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THE THIRD KEY
“A story about the stunning history of Dubrovnik that reveals the most important key of life. The best souvenir that you can take from this magnificent city.”
Sanda Pavlinić, litblog #nemamtvpacitam
“This is a novel you cannot put down until you finish it. The Third Key opens many doors that perhaps you didn’t even know existed in you. It is a book after which we wish to become better people.”
Lidija Crnčević, professor of comparative literature and philosophy
The Dubrovnik Republic had already ceased slave trade by 1416. This decision made it one of the first states in the world to discontinue the inhumane practice. But the decree didn’t put a final stop to slavery and it would remain present in a less severe form for almost another century. In the meantime, and before it disappeared completely, individual slaves received a document of liberation, the so-called Charta Libertatis. By this document, they were recognized as free people, even though they still had certain obligations to their former master.
The novel The Third Key talks about the existence of another Charta libertatis and reveals a form of slavery that remains to the present day. While in the historical part of the plot the characters witness the most tragic event in the history of the Dubrovnik Republic – the Great Earthquake of 1667 – the contemporary part of the novel recounts a story of two young people who, during their brief summer romance, discover a forgotten document and in an interesting and exciting way bring both parts of the book into a unique whole. But before we peek into the contents of the true Charta libertatis and discover the secret of the third key, the story takes us to an old caravan road in the early morning of April 6, 1667.
Sanda Pavlinić, litblog #nemamtvpacitam
“This is a novel you cannot put down until you finish it. The Third Key opens many doors that perhaps you didn’t even know existed in you. It is a book after which we wish to become better people.”
Lidija Crnčević, professor of comparative literature and philosophy
The Dubrovnik Republic had already ceased slave trade by 1416. This decision made it one of the first states in the world to discontinue the inhumane practice. But the decree didn’t put a final stop to slavery and it would remain present in a less severe form for almost another century. In the meantime, and before it disappeared completely, individual slaves received a document of liberation, the so-called Charta Libertatis. By this document, they were recognized as free people, even though they still had certain obligations to their former master.
The novel The Third Key talks about the existence of another Charta libertatis and reveals a form of slavery that remains to the present day. While in the historical part of the plot the characters witness the most tragic event in the history of the Dubrovnik Republic – the Great Earthquake of 1667 – the contemporary part of the novel recounts a story of two young people who, during their brief summer romance, discover a forgotten document and in an interesting and exciting way bring both parts of the book into a unique whole. But before we peek into the contents of the true Charta libertatis and discover the secret of the third key, the story takes us to an old caravan road in the early morning of April 6, 1667.
264 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2021
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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August 29, 2024DNF! The final 60 pages of my book were unfortunately not translated to English from the native Croatian so I will never know what the Third Key is
September 25, 2024
The Third Key is a novel that blends historical fiction with a modern-day story. The story alternates between two timelines: the turbulent past of the Dubrovnik Republic during the 17th century and a contemporary narrative featuring two young protagonists who come from very different backgrounds: one, a successful NYC lawyer who works at a very important firm with links to Dubrovnik; the other, a carefree history enthusiast Croatian girl.
The historical part of the novel centers on the Great Earthquake of 1667, a devastating event that nearly destroyed Dubrovnik. Mezei's depiction of this catastrophe is vivid and immersive, allowing readers to experience the tragedy through the eyes of his characters. This section is rich in historical detail, giving insight into the political and social fabric of the Dubrovnik Republic, including its earlier decision to abolish the slave trade—a progressive move for the time. Mezei effectively portrays the resilience of the people during one of the city's darkest moments.
In contrast, the modern storyline follows two young people who, during a summer romance, stumble upon a long-forgotten document—the *Charta Libertatis*, a symbol of freedom from the era of the Republic. As they unravel the mystery behind the document, they uncover connections between the past and present, revealing a hidden form of slavery that persists in subtle ways even today.
Mezei uses the discovery of the *Charta Libertatis* as a key (both literally and metaphorically) to unlocking the mysteries of both time periods. However, it struggles to balance its dual narratives, with the historical sections bogged down by excessive detail and the modern story lacking emotional depth. While Mezei’s research is evident, it ultimately overshadows the novel’s storytelling, resulting in a disjointed and lackluster reading experience. Readers hoping for a gripping historical mystery will likely be left disappointed by this novel’s missed potential.
On the other hand, despite the heavy historical content that (mostly) doesn't add much value to the story, the description of The Town, aka Dubrovnik, makes me want to visit it sometime.
The historical part of the novel centers on the Great Earthquake of 1667, a devastating event that nearly destroyed Dubrovnik. Mezei's depiction of this catastrophe is vivid and immersive, allowing readers to experience the tragedy through the eyes of his characters. This section is rich in historical detail, giving insight into the political and social fabric of the Dubrovnik Republic, including its earlier decision to abolish the slave trade—a progressive move for the time. Mezei effectively portrays the resilience of the people during one of the city's darkest moments.
In contrast, the modern storyline follows two young people who, during a summer romance, stumble upon a long-forgotten document—the *Charta Libertatis*, a symbol of freedom from the era of the Republic. As they unravel the mystery behind the document, they uncover connections between the past and present, revealing a hidden form of slavery that persists in subtle ways even today.
Mezei uses the discovery of the *Charta Libertatis* as a key (both literally and metaphorically) to unlocking the mysteries of both time periods. However, it struggles to balance its dual narratives, with the historical sections bogged down by excessive detail and the modern story lacking emotional depth. While Mezei’s research is evident, it ultimately overshadows the novel’s storytelling, resulting in a disjointed and lackluster reading experience. Readers hoping for a gripping historical mystery will likely be left disappointed by this novel’s missed potential.
On the other hand, despite the heavy historical content that (mostly) doesn't add much value to the story, the description of The Town, aka Dubrovnik, makes me want to visit it sometime.
March 3, 2024
In a recent trip to Croatia, I spent time in the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik. I stopped at a bookstore and had a wonderful discussion with the owner. She recommended "The Third Key' by Vedran Mezei for a good literature introduction into the history and culture of Dubrovnik and its people.
This is a difficult book to rate. As a novel it is lacking. Too much telling and very little showing. I'd rate it two stars. As a history book about the great Dubrovnik earthquake in 1667, I'd rate it four stars. Thus, I am rating the book three stars.
I'm glad that I read it to get a better understanding of Dubrovnik and a glimpse of its history. It is a place I hope to return to in the near future.
I'd recommend 'The Third Key' more as a history book than a novel.
This is a difficult book to rate. As a novel it is lacking. Too much telling and very little showing. I'd rate it two stars. As a history book about the great Dubrovnik earthquake in 1667, I'd rate it four stars. Thus, I am rating the book three stars.
I'm glad that I read it to get a better understanding of Dubrovnik and a glimpse of its history. It is a place I hope to return to in the near future.
I'd recommend 'The Third Key' more as a history book than a novel.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews