An eclectic group of people (some from previous books of Glyn’s) form a book club in the Welcome Book Shop in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Each has struggles and relies on the other bibliophiles for validation and friendship. As the members begin to feel comfortable with each other, the book takes on a cozy mystery vibe and the author’s sense of place rises quickly. Glyn’s ability to show how books can unite and transform us is stellar, as is her investigation into trust, friendship, forgiveness, truth, tolerance, pride, loneliness, literature, and love. Her main theme may be about belonging, but she offers readers so much more.

My love of history kept me engrossed in this book as I learned about the Croatian War of Independence, Dubrovnik Defenders, the earthquake of 1667, Sponza Palace, Ragusa Republic, and the island of Sipan, and the former Yugoslavia to name just a few. I loved my time in this beautiful city and was in awe of the beautiful buildings, friendly people, and great food. This book has me yearning to have another adventure in this part of the world.

Readers like me may appreciate a heads up that this book spotlights Long Covid, abusive/toxic relationships (references to suicide), LGBTQ representation, and the refugee experience.

I was gifted this book by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

4.5* Loved this book. All the characters weee great and it was like stories within a story for each one. I would recommend this title

Multiple POV. A mystery to solve, plus separate, individual storylines for each character. Set in Dubrovnik, Croatia. 

This is a book about belonging; about pride, in more than one sense of the word; about truth; about forgiveness, including forgiving yourself; about healing; and about finding your way through big challenges in life. 

The descriptions were lovely; it was easy to picture the views, the food, the locations that were being described in this book. I was intrigued by the main storyline, if I can call it that - the one we're given a hint to at the very beginning of the book. That kept me wanting to know how that part would resolve, but I found the other storylines much less interesting as the book progressed. I think it was because of the pacing - some things were dragged out too much and others were rushed over too quickly. 

This was the first book I've read that talks about covid. I liked that at first, and Claire's hesitation about re-entering society was relatable; but, ultimately, I'm not sure it was handled all that well (and that may be just a personal thing). I found the writing quite choppy/disjointed. As mentioned before, some things were drawn out, others rushed; arguments and feelings were unrealistically blown out of proportion; for me, there wasn't a good flow and I didn't feel strongly about any character. The writing didn't pull me in.

Unfortunately, about two-thirds in, the writing itself was making me lose interest and I mostly skim-read the rest of the book. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins One More Chapter for allowing me to read and review it. It had a happy ending and was set in a beautiful location; I wish I had enjoyed it more.

I loved that this book takes place in Dubrovnik. It was so nice to be transported back there through this book while I was reading it in gloomy winter Illinois. I enjoyed the author's addition of Croatian words and translations at the end of the book. The novel touches on subjects like the power of friendship, grief and the struggles of fitting in. At times, it was a little slower than I would have liked, but I did read it quickly and ended up enjoying it overall and would recommend it if you like a feel good bookclub read.

Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, one more Chapter for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

I really really loved this book! Have never read this author , it has also made me want to go to Croatia. Highly recommended.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a nice surprise. I didn't know anything about it, or the author, when I saw it pop up on Goodreads. I admit, though we shouldn't judge books by their covers, the cover and title of this one caught my eye. I have visited Dubrovnik and thought it was an absolutely lovely city that I'd enjoy visiting again someday, plus I love books. The Dubrovnik Book Club sounded like a fun read, and it was. It is told from the perspective of four different characters, and the chapters shift among their POVs. I would definitely put this in the "cozy" category, despite the fact that every character is dealing with some sort of trauma (recovering from/fearing another bout with Long Covid, a past abusive relationship, coming out in a conservative environment, and being a war refugee). You'd think all that trauma would make for a harrowing read, but it doesn't. This is the story of people from different backgrounds coming together and helping each other heal and find their places in the world - prompted by a book club, no less!

The blurb talks a bit about a mystery, and it's true, there is a bit of one. One character, Vedran, was wrongly accused of his girlfriend's death, but I wouldn't describe this as a mystery novel if that's what you're looking for. It's more of a slice of life novel. I loved the lush descriptions of the city and the food - it made me feel like I was right back in Dubrovnik again. The characters all read believably as their own unique people, with different problems and flaws, but everyone, ultimately, is a good person trying to do the right thing and be good to other people. The book club is a backdrop, but not the focal point of the story. I do wish the story had talked a little more about the books the club reads, but that's a minor quibble.

For my books, I tend to grade on a scale of personal enjoyment. For me, this quiet, hopeful story was worth 4 stars. I didn't expect to be as caught up in it as I was, and I scored it highly for that. If you like books, travel, and/or food, let yourself be transported to Dubrovnik for awhile and enjoy this book!

Dubrovnik! Who'd have thought there was so much to love in a city I have not visited, but this author has done quite the job of convincing me that I should. The bookshop at the centre of the story sounds just perfect, a refuge for a disparate band who are as different from each other as it's possible to be and yet turn out to be a perfect combination together.
There is a lot more to this book than I had expected, the cover is so pretty, this is a book worth settling down for - a five star read for certain - this is your summer holiday reading sorted between two very pretty covers!

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC, in exchange for an honest review. Quite the ride! Very cinematic in scope and very much had been guessing till the very end. I want more!

A London native moves to Dubrovnik to live with family and becomes the manager of a bookstore. The book club she starts attracts several disparate members, each with their own secrets and fears they must overcome. The depictions of the city of Dubrovnik were well done and it was easy to picture what a delightful, historic city this is. Characters were well developed, but I didn't feel particularly connected to any of them, and with the book being overly long, it was a plodding read at times.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book makes me want to go to Croatia and save a bookshop. Claire, who has suffered from long Covid and is now anxious about being around people comes to Croatia to live with her grandparents. She works in the bookshop with another employee, Luna, and they host a book club. It was a great story about friendship, a book club, and many POVs that are all connected. Nice, light read that will transport you to the city of Dubrovnik.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins for an early copy of The Dubrovnik Book Club by Eva Glyn

The title o the book may be misleading as very little time is spent at the actual book club meetings. Rather, it is the glue that unites the main characters with a variety of issues as they struggle in Dubrovnik.

Lawyer Verdan (the nephew of Jadran and character in The Collaborator's Daughter cannot move past the mysterious disappearance and possible death of his girlfriend Didi. He had been a suspect in her disappearance, but with no body, the case has simply lingered.

Claire (Fran's granddaughter from The Collaborator's Daughter) is visiting Dubrovnik for a few months and gets a job at the local bookstore where she meets Luna, an employee who was left a sheltered life on a nearby island and is trying to establish her gay life.

When Luna's roommate, Ezra, finds evidence that Didi may in fact be alive, the fractured egos of the other characters must decide how to handle the news.

There are several situations in the novel that bear pointing out: the continued references to long-term Covid and its effects may be bothersome to some readers. The fact that Didi left a pregnancy test right in the bathroom for Verdan to see is too convenient and moves the characters away from any meaningful discussion. Luna appears almost frantic to find a gay partner and settles for the first woman to show any interest in that way. It is up to Claire to inform Luna that the bookshop is closing even though she is only a summer employee when this should fall to the owner regardless of his sad circumstances.

One highlight of the book is Karmela, the young academic with a vital interest in the old buildings of Dubrovnik and their connections to the Ragusa Empire of the past.

I really enjoyed this. Some serious topics handled really sensitively and gorgeous descriptions of Croatia. Highly recommended.

This was really a different read for me. While listed as a mystery, and there was a small mystery, this is definitely more of a human relations and relationships story. Loved the bookstore in Dubrovnik, this is the center of the book, a very unusual book club is formed, with people interacting who would have nothing to do with each other normally but with very tenuous connections something fascinating is formed. The interesting city, it's history and cultural form a backdrop for people, all dealing with their own traumas, who somehow manage to move on, help each other out and form connections that will last a lifetime. Definitely an interesting read, a little heavy emotionally but worth it. Thank you to #NetGalley and #OneMoreChapter for the opportunity to read.

I loved this book from start to finish. It got to grips with some very thorny subjects, most sensitively. A wonderful backdrop set in Dubrovnik. Interesting characters and a plot which moves along at a a good pace. Definitely recommended.

In Eva Glyn's enchanting novel, "The Dubrovnik Book Club," readers are transported to the sun-kissed shores of Croatia, where a seemingly ordinary bookshop becomes the catalyst for unexpected adventures and enduring friendships. Claire Thomson, a newcomer to the region, finds herself drawn into the world of literature and intrigue when she joins forces with an eclectic group of characters to form an unlikely book club. Together, they embark on a quest to solve a mystery that touches their lives in deeply personal ways. As the book club delves into their first selection, a cozy crime novel, they discover the power of words to both captivate and inspire. The story's twists and turns set the stage for their own investigation, which takes them through the labyrinthine streets of Dubrovnik's Old Town and into the hidden corners of their own hearts. Along the way, they encounter colorful characters, face unexpected challenges, and uncover secrets that have long been buried. Glyn's evocative prose brings the setting to life, allowing readers to experience the sights, sounds, and scents of Dubrovnik. The rich history and cultural heritage of the city provide a vibrant backdrop for the characters' journeys, both physical and emotional. The author also deftly explores the transformative nature of literature, demonstrating how books can not only entertain but also challenge, inspire, and unite people from all walks of life. At the heart of the story is the bond that develops between the book club members. Claire, Vedran, Luna, and Karmela come from different backgrounds and have their own unique perspectives, but they find common ground in their love of literature and their shared determination to solve the mystery that has captivated them. Their friendship deepens as they navigate the complexities of their investigation, learning to trust and rely on one another in times of need. "The Dubrovnik Book Club" is a heartwarming and uplifting tale that celebrates the power of friendship, the transformative nature of literature, and the beauty of embracing new experiences. Eva Glyn has crafted a charming and atmospheric novel that will appeal to readers of all ages who enjoy a good mystery, a touch of romance, and an exploration of the human condition.

Claire, a UK native staying with family in Dubrovnik, has recovered from long Covid. Her experience with the disease has made her leery of mixing with people in public. She must overcome her fear as she has been hired as the temporary manager of the Welcoming Bookstore. There, she meets co worker Luna who is struggling with coming out in a somewhat non tolerant culture. Their weekly book club at the store includes Karmela, a visiting professor of history doing research. She tends to be a self isolate, an after effect of her experiences when her family fled Sarajevo at the start of the Yugoslav War. Claire also enlists her cousin, Vedran, to help with the club. Vedran is dealing with his own issues, having once been falsely accused of the murder of his girlfriend after she mysteriously disappeared and then the target of vicious social media postings.

Although there is a bit of, as Claire puts it, navel-gazing, the book is beautifully written and an endearing story. Written from the POVs of the four MCs, overlying all the storylines is the beauty that is Dubrovnik along with the pain, tragedy, loss of the War. It is about the bond of friendship and moving forward in life, no matter your adversities.

I have spent time in Dubrovnik; Glyn’s picturesque descriptions of the old city brought it back to life for me. I also appreciated the refresher on some of the background of the city, including its early history as the Republic of Ragusa as well as the Siege of Dubrovnik. It was enough information to be interesting but not weigh down the plot.

Although some of the characters are in an earlier book by Glyn, this is not part of a series.

I'm a big fan of Eva Glyn's novels and 'The Dubrovnik Book Club' is another triumph! I enjoyed it on so many levels. The dramatic prologue - I love Prologues! - drew me in straightaway and from that first page, I knew I was in for a treat. The author's ability to create a sense of place is such that I felt I was there walking the streets of Dubrovnik, sampling the pastries and enjoying the wonderful sights. The characters, although very different, were real people and I felt I got to know them well. They all had challenges to overcome and Glyn deals with sensitive issues in a caring and supportive way. Each character grows in strength as the story progresses. The format is different in that each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the characters. I loved the way the books chosen at the book club were relevant for the characters, reflecting their back stories and the issues they have to deal with. The separate stories of the four main characters had to be woven together skilfully for the novel to work and it certainly did that for me. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel that has mystery, friendship, history, romance and more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this excellent book.

Loved reading this I could relate a lot to this book because I was born in Dubrovnik myself so this is why I applied for this book.
Claire is battling with Covid and she goes to a book shop, Luna is a lesbian and is dealing with that and hasnt told anyone, Valdren and karmela have issues of their own.

It was a good story you get to see the problems when dubrovnik use to be called yugoslavia with the war and when it was split making a new name.
I love how they spoke in croatian I actually could understand a lot of it because i am from ex yugoslavia.

Thank you for the netgalley book. This is my own opinion.

I only have three experiences of book clubs – one being an online book club called The Pigeonhole, of which I have been a member for six or seven years. In that time I have made ‘friends’ all over the world, shared our love of playing detective, and discussed as we read along – usually over a period of 10 days – a few chapters each day.

Number two was supposed to be Cheltenham’s ‘best book club’. We met in a pub and there were over 20 of us. We didn’t read the same book – we each brought our BYOB and talked about it to encourage others to read it. At least two-thirds were non-fiction which I don’t read. I was bored and never went back, though Covid arrived before the next meeting so I didn’t need to make any excuses.

The third is an online version of The Dubrovnik Book Club – we all read the same book and discuss at the next meeting, then vote for the next book out of a few as suggested by the members. Once we even had the author with us (Janice Hallett no less). And that’s what attracted me to this book. And the fact that I have always fancied visiting Croatia. It sounds beautiful.

But while Dubrovnik is a fabulous setting for the book, it’s the characters that make it special. Having just arrived in Dubrovnik where she will stay with her grandmother Fran, and her second husband Tetak, 23-year-old Claire Thomson starts working in The Welcoming Bookshop. It’s a challenge for her as she was very unwell with Long Covid for fifteen months and is still wary of mixing with people. But together with her cousin Vedran, employee Luna, and Karmela, a professor, they form an unlikely book club. Their first pick is a cosy mystery by a now famous author. But the next picks are more interesting and for some, very emotional.

Claire is always trying to fix everyone else’s problems. Vedran’s girlfriend Didi disappeared a year ago and everyone thinks he killed her. Luna is gay but terrified of ‘coming out’ as her parents are very religious and would never understand. Karmela is a refugee, whose father escaped with his family from Sarajevo during the war in the 1990s, while others stayed to fight, and she still feels guilty. I loved Karmela – I think I would go so far as saying she is my favourite character (apart from Mis the cat of course).

The book was very enjoyable and I could sense the atmosphere and the beauty of Dubrovnik, as well as the emotions of the characters. I felt as though I was there with them much of the time. The writing is beautiful and descriptive (in a good way), and everyone is brought to life with real depth. Even the more minor characters like Fran, Tetak, and especially poor Rafael feel rounded with their back stories. Thank goodness Claire’s fear following Covid is only mentioned a few times as I really don’t want to revisit that awful time, but if a book is set in the last few years, there will always be references. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

I enjoyed reading about Croatia, but had a hard time with the writing style. I may give this a reread in the future but for anyone that wants to escape to Croatia, this could be the read for you.