stories recognize parts of their own lives.

Important themes run through the story, such as the search for identity, the importance of mutual understanding, questions of home and belonging, and the internal changes that shape us. The author reminds us that all relationships, even the most difficult ones, are opportunities for growth and understanding – both of others and ourselves. The title Podstanarke perfectly reflects the deep metaphor of temporariness and the search for stability in a world that is often unpredictable.

Majda Tometić writes clearly and honestly, but with a rich style that draws the reader into the world of her characters. I was particularly delighted by the emotional and picturesque descriptions with which the author depicts the characters’ inner states. Her ability to build tension and create an emotional connection with the reader makes this novel a true literary pleasure.

The Women Upstairs is a novel that I would recommend to anyone who likes introspective stories about human relationships and everyday struggles. This work is not only a book to read, but also to reflect on. After I closed the last page, I was left thinking about my own life, relationships, and the way I deal with change.

With her debut, Majda Tometić proved that she is as talented a writer as she is an educator, delivering a story that will surely remain etched in the hearts of readers.