How much of yourself do you recognise in someone else’s story?

I’m Marija Cunnington, author of the autobiographical books My Little Life. I write about the life I’ve lived, the things I couldn’t say, and the experiences that shaped me. Perhaps you’ll recognise something of yourself in my words.

My books

Growing up in a small Croatian village, far from my parents, I entrusted my notebooks with the words I couldn’t say aloud. My Little Life tells of longing for love and belonging, alongside the friendships, first loves and small joys of growing up.

If you’ve ever kept your sadness to yourself to avoid burdening others, you may recognise something of yourself in these pages.

Kindle eBook-Amazon

Hardcover – Amazon

What readers are saying

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 September 2025

Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase

A very moving story. Such a resilient little girl. To be able to cope with her little life at such an early age and make it into a positive speaks volumes. Looking forward to reading Marina’s next book!

— Della

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 July 2025

Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase

This book is beautiful written.

I absolutely loved it. ❤️📚

— Betty

Your words touched me on every page… quietly and powerfully opening the door to my own memories and feelings. […] I just want to say how much I admire your courage.”

—Mirjana

About me

I was born in Slavonia, Croatia, and life took me to Germany and England before bringing me back to Croatia. Moving between countries, languages and homes has meant many changes and new beginnings.

I’m a mother, a wife and the author of two autobiographical books. In My Little Life, I revisit my childhood in a Slavonian village. The story continues in my second book, currently available in Croatian, through love, war, loss, motherhood and the decisions that changed my life.

But my life is also made of friendships, family, laughter and ordinary days. They belong in my books too, because both the painful moments and the joyful ones have shaped who I am.

Why I write

For a long time, writing came more easily to me than speaking. I could tell my notebooks the things I kept to myself around other people, especially when I didn’t know where to begin or feared I wouldn’t be understood.

When I began writing my books, I returned to those experiences, trying to understand the person I had been then. Today, I can put into words much of what I once struggled to say.

I also share my story because I know what it means to find yourself in someone else’s words and think, “So it’s not just me.” There were many times when I needed that feeling. I hope someone finds it in my pages.

Marija Cunnington-Journal Therapy Coach & Author

Turn your silence into strength.