Although Eva Glyn has appeared here on Linda’s Book Bag under her other writing persona of Jane Cable, The Dubrovnik Book Club is the first time I’ve featured her as Eva Glyn. I’m delighted to share my review of Eva’s latest book today.

Published by Harper Collins imprint One More Chapter on 14th March 2024, The Dubrovnik Book Club is available for purchase through the links here.

The Dubrovnik Book Club

In a tiny bookshop in Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town, a book club begins…

Newly arrived on the sun-drenched shores of Croatia, Claire Thomson’s life is about to change forever when she starts working at a local bookshop. With her cousin Vedran, employee Luna and Karmela, a professor, they form an unlikely book club.

But when their first book club pick – an engrossing cosy crime – inspires them to embark upon an investigation that is close to the group’s heart, they quickly learn the value of keeping their new-found friends close as lives and stories begin to entwine…

My Review of The Dubrovnik Book Club

Claire has a new job.

The Dubrovnik Book Club was a total surprise. I’d anticipated a light, entertaining story about developing friendships through a love of reading – and certainly that is one of the aspects of the narrative – but there is so much more besides, making this a book perfect for any reader. 

With a book club as a pivot, Eva Glyn creates a story that moves around this central feature like a literary orrery. Her themes are deep and universal, from Vedran’s trial by media when Didi goes missing and his relationship with her, through Luna’s sexuality, to Claire’s psychological state following severe illness caused by Covid. These aspects add considerably to the reader’s engagement with the story, giving much to ponder. There are other motifs that add further interest to The Dubrovnik Book Club too, from family and friendship through the impact of societal and religious expectations, to feminism and the patriarchy. 

I think what works so well is the fact that, although Eva Glyn encompasses so many threads in her narrative from PTSD to addiction, none of them feels forced. Rather, the characters dealing with the themes of the story are flawed and believable and their experiences seem to arise naturally even in the most dramatic aspects. These are real people whose struggles are identifiable and realistic. The author displays considerable humanity and sensitivity in her excellent storytelling. All of that said, there’s a real sense of hope and optimism that leaves the reader totally satisfied at the end of the story as both characters and reader alike learn that life is for living and it’s up to us to grasp opportunities in both hands rather than dwell too much in the past. And of course – there are books too!

Consequently, there’s a little bit of everything in The Dubrovnik Book club to appeal to everyone. I loved the mystery as Luna and Claire try to clear Vedran’s name. I loved the developing romances between several of the characters, and I loved the sense of place and history.

Indeed, Dubrovnik is incredibly well depicted. Eva Glyn creates beautifully described settings with a real eye for detail so that it is as if the reader is standing in Dubrovnik’s streets. There’s meticulously researched history that adds colour and authenticity, and the smatterings of indigenous language (supported by a glossary at the end of the book) give a vivid sense of place. It really does feel as if you’re there in the old town. Dubrovnik is every bit as much a character as any of the people.

The Dubrovnik Book Club is a multi-faceted story that is thoroughly entertaining and completely engaging. It’s also far more layered and interesting than might be expected from the title alone and I really, really enjoyed it. 

About Eva Glyn

Eva Glyn fell in love with Croatia during her first holiday there in 2019; the incredible scenery, the delicious food, the country’s dramatic twentieth century history all played their part, but most of all it was the friendliness of the people.

One of these was tour director Darko Barisic, who told an incredible story about growing up in underground shelters during the war in the 1990s, and she knew she had to write a book around his experiences. This became her first Croatian novel, The Olive Grove, and she and Darko have become good friends and he continues to advise her on all aspects of Croatia.

Eva delves into Croatian history and everyday life for her inspiration, and visits the country as often as she can, having uncovered so many stories by talking to local people. Travel in general is her passion, followed closely by food and wine, which also find their way between her pages.

Although Welsh by birth she now lives in Cornwall with the man she met and fell in love with almost thirty years ago. She also writes as Jane Cable.

You can follow Eva on Twitter/X @JaneCable, visit her website and find her on Facebook and Instagram.