Today we talk about Waltzing with my Shadows, a book by Jovana Pavlica Agu published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Jovana Pavlica Agu, to get to know her better, when she decided to write about her personal experience in her book Waltzing with my Shadows, as well as how she felt reading her life on the pages of her book.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- When did you decide to write about your personal experience?
In mid-July 2023, I found myself reflecting on life while sitting under an apple tree at our summer home in Haapsalu. With a glass of white wine in one hand and an apple in the other, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the many experiences life had brought me. This moment sparked a desire to share parts of my life with my children, stories they had not witnessed or would ever fully understand. Being a mother is all-consuming, and while it defines much of who I am, I didn’t want my children to see me as just the rule-enforcing mom. I wanted them to know the fun, adventurous side of me too. I decided to start writing about that version of myself, but surprisingly, nothing flowed as I had hoped. Frustrated, I rediscovered an old piece I had written in November 2021—an emotionally charged fragment that had been tucked away. Revisiting those words unlocked the emotions I had been struggling to convey, and from there, *Waltzing with my Shadows* began to take shape.
- What particularly significant experiences in your life find expression in your book?
At first, I believed my childhood was uneventful and ordinary, but as I wrote, my memories proved otherwise. Surprisingly, my youth emerged as a central theme in my memoir, demanding attention and redefining itself on the pages. I had intended to focus on recent experiences, but my childhood took center stage, forcing me to confront its importance. As I revisited those early years, I realized how unique and impactful they were. My life began with a scandal involving my gender and time of birth, stories I had grown up with but never fully explored. By revisiting these memories with my parents, I uncovered layers I hadn’t realized were missing, filling emotional gaps I hadn’t known existed. These formative experiences shaped the person I’ve become and demanded their place in my story, transforming how I viewed my past and, ultimately, myself.
- What are the messages you want to convey to your readers?
The central message I hope to communicate is that every person on this planet is truly extraordinary. There’s no such thing as an “ordinary” person, and I refuse to believe that anyone lives a dull life. Everyone has a story that is worth sharing, even if they don’t consider themselves storytellers. These stories deserve to be valued and shared, for they reveal the richness of our human experience. I want readers to recognize the importance of their own lives, to reflect on what makes them special, and to understand that their story is valuable. We all have something to learn from each other, and through this shared understanding, we can become more attentive, curious, and present in our lives. While I’ve shared my own experiences, my goal is to inspire readers to think about their personal journey—what shaped them, why they behave the way they do, and to celebrate the incredible individuals they’ve become.
- What sensations did you feel by ‘reading’ your life experience on the pages of your book?
Revisiting my life through the pages of my book brings waves of emotion—some joyful, others deeply painful. Certain chapters bring me sheer happiness, while others pull me into the sadness of reliving difficult moments. It’s a mix of pride and heartache as I reflect on both the joyous and painful aspects of my journey. Each experience serves as a reminder of the lessons I’ve learned and the obstacles I’ve overcome, helping me understand my present self. Yet, no matter how painful some memories are, when I finish reading, I feel a sense of balance. The joy in my life counterbalances the struggles, reminding me that I am living a full and meaningful life. This process of reflection also encourages me to remain conscious and present in each moment, to embrace life with all its complexity, and to continue striving for growth and fulfillment.
- Are you planning to write more books you can tell us about?
Books have always been a central part of my life, ever since I learned to read in the first grade. I have an eclectic taste, but romance novels with tragic twists have always captured my heart. Now, as I find myself at a crossroads, I’ve decided to step away from my long-standing career and devote more time to writing. This summer has been challenging, but with the arrival of autumn, my creativity is beginning to resurface. I’ve started crafting the plot for a fictional romance novel—a passion project that excites and challenges me. While it’s difficult to breathe life into characters and develop a compelling plot twist, I’m eager to take on this new challenge and see where the story takes me. Writing is a new adventure, and I’m ready to embrace it fully.
Europe Books thanks the author, Jovana Pavlica Agu, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book Waltzing with my Shadows. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, may this book make you reflect on how to strongly appreciate your life and your experiences because they represent your precious uniqueness; to always have the desire to grow as a person in a true life path that, even complicated, but still worth living.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!