A Memoir

Storm in Silk Gloves

"The war ended in 1995. Hers didn't."

By Alma Koprdža

Storm in Silk Gloves — book cover
"This is not just the story of Alma. It is the story of all of us."
— Mo Gawdat, bestselling author of Solve for Happy
The Book

Two wars. Only one of them had a ceasefire.

Alma Koprdža was born in 1989, three years before war reached her family's mountain village of Kadarići in Bosnia. She survived it as a child — bartering sheep for oil, baking by candlelight, learning to read danger before she could read a book. When the shelling stopped in 1995, she assumed the hard part was over. It wasn't.

A second war followed, quieter and longer: over who a girl was allowed to become, fought inside her own village, her own family, her own head. She spent her adolescence chasing an escape she couldn't yet name — through top grades, through ambition, and eventually into one of the first classes of women accepted into Bosnia's combat forces, where the institution meant to protect her turned out to feel as unsafe as anything she'd already survived.

At twenty-three, right at the edge of real freedom, she chose a familiar cage instead: a marriage built to please everyone but her. She stayed with that choice until exhaustion taught her the difference between escaping and choosing. Storm in Silk Gloves ends where she finally stops running from something and starts running toward it instead.

Get the Book
The Arc

From Innocence to Homecoming

Storm in Silk Gloves moves through fifteen sections tracing one life — and the shape resilience takes when it's carried too long.

Portrait of Alma Koprdža
About the Author

Alma Koprdža

Alma Koprdža is a Bosnian author, business-development professional, and brand strategist based in Dubai. Her career has taken her through the military, international aviation, construction, client relations, and strategic partnerships—experiences that continue to shape her interest in people, identity, leadership, and life across cultures.

She studied security management at the University of Sarajevo, earned a Diploma in Aviation Security from Edith Cowan University in Australia, and completed studies in business administration, marketing, and management at DOBA Faculty in Slovenia. Alma later spent six years with Emirates before building a career in business development, key-account management, brand positioning, and strategic partnerships.

Curious, reflective, and deeply interested in human behavior, Alma is drawn to psychology, social studies, personal growth, meaningful conversation, and the meeting point between strength and vulnerability. She brings the same spirit of exploration to her writing and to the communities she builds around it.

Alma is currently developing the Hibrida Anima integration program, preparing the Bosnian translation and publication of Storm in Silk Gloves, and writing her second book—a continuation of the story begun in this memoir.

Where to Buy

Get Storm in Silk Gloves

Hardcover, paperback, and eBook editions are on the way. Retailer listings are being finalized.

Hardcover

ISBN 978-9926-38-169-1

Buy Hardcover on Amazon

Paperback

ISBN 978-9926-38-129-5

Buy Paperback on Amazon

eBook

ISBN 978-9926-38-170-7

Buy eBook on Amazon

Already read it?

A review helps this story reach the next reader.

Praise

What Readers Are Saying

"I had followed the development of a person over time, and that is what made the book memorable for me." — Ajla, Amazon review, Germany
"Some parts had me in tears. A truly compelling story — I didn't want to put it down." — Joe, early reader
"An honest, courageous and ultimately uplifting read. I'd certainly recommend giving it a go." — Verified Purchase, Amazon review, United Kingdom
"I knew right from the beginning I'd get lost in this book. Honest, and it stayed with me long after I put it down." — Jemma, early reader
"This is not just the story of Alma. It is the story of all of us." — Mo Gawdat, bestselling author of Solve for Happy
"I finished it and had to say — I was completely swept away. I forgot everything around me while reading." — Martina, early reader
"The cover pulled me in, and the story held on. Powerful from page one." — Ian, early reader
More reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this only for women?
No. Although told through one woman's experience, many male readers have connected with its themes of identity, resilience and belonging.
Do I need to know Bosnian history?
No. The memoir provides enough context for readers unfamiliar with the region.
Is it graphic?
The book discusses war and trauma but focuses on their lasting psychological impact rather than graphic violence.
How does the book end — is there a sequel?
At a threshold. The book stops the moment Alma starts choosing herself — her life, and her calling to go and explore. A second book, developed under her Hibrida Anima project, continues from there.
What is Hibrida Anima?
Alma's coaching and workshop project — and the foundation for her second book. It's less a framework than a way of life: meeting yourself with all your contradictions, strength and softness included.
How long is the book?
Storm in Silk Gloves runs about 230 pages — a few sittings, not a commitment.
Is it available as an audiobook or in other languages?
Not yet. English hardcover, paperback, and eBook are available now; audio and translation rights are open.
Media & Press

Journalists and podcast hosts — request the full press kit for a high-res photo, book facts, and bio.

Request Full Press Kit
Stay Connected

Join Alma's Reader Circle

Get updates on events, new writing, and the story behind Storm in Silk Gloves.

The Reader Circle opens soon. We will never pretend your address was submitted before the list is live.

Follow and connect with Alma on

Pre-launch Note

This link is almost ready.

Final details are being confirmed. Please check back shortly.

Join the Reader Circle