What do you think?
Rate this book
The Olive Grove
Antonia venovala celý svoj život výchove svojej jedinej dcéry, no tá si už začala budovať vlastný život a Antonia sa zrazu cíti osamelá. Uvedomuje si, že vzťah so ženatým mužom, ktorý je navyše jej šéfom, musí ukončiť. A tak urobí radikálny krok a rozhodne sa odísť pracovať do Chorvátska na ostrov Korčula do Vily Masliny. Vo vile sa stretáva s jej majiteľom, mladým a svojským Damirom, ktorý je plný ambícií. Chce to dotiahnuť ďaleko a vybudovať prosperujúci biznis. Na prvý pohľad pôsobí dokonale, no postupne vychádza na povrch, že čosi tají a nič nie je také, ako by sa mohlo zdať.
401 pages, ebook
First published September 3, 2021
248 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
August 30, 2021
Antonia Butler is on the brink of a life-changing decision and a job advert for a multilingual housekeeper at a beautifully renovated Croatian farmhouse, Vila Maslina, is one she can't ignore. Arriving on the tiny picturesque island of Korcula, Antonia feels a spark of hope for the first time in a long time. This is a chance to leave her past behind. But this island, and it's inhabitants have secrets of their own and not-so-distant past steepled in tragedy and war.
Tis is a moving story that's set in Croatia. Antonia has to leave her daughter behind when she starts working at Vila Maslina. Damir is the owner of the farmhouse and he has a vison to make a better life for himself. He wants to make the family home into a holiday property.
There wasn't a character in this book that I didn't like in this heart-warming read. This is a beautifully written story that's gripping, emotional and captivating. Damir was my favourite character. He had been taken in by his aunt when his mother became a victim of the Croatian war. This is the first book that I've read by the author but it won't be my last.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #EvaGlyn for my ARC of #TheOliveGrove in exchange for an honest review.
Tis is a moving story that's set in Croatia. Antonia has to leave her daughter behind when she starts working at Vila Maslina. Damir is the owner of the farmhouse and he has a vison to make a better life for himself. He wants to make the family home into a holiday property.
There wasn't a character in this book that I didn't like in this heart-warming read. This is a beautifully written story that's gripping, emotional and captivating. Damir was my favourite character. He had been taken in by his aunt when his mother became a victim of the Croatian war. This is the first book that I've read by the author but it won't be my last.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #EvaGlyn for my ARC of #TheOliveGrove in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2021
Undoubtedly, Glyn expertly creates the stunning setting of Croatia, leaving my mouth-watering – not only for exploring what seems to be a beautiful part of the world, but also with references to such yummy dishes!
I found this an interesting narrative, exploring a part of history I know nothing about: the Bosnian conflict. Damir, an old soul in a young body, is clearly suffering from PTSD after his experiences of the Bosnian war when he was a child. Try as I might, I really struggled to imagine Damir as a young man of 35 years because the way that he behaves seems so much older. Yes, he is a successful businessman and is making a financial success of his renovated farmhouse however, his barely controlled traumas significantly age the character.
To be honest, I was expecting more flashbacks than what Glyn provides. Instead, this is infrequently embedded into the present day narrative. The references to the war are short and sharp, symbolising the pain and grief that Damir unexpectedly experiences. It is quite heart-breaking considering how much his childhood continues to haunt him as an adult. Overall, I think I would have preferred more scenes that were longer and developed, to get a better understanding of the terrors of the war in Croatia. I think this would have helped me to connect more with Damir.
The other strand to this plot is Antonia, leaving England and a poor relationship to start again at Damir’s farmhouse. Whilst Damir’s identity is shaped by his terrors, Antonia is having to re-evaluate herself: to take the time to build her confidence and reassess her role as a mother. Leaving her daughter, Honey, back home, Antonia realises she needs to adjust her relationship with Honey to ensure her daughter grows to become more independent and capable of making her own decisions. Over this process, Antonia realises that actually, the life she led in England was not the healthiest – either for herself or for her daughter – and Croatia offers her that freshness she needs.
All in all, this is a lovely, summery story. The setting was beautifully described by Glyn and I could vividly picture that wonderful coastline. Yet, despite the enticing cover, this book is more about the psychological changes both characters experience. For Damir, it is a case of reconnecting with his past in order to heal; for Antonia, she needs to accept a brighter and bolder future in order to better herself. The farmhouse and olive grove are therefore the vessels that encourage this transformation.
I did enjoy this novel from Glyn but did find the latter quarter to slow down. I wanted to see a bit of a quicker pace when it came to Damir’s closure and I thought it the plot started to repeat itself. Prolonging the ending was frustrating but I think the writer does this to reflect the arduous, emotional journey that both characters experience.
This is not a typical summer read and I liked learning about a different time of history. With such a warm setting, the characters were likeable and I supported their chances at healing and moving forwards.
With thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found this an interesting narrative, exploring a part of history I know nothing about: the Bosnian conflict. Damir, an old soul in a young body, is clearly suffering from PTSD after his experiences of the Bosnian war when he was a child. Try as I might, I really struggled to imagine Damir as a young man of 35 years because the way that he behaves seems so much older. Yes, he is a successful businessman and is making a financial success of his renovated farmhouse however, his barely controlled traumas significantly age the character.
To be honest, I was expecting more flashbacks than what Glyn provides. Instead, this is infrequently embedded into the present day narrative. The references to the war are short and sharp, symbolising the pain and grief that Damir unexpectedly experiences. It is quite heart-breaking considering how much his childhood continues to haunt him as an adult. Overall, I think I would have preferred more scenes that were longer and developed, to get a better understanding of the terrors of the war in Croatia. I think this would have helped me to connect more with Damir.
The other strand to this plot is Antonia, leaving England and a poor relationship to start again at Damir’s farmhouse. Whilst Damir’s identity is shaped by his terrors, Antonia is having to re-evaluate herself: to take the time to build her confidence and reassess her role as a mother. Leaving her daughter, Honey, back home, Antonia realises she needs to adjust her relationship with Honey to ensure her daughter grows to become more independent and capable of making her own decisions. Over this process, Antonia realises that actually, the life she led in England was not the healthiest – either for herself or for her daughter – and Croatia offers her that freshness she needs.
All in all, this is a lovely, summery story. The setting was beautifully described by Glyn and I could vividly picture that wonderful coastline. Yet, despite the enticing cover, this book is more about the psychological changes both characters experience. For Damir, it is a case of reconnecting with his past in order to heal; for Antonia, she needs to accept a brighter and bolder future in order to better herself. The farmhouse and olive grove are therefore the vessels that encourage this transformation.
I did enjoy this novel from Glyn but did find the latter quarter to slow down. I wanted to see a bit of a quicker pace when it came to Damir’s closure and I thought it the plot started to repeat itself. Prolonging the ending was frustrating but I think the writer does this to reflect the arduous, emotional journey that both characters experience.
This is not a typical summer read and I liked learning about a different time of history. With such a warm setting, the characters were likeable and I supported their chances at healing and moving forwards.
With thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2021
This is a lovely story that had my full attention.
I thought it so brave of Antonia - making a fresh start is never easy, but in a new country, that takes real courage.
I liked Damir and felt for both these characters, particularly Damir and what he went through.
I liked how they came to trust and care for one another and I felt Antonia came along at the right time.
This a new author to me and one whose books I look forward to reading more of in the future.
A Beautiful setting and the descriptions of Croatia made me wish I was there.
Heartbreaking yet heartwarming,
I definitely recommend this book.
I thought it so brave of Antonia - making a fresh start is never easy, but in a new country, that takes real courage.
I liked Damir and felt for both these characters, particularly Damir and what he went through.
I liked how they came to trust and care for one another and I felt Antonia came along at the right time.
This a new author to me and one whose books I look forward to reading more of in the future.
A Beautiful setting and the descriptions of Croatia made me wish I was there.
Heartbreaking yet heartwarming,
I definitely recommend this book.
October 19, 2022
Antonia is having an affair with her married boss. After a humiliating incident she realizes it is going no where. Her daughter and partner need space so Antonia quits her job and accepts an offer at the Vila Maslina in Croatia. Damir is a young man who was raised by an aunt. Since she passed away he has turned her home into a bed and breakfast of sorts, modeling it after the villas he maintains for a rich man.
The characters were lovely. I really liked Antonia and would love to be her friend. She took herself out of an awkward position, had the strength to leave her daughter and move to a foreign country. Damir was a tortured young man haunted by a war and the loss of his mother and father but found a friend in Antonia.
This is about the devastation of war and the toll it takes on the young. Korcula sounds like a beautiful place but even surrounded by beauty one can be sad. Eventually Antonia realizes she has found a home and friends that will be in her heart and life forever and Damir eventually is able to put his war experiences into a sort of perspective and find some peace.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for providing me a copy of this lovely story.
The characters were lovely. I really liked Antonia and would love to be her friend. She took herself out of an awkward position, had the strength to leave her daughter and move to a foreign country. Damir was a tortured young man haunted by a war and the loss of his mother and father but found a friend in Antonia.
This is about the devastation of war and the toll it takes on the young. Korcula sounds like a beautiful place but even surrounded by beauty one can be sad. Eventually Antonia realizes she has found a home and friends that will be in her heart and life forever and Damir eventually is able to put his war experiences into a sort of perspective and find some peace.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for providing me a copy of this lovely story.
March 4, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I know I requested this one just based on the title and the cover alone...sometimes that works in my favor and sometimes it doesn't. What I loved about the book was the setting and the descriptions the author used for it...it made me add this place to my list of places I want to go that I read about in a book. What I did not LOVE about the book was pretty much everything else...maybe a little of the story line but I did not connect with any of these characters...I'm not sure why but they just left me feeling a little off with the whole thing. I can see that I am clearly the opposite of what most people were thinking about it so by all means, do not go by what I have to say. Give it a go and I hope you enjoy it.
August 27, 2021
A strong sense of place is something I always look for in a book – I’ve only visited Croatia as a quick stop-off while on a cruise, it’s always been a holiday destination I’ve liked the look of, and if the sea is really as enticing as it looks on that wonderful cover I think it’s about time to make next year’s booking. This book really brings the destination – the island of Korčula – vividly to life, while providing a strong reminder about the troubled recent history of the countries that made up the former Yugoslavia.
But I’m jumping ahead – the book’s focus at the start is Antonia, one of those more mature characters I always enjoy, feeling less than comfortable with her life. She’s embroiled in an affair with a married man, and it’s a slightly grubby life that she really doesn’t want any more – he’s also her boss at the holiday company where she works, and that makes breaking things off many times more difficult. But it also provides a chance of escape – Villa Maslina is a new property on their books, the owner familiar to her, and when she finds he needs a housekeeper for the villa she decides it’s just the opportunity she’s looking for. The only downside is leaving daughter Honey behind – but perhaps it’ll give her rather immature daughter the opportunity to take more responsibility for her own life, allowing some breathing space to work on her less-than-stable relationship with her girlfriend, enabling her to make some decisions about her own future.
In Korčula, we meet the villa’s owner, Damir – a young man with a vision and a desire to better himself, beginning with creating a holiday property to be proud of from the home where he grew up. He’s immediately extremely likeable, and the friendship between them grows – but he’s a very troubled man, unsuccessfully having tried to move on from memories of his past, and those night-time horrors are now beginning to impact his waking hours. The shadow cast by those wartime experiences is a long one – and through their time together Antonia and Damir support and help heal each other, with an intriguing mystery to be resolved before he can achieve anything like peace of mind.
Despite the difference in their ages, I’d rather expected the friendship to deepen into a romance – but that would have only muddied the waters, detracting from the book’s themes and focus, and the romantic flurries that do feature involve others rather than the two main protagonists. There is a particularly strong supporting cast – and visitors from Antonia’s previous life to add texture and maintain that link with “home” – but the enduring impact of the book lies with Damir’s wartime experiences.
The book doesn’t become a dual time story, and I thought that was a choice that worked particularly well – instead, we’re offered glimpses of his past, images that sear themselves into the memory, powerful and affecting, building empathy for this young man and the traumatic events he experienced while still a child.
The story-telling is excellent – and every emotional touch extremely well-judged. I particularly liked Damir’s passion for restoring the old olive press in time for the harvest, all linked to his more precious memories of being provided with a safe home where he felt loved – beautifully done. The book’s pace is steady, with few fireworks in the present day story, but that was something I enjoyed – Damir’s emotional journey and the search that underpins it provides more than enough narrative drive to keep the pages turning. Antonia’s experiences give the story particular appeal for an older reader – that minefield of families and caring, life’s possibilities and the way she responds to them, all with particular authenticity, easy to identify with.
I really did enjoy this one – and must say that those comparisons with other authors in the book’s description are entirely justified. Filled with emotional complexity, coupled with a captivating story – I couldn’t have asked for more, and highly recommend this book.
But I’m jumping ahead – the book’s focus at the start is Antonia, one of those more mature characters I always enjoy, feeling less than comfortable with her life. She’s embroiled in an affair with a married man, and it’s a slightly grubby life that she really doesn’t want any more – he’s also her boss at the holiday company where she works, and that makes breaking things off many times more difficult. But it also provides a chance of escape – Villa Maslina is a new property on their books, the owner familiar to her, and when she finds he needs a housekeeper for the villa she decides it’s just the opportunity she’s looking for. The only downside is leaving daughter Honey behind – but perhaps it’ll give her rather immature daughter the opportunity to take more responsibility for her own life, allowing some breathing space to work on her less-than-stable relationship with her girlfriend, enabling her to make some decisions about her own future.
In Korčula, we meet the villa’s owner, Damir – a young man with a vision and a desire to better himself, beginning with creating a holiday property to be proud of from the home where he grew up. He’s immediately extremely likeable, and the friendship between them grows – but he’s a very troubled man, unsuccessfully having tried to move on from memories of his past, and those night-time horrors are now beginning to impact his waking hours. The shadow cast by those wartime experiences is a long one – and through their time together Antonia and Damir support and help heal each other, with an intriguing mystery to be resolved before he can achieve anything like peace of mind.
Despite the difference in their ages, I’d rather expected the friendship to deepen into a romance – but that would have only muddied the waters, detracting from the book’s themes and focus, and the romantic flurries that do feature involve others rather than the two main protagonists. There is a particularly strong supporting cast – and visitors from Antonia’s previous life to add texture and maintain that link with “home” – but the enduring impact of the book lies with Damir’s wartime experiences.
The book doesn’t become a dual time story, and I thought that was a choice that worked particularly well – instead, we’re offered glimpses of his past, images that sear themselves into the memory, powerful and affecting, building empathy for this young man and the traumatic events he experienced while still a child.
The story-telling is excellent – and every emotional touch extremely well-judged. I particularly liked Damir’s passion for restoring the old olive press in time for the harvest, all linked to his more precious memories of being provided with a safe home where he felt loved – beautifully done. The book’s pace is steady, with few fireworks in the present day story, but that was something I enjoyed – Damir’s emotional journey and the search that underpins it provides more than enough narrative drive to keep the pages turning. Antonia’s experiences give the story particular appeal for an older reader – that minefield of families and caring, life’s possibilities and the way she responds to them, all with particular authenticity, easy to identify with.
I really did enjoy this one – and must say that those comparisons with other authors in the book’s description are entirely justified. Filled with emotional complexity, coupled with a captivating story – I couldn’t have asked for more, and highly recommend this book.
October 17, 2022
Olivenlunden er en bog, der måske ud fra dens omslag kunne ligne chick-lit. Men den indeholder så meget mere. Vi lærer bl.a. om den urolige nyere historie i det tidligere Jugoslavien, og om de psykiske udfordringer krigen har efterladt. Det er en bog med masser af følelsesmæssig kompleksitet kombineret med en fængslende historie.
Mødet mellem Antonia, på jagt efter en ny start, og Damir, den gamle sjæl i den unge krop, er starten på en hel ny fremtid for dem begge. Den styrke de fandt i hinanden er følelsesmæssigt rigtigt stærkt beskrevet. Lidt ligesom livet, er det en kombination af glæde, skyld, fortrydelse og kærlighed.
Referencerne til krigen er korte og skarpe. De symboliserer godt den smerte og sorg Damir oplever. Vi tilbydes glimt af hans fortid – billeder, der brænder sig ind i hukommelsen. Det er en tankevækkende måde at fremstille traumet fra krigen i en unik, personlig historie. Forfatteren har valgt en elegant og respektfuld tilgang, og håndterer på en nænsom måde fakta og personlige traumer. Antonias oplevelser giver historien en særlig appel til en ældre læser – det minefelt af familier og omsorg, livets muligheder og den måde, hun reagerer på dem, alt sammen med særlig autenticitet, let at identificere sig med.
Eva Glyn udviser et stort talent for smukke miljøbeskrivelser, så man næsten føler sig hensat på den kroatiske olivenlund. Og udover de stemningsfulde beskrivelser af Vila Masina, så er der masser af tiltrækning i de mundrette snacks, drinks og måltider. Jeg kunne især godt lide Damirs passion for at restaurere den gamle olivenpresse i tide til høsten, alt sammen knyttet til hans mere dyrebare minder om at blive forsynet med et sikkert hjem. Damirs følelsesladede rejse giver mere end nok fortælledrift til at holde læseren fanget.
En hjertevarm historie med et strejf af mystik.
Mødet mellem Antonia, på jagt efter en ny start, og Damir, den gamle sjæl i den unge krop, er starten på en hel ny fremtid for dem begge. Den styrke de fandt i hinanden er følelsesmæssigt rigtigt stærkt beskrevet. Lidt ligesom livet, er det en kombination af glæde, skyld, fortrydelse og kærlighed.
Referencerne til krigen er korte og skarpe. De symboliserer godt den smerte og sorg Damir oplever. Vi tilbydes glimt af hans fortid – billeder, der brænder sig ind i hukommelsen. Det er en tankevækkende måde at fremstille traumet fra krigen i en unik, personlig historie. Forfatteren har valgt en elegant og respektfuld tilgang, og håndterer på en nænsom måde fakta og personlige traumer. Antonias oplevelser giver historien en særlig appel til en ældre læser – det minefelt af familier og omsorg, livets muligheder og den måde, hun reagerer på dem, alt sammen med særlig autenticitet, let at identificere sig med.
Eva Glyn udviser et stort talent for smukke miljøbeskrivelser, så man næsten føler sig hensat på den kroatiske olivenlund. Og udover de stemningsfulde beskrivelser af Vila Masina, så er der masser af tiltrækning i de mundrette snacks, drinks og måltider. Jeg kunne især godt lide Damirs passion for at restaurere den gamle olivenpresse i tide til høsten, alt sammen knyttet til hans mere dyrebare minder om at blive forsynet med et sikkert hjem. Damirs følelsesladede rejse giver mere end nok fortælledrift til at holde læseren fanget.
En hjertevarm historie med et strejf af mystik.
March 7, 2023
Compelling
Antonia leaves an impossible relationship with her boss, and heads to Korcula Island in Croatia to take on the position as housekeeper in a small guest house. Damir the owner, is suffering with nightmares and memories of the atrocities from the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which saw him separated from his parents. Can Antonia help him to overcome his fears and to find the answers he needs?
An extremely compelling and emotional story, brilliantly written and researched by Eva Glyn, and one which I cannot recommend highly enough.
Antonia leaves an impossible relationship with her boss, and heads to Korcula Island in Croatia to take on the position as housekeeper in a small guest house. Damir the owner, is suffering with nightmares and memories of the atrocities from the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which saw him separated from his parents. Can Antonia help him to overcome his fears and to find the answers he needs?
An extremely compelling and emotional story, brilliantly written and researched by Eva Glyn, and one which I cannot recommend highly enough.
September 22, 2021
Never having been to Croatia, I was delighted to be transported to the very vivid landscape and history of Korčula, after an intriguing, beautifully written prologue. It hooked me right away.
Apart from the evocative descriptions of Vila Maslina, set in her olive groves of “silver-green leaves shimmering in the pale sunlight”, there are plenty of mouth-watering snacks, drinks and meals to keep you turning the pages. However it is the real characters and the central drama that is the strength of this book. Eva Glyn has researched well and explores how lives were turned upside down by the bitter war between Bosnians and Croatians; how children were torn from their parents and “boys were brave, especially boys whose fathers had been war heroes. That way boys grew into men.” At the age of thirty-one, the repercussions of this war are tearing Damir apart. He is unravelling from delayed post-traumatic stress. Antonia, newly arrived from England, a recently broken relationship also scarring her, might be able to help Damir. And in doing so, she might find herself too and carve a new life.
The story is full of mystery and tangled relationships. “He did not know anything, except he knew everything”. I was fascinated, invested in each character and I couldn’t put it down.
Apart from the evocative descriptions of Vila Maslina, set in her olive groves of “silver-green leaves shimmering in the pale sunlight”, there are plenty of mouth-watering snacks, drinks and meals to keep you turning the pages. However it is the real characters and the central drama that is the strength of this book. Eva Glyn has researched well and explores how lives were turned upside down by the bitter war between Bosnians and Croatians; how children were torn from their parents and “boys were brave, especially boys whose fathers had been war heroes. That way boys grew into men.” At the age of thirty-one, the repercussions of this war are tearing Damir apart. He is unravelling from delayed post-traumatic stress. Antonia, newly arrived from England, a recently broken relationship also scarring her, might be able to help Damir. And in doing so, she might find herself too and carve a new life.
The story is full of mystery and tangled relationships. “He did not know anything, except he knew everything”. I was fascinated, invested in each character and I couldn’t put it down.
September 5, 2021
4.5 Stars
A wonderfully written and beautifully layered page-turner, Eva Glyn’s The Olive Grove is a compulsively readable tale readers will thoroughly enjoy.
Antonia Butler is on the precipice of great change. When she stumbles upon a job advert for a multilingual housekeeper at a beautifully renovated Croatian farmhouse, Vila Maslina, Antonia realizes that this is the chance and opportunity she has been waiting for for a long time. Not about to let this job slip through her fingers, Antonia heads off to the tiny picturesque island of Korcula where she plans to lay old ghosts to rest and start afresh in a place where she can finally escape her demons. However, her new home is fraught with its own dangers and challenges…
Korcula might be a beautiful island, but it teems with secrets and shadows. The island inhabitants have their own skeletons rattling around in their closets, but nobody is as intriguing or as enigmatic as the owner of Vila Maslina himself, Damir Maric. Antonia finds herself drawn to Damir, but can she trust him? Is Damir somebody she should keep at arm’s length? Or will Antonia end up finding in him everything she has always wanted?
Will Korcula prove to be a safe haven for Antonia? Or will its beauty lure her into a dangerous trap from which there is simply no escape?
Eva Glyn’s The Olive Grove is an emotional and evocative read set in a beautiful part of the world that is so beautifully recreated readers will feel as if they are living and breathing the story alongside her characters. A heart-wrenching, dramatic and hopeful tale about fresh starts, old sins, broken promises and second chances, Eva Glyn’s The Olive Grove is a book that tugs at the heartstrings and will linger in the mind weeks after the last page is turned.
Eva Glyn’s The Olive Grove is an astute, absorbing and poignant novel from a writer with a very bright future ahead of her.
A wonderfully written and beautifully layered page-turner, Eva Glyn’s The Olive Grove is a compulsively readable tale readers will thoroughly enjoy.
Antonia Butler is on the precipice of great change. When she stumbles upon a job advert for a multilingual housekeeper at a beautifully renovated Croatian farmhouse, Vila Maslina, Antonia realizes that this is the chance and opportunity she has been waiting for for a long time. Not about to let this job slip through her fingers, Antonia heads off to the tiny picturesque island of Korcula where she plans to lay old ghosts to rest and start afresh in a place where she can finally escape her demons. However, her new home is fraught with its own dangers and challenges…
Korcula might be a beautiful island, but it teems with secrets and shadows. The island inhabitants have their own skeletons rattling around in their closets, but nobody is as intriguing or as enigmatic as the owner of Vila Maslina himself, Damir Maric. Antonia finds herself drawn to Damir, but can she trust him? Is Damir somebody she should keep at arm’s length? Or will Antonia end up finding in him everything she has always wanted?
Will Korcula prove to be a safe haven for Antonia? Or will its beauty lure her into a dangerous trap from which there is simply no escape?
Eva Glyn’s The Olive Grove is an emotional and evocative read set in a beautiful part of the world that is so beautifully recreated readers will feel as if they are living and breathing the story alongside her characters. A heart-wrenching, dramatic and hopeful tale about fresh starts, old sins, broken promises and second chances, Eva Glyn’s The Olive Grove is a book that tugs at the heartstrings and will linger in the mind weeks after the last page is turned.
Eva Glyn’s The Olive Grove is an astute, absorbing and poignant novel from a writer with a very bright future ahead of her.
July 8, 2024
A story set on the island of Korcula in Croatia. Antonia leaves behind a broken relationship in England to manage an upmarket hotel. Here she meets Damir, the owner, and they become firm friends. This friendship reveals his back story which has left him traumatised. He was a child growing up in Mostar during the Bosnian/Serbian war.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the vivid descriptions of Croatia. I’ve visited Dubrovnik and the immediate area and the author truly captured the beauty and historical features of the place. I felt myself pulled back there. That was quite magical.
The characters were interesting although I found them a little too one dimensional and Damir himself was often childish in his rages which were attributed to his PTSD from the war. There could have been much more light and shade and this would have improved the book.
The history of the war was revealed through his flashbacks. I did not think this worked. There would be a trigger such as a firework exploding followed by sections in italics describing an aspect of the war. I can see why the author wrote this way but it was not effective snd made the historical parts lack credence.
Overall though I’d describe this as a good summer holiday read, which was the purpose for which I borrowed it from the library. Shame it arrived after I’d come home!!😂
What I enjoyed most about this book was the vivid descriptions of Croatia. I’ve visited Dubrovnik and the immediate area and the author truly captured the beauty and historical features of the place. I felt myself pulled back there. That was quite magical.
The characters were interesting although I found them a little too one dimensional and Damir himself was often childish in his rages which were attributed to his PTSD from the war. There could have been much more light and shade and this would have improved the book.
The history of the war was revealed through his flashbacks. I did not think this worked. There would be a trigger such as a firework exploding followed by sections in italics describing an aspect of the war. I can see why the author wrote this way but it was not effective snd made the historical parts lack credence.
Overall though I’d describe this as a good summer holiday read, which was the purpose for which I borrowed it from the library. Shame it arrived after I’d come home!!😂
September 23, 2021
I went into this book knowing little about Croatia and I came away knowing lots! I love that about reading! Antonia needs to take a break from her life in England, from her 'going-nowhere' relationship with Ned, so she takes the opportunity work presents to visit Croatia to see a property first-hand. Here she meets Damir and Vincenzo - both charming but both carrying baggage. Antonia decides to stay awhile, takes a job with Damir and as she settles in she finds his problems are deep-seated. She tries to help but soon tempers flare and everyone is on edge, Antonia torn between staying in Croatia or going back to England to live with her daughter and partner again.
Enter Declan who can find out more about Damir's past and so might either fuel the current fire surrounding Antonia or dampen it completely. Antonia sticks around to find out.
Croatia's natural beauty wins this storyline for me. A beautiful setting for a lovely story.
Enter Declan who can find out more about Damir's past and so might either fuel the current fire surrounding Antonia or dampen it completely. Antonia sticks around to find out.
Croatia's natural beauty wins this storyline for me. A beautiful setting for a lovely story.
September 5, 2021
This was the first book that I have by this author. She created life-like characters that I cared about quickly. The story line is developed expertly. Beginning with a basic story that becomes more and more involved as the plot progresses.
Antonia is at a crossroads in her life, and is brave enough to make a positive change.
Damir is trying to keep up with his busy life, but his unresolved past has caught up with him and it is trying to cripple him.
These two very different people’s lives have intersected and they will find strength in each other. This is an emotional story that I fully enjoyed. It is like life, a combination of joy, guilt, regret, love, achievement and a bit of mystery.
I definitely recommend this book!
I want to thank Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for allowing me to read the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
Antonia is at a crossroads in her life, and is brave enough to make a positive change.
Damir is trying to keep up with his busy life, but his unresolved past has caught up with him and it is trying to cripple him.
These two very different people’s lives have intersected and they will find strength in each other. This is an emotional story that I fully enjoyed. It is like life, a combination of joy, guilt, regret, love, achievement and a bit of mystery.
I definitely recommend this book!
I want to thank Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for allowing me to read the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.
September 5, 2021
This is set in a beautiful island in Croatia , which is a setting I have never experienced before in a book but it was beautifully described by the author . Antonia takes up the offer of a job in the island even though this means leaving her daughter behind, she thinks it will be a fresh start and can leave her past behind ..... but the island itself and its people are full of secrets .
It is the type of book where all the characters you love, you root for them to get what they want out of life and to be happy. They are described in great detail so as you go through the book you get to know them and love their characters. The story itself is a heart warming up lifting kind, the kind of book that lifts you a little when you are feeling down . This will not be the last book I read by this author !
It is the type of book where all the characters you love, you root for them to get what they want out of life and to be happy. They are described in great detail so as you go through the book you get to know them and love their characters. The story itself is a heart warming up lifting kind, the kind of book that lifts you a little when you are feeling down . This will not be the last book I read by this author !
September 2, 2021
Have you ever had the desire to runaway and start over again?
Realizing she can’t continue her affair with a married man (who also happens to be her boss), Antonia Butler jumps at the opportunity to take a position as a housekeeper for the newly renovated Croatian farmhouse, Vila Maslina. The Croatian island of Korčula is even more beautiful than she could have imagined, and after meeting Damir and getting to know the locals, Antonia is hopeful that she made the right decision.
I really liked Damir. It was clear he wanted to better himself, and after his vision for Vila Maslina came to life, I think he finally saw his true potential. But he struggled with moving on from the horrors of his past, and it began to take its toll on him physically and mentally. Antonia on the other hand, seemed to become stronger and more confident the longer she stayed in Korčula. As her friendship with Damir grew, she and other members of the community expressed their concern for him, and soon it became their mission to help him heal and find answers he never knew were out there.
I truly enjoyed reading this story. It was so emotionally-driven, but also heart-warming in the best possible way. I highly recommend it!
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Realizing she can’t continue her affair with a married man (who also happens to be her boss), Antonia Butler jumps at the opportunity to take a position as a housekeeper for the newly renovated Croatian farmhouse, Vila Maslina. The Croatian island of Korčula is even more beautiful than she could have imagined, and after meeting Damir and getting to know the locals, Antonia is hopeful that she made the right decision.
I really liked Damir. It was clear he wanted to better himself, and after his vision for Vila Maslina came to life, I think he finally saw his true potential. But he struggled with moving on from the horrors of his past, and it began to take its toll on him physically and mentally. Antonia on the other hand, seemed to become stronger and more confident the longer she stayed in Korčula. As her friendship with Damir grew, she and other members of the community expressed their concern for him, and soon it became their mission to help him heal and find answers he never knew were out there.
I truly enjoyed reading this story. It was so emotionally-driven, but also heart-warming in the best possible way. I highly recommend it!
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
September 3, 2021
What a beautiful cover!
The Olive Grove is a heartwarming story with endearing characters. Certainly a very emotional read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Olive Grove is a heartwarming story with endearing characters. Certainly a very emotional read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 6, 2023
2.5 stars
I wasn't really sure what genre this book would fit in when I picked it up. After reading it, it's definitely not romance, and not escapism - so it's mostly just a fictional novel.
I've been around Croatia and even to Korcula, so I really enjoyed reading the descriptions of the island and surrounding areas. I could also appreciate the aspect of the story where Antonia needed a change in her life, took some chances, worked through her discomfort, learned new things, and as a result, she grew as a person. Reading about the impacts of the war in Yugoslavia in the 90's was also a different take from my normal WWII-era books, and while not 'enjoyable', so to speak, it was informative.
And yet, this book still didn't work well for me. I think it was the writing style, which just wasn't all that captivating, and the pace of the story, which was so slow. I found myself skimming through many sections, just to get to the point.
I may be in the minority, but this novel just wasn't that great for me.
I wasn't really sure what genre this book would fit in when I picked it up. After reading it, it's definitely not romance, and not escapism - so it's mostly just a fictional novel.
I've been around Croatia and even to Korcula, so I really enjoyed reading the descriptions of the island and surrounding areas. I could also appreciate the aspect of the story where Antonia needed a change in her life, took some chances, worked through her discomfort, learned new things, and as a result, she grew as a person. Reading about the impacts of the war in Yugoslavia in the 90's was also a different take from my normal WWII-era books, and while not 'enjoyable', so to speak, it was informative.
And yet, this book still didn't work well for me. I think it was the writing style, which just wasn't all that captivating, and the pace of the story, which was so slow. I found myself skimming through many sections, just to get to the point.
I may be in the minority, but this novel just wasn't that great for me.
July 30, 2023
Different
Interesting to see/learn life in another setting/country. I disagree with the author's portrayal of a person suffering from PTSD.
Damir is a young man for goodness sake not a teenager. He is constantly worrying about his mother &/or trying to hide his past. At that age, I imagine, most people would want to find out the cause of their nightmares.
Antonia is a middle aged woman. She has a very spoiled lesbian daughter & lover to her married boss. Her daughter & partner live with her. Yet all of sudden she becomes a very shy woman after being seen naked (by a friend of her lover). After leaving him, she has another lover. He is an artist. He makes several drawings of her naked. She becomes very upset & breaks up their relationship.
This does not make sense to me. I would not recommend this book.
Interesting to see/learn life in another setting/country. I disagree with the author's portrayal of a person suffering from PTSD.
Damir is a young man for goodness sake not a teenager. He is constantly worrying about his mother &/or trying to hide his past. At that age, I imagine, most people would want to find out the cause of their nightmares.
Antonia is a middle aged woman. She has a very spoiled lesbian daughter & lover to her married boss. Her daughter & partner live with her. Yet all of sudden she becomes a very shy woman after being seen naked (by a friend of her lover). After leaving him, she has another lover. He is an artist. He makes several drawings of her naked. She becomes very upset & breaks up their relationship.
This does not make sense to me. I would not recommend this book.
May 21, 2024
Painful.
October 23, 2022
When Antonia’s romance with her boss isn’t going anywhere she decides to up sticks and take a housekeeper job in Korcula, Croatia. She helps Damir get his villa ready for paying guests. It was very interesting hearing about the food and customs and of course the scenery. Not quite so pleasant is the fairly recent troubles with Bosnia. Besides hostess duties she helps Damir to come to terms with his past. Wasn’t impressed with Antonia’s whining daughter, Honey and what did happen to Ned?! I did feel that the book was dragged out a bit with unnecessary characters and that some of it came across as stilted but on the whole is a good taster for someone wanting to visit this country and worth a read. I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2023
The history lesson about the terrible war between Bosnia and Croatia elevated this book to 3 stars for me. There are likable characters, but the action drags. The character, Damir, the young man who has renovated his aunt’s house to create a boutique hotel on his lovely island, then suddenly becomes plagued with nightmares and is on the verge of a nervous breakdown is a bit inexplicable to me. The story drug on too long. It was all very nice in the end, but anticlimactic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2022
Generally a good book and very entertaining for anybody with travel plans to Korcula. PTSD and grief from Balkans War well represented. The last few chapters were slow and repetitive and I just wanted it to end.
January 20, 2023
I found the descriptions of Korcula interesting, and enjoyed the story of a woman finding herself. The descriptions of the war and its aftermath were informative. I found the last few chapters a bit drawn out and didn’t always like the writing style.
September 7, 2021
The Balkans, particularly former Yugoslavia, as the Middle East as well, are conflict-prone literary geographies. Very often I am nauseated reading books set in this parts of the world which are set in the black-and-white narrow-minded take where the local history should be always bloody, uncivilized and eventually dangerous for the rest of the world. However, there are many authors doing their best to offer a different narrative. Few of them are succeeding.
The Olive Grove by Eva Glyn is set mostly in the Croatian island of Korčula, in the Dalmatian archipelago. There is Antonia that decided to re-start her life as a multilingual manager of Vila Maslina. And there is the owner of the Vila Damir Maric which is an interesting character as well. And there are many other characters in the book which are very well portrayed and do have a level adorable of maturity which resonates a lot with the type of characters I love to meet in books - and in real life too. Most of them do have a way of behaving with the freedom of life thoughtful experiences. Such characters can only be part of equally thoughtful stories.
One of the story includes dealing with the long-term trauma of the war in the former Yugoslavia, but there are also stories of self-discovery, acceptance, mature love and romance. All told in the slow-pace narrative, sometimes contemplative, sometimes romantic, There is a perfect match between the main two layers of the narrative amplifying each other. This balanced prose was for me one of the most entincing features of The Olive Grove.
As someone deeply interested in how political events shape everyday life and interactions, I appreciated the thoughtful way to feature the trauma of the Balkan wars into a personal unique story. The author´s approach is elegant and respectful, dealing gently with facts and personal trauma.
The ways in which the natural Croatian setting is described, a place which happen to know more than the average travel magazine descriptions, is diverse and realistic and takes the reader out of his or her reading chair far away, on a beach near the crystal clear waters of the Dalmatian coast.
The Olive Grove is different in some many respects of many of the books dealing with such topics and I can only be glad to have been given the chance of reading it. Eva Glyn´s book is a proof that one can still respect a classical literary canon and write in the most interesting entincing way.
Disclaimer: Book offered part of a blog tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
The Olive Grove by Eva Glyn is set mostly in the Croatian island of Korčula, in the Dalmatian archipelago. There is Antonia that decided to re-start her life as a multilingual manager of Vila Maslina. And there is the owner of the Vila Damir Maric which is an interesting character as well. And there are many other characters in the book which are very well portrayed and do have a level adorable of maturity which resonates a lot with the type of characters I love to meet in books - and in real life too. Most of them do have a way of behaving with the freedom of life thoughtful experiences. Such characters can only be part of equally thoughtful stories.
One of the story includes dealing with the long-term trauma of the war in the former Yugoslavia, but there are also stories of self-discovery, acceptance, mature love and romance. All told in the slow-pace narrative, sometimes contemplative, sometimes romantic, There is a perfect match between the main two layers of the narrative amplifying each other. This balanced prose was for me one of the most entincing features of The Olive Grove.
As someone deeply interested in how political events shape everyday life and interactions, I appreciated the thoughtful way to feature the trauma of the Balkan wars into a personal unique story. The author´s approach is elegant and respectful, dealing gently with facts and personal trauma.
The ways in which the natural Croatian setting is described, a place which happen to know more than the average travel magazine descriptions, is diverse and realistic and takes the reader out of his or her reading chair far away, on a beach near the crystal clear waters of the Dalmatian coast.
The Olive Grove is different in some many respects of many of the books dealing with such topics and I can only be glad to have been given the chance of reading it. Eva Glyn´s book is a proof that one can still respect a classical literary canon and write in the most interesting entincing way.
Disclaimer: Book offered part of a blog tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
September 6, 2021
The Olive Grove is an absorbing, compelling read perfect for escaping into after a stressful day.
Firstly I absolutely loved the setting of this book! Croatia is a place I’ve wanted to visit for ages and this book has definitely made me more determined to get there soon. The wonderfully vivid descriptions made me feel like I was actually there, experiencing the wonderful views for myself and I spent far to long on the computer looking up pictures of the sights that are mentioned in the book too as they sounded so amazing. I enjoyed getting to know the island of Korčula better and to learn more about the Croatian traditions and way of life.
The two main characters were great creations who were interesting to get to know. I liked that the author has used slightly older characters in this book as I always think that brings a bit more to a story as there is more past to explore. Antonia is escaping from a relationship with a married man which she has started to feel a bit grubby about – I must admit I did cheer when she decided to leave him. Her worries over her roles as a mother now her child has grown up was a very interesting one to follow and made me warm towards her especially as I’ve had similar concerns myself for when my children are older. I enjoyed living precariously through her as she starts a new job (and life!) In a different country as it’s something I’ve always fantasied about. Damir was another great character who I quickly fell in love with after reading about his concern for the kittens. He’s a man with a traumatic past sadly as he grew up in Croatian War of independence which has had an impact on his life. I found it interesting to follow his story, learning more about the war but to see him change as the story went on.
The story unfolds at a steady pace with flashbacks from the character’s past helping the reader to understand what has happened and why the characters might be acting a certain a way. There are a few surprises along the way but mostly this is just a gentle read to relax into and savour. I’m a big fan of this author’s books and I’ll definitely be recommending it to others.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to One More Chapter for my copy of this book via netgalley. Though I did end up buying a copy too so my mum could read it!
Firstly I absolutely loved the setting of this book! Croatia is a place I’ve wanted to visit for ages and this book has definitely made me more determined to get there soon. The wonderfully vivid descriptions made me feel like I was actually there, experiencing the wonderful views for myself and I spent far to long on the computer looking up pictures of the sights that are mentioned in the book too as they sounded so amazing. I enjoyed getting to know the island of Korčula better and to learn more about the Croatian traditions and way of life.
The two main characters were great creations who were interesting to get to know. I liked that the author has used slightly older characters in this book as I always think that brings a bit more to a story as there is more past to explore. Antonia is escaping from a relationship with a married man which she has started to feel a bit grubby about – I must admit I did cheer when she decided to leave him. Her worries over her roles as a mother now her child has grown up was a very interesting one to follow and made me warm towards her especially as I’ve had similar concerns myself for when my children are older. I enjoyed living precariously through her as she starts a new job (and life!) In a different country as it’s something I’ve always fantasied about. Damir was another great character who I quickly fell in love with after reading about his concern for the kittens. He’s a man with a traumatic past sadly as he grew up in Croatian War of independence which has had an impact on his life. I found it interesting to follow his story, learning more about the war but to see him change as the story went on.
The story unfolds at a steady pace with flashbacks from the character’s past helping the reader to understand what has happened and why the characters might be acting a certain a way. There are a few surprises along the way but mostly this is just a gentle read to relax into and savour. I’m a big fan of this author’s books and I’ll definitely be recommending it to others.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to One More Chapter for my copy of this book via netgalley. Though I did end up buying a copy too so my mum could read it!
September 7, 2021
The Olive Grove by Eva Glyn is a moving contemporary novel set on a Croatian island, Korcula. A story that's about second chances and fresh starts, one that will tug on your heart strings for some time after you have finished this book.
Antonia finds an advert looking for a multi lingual housekeeper at a farmhouse on a Croatian island. She realises this chance won't come again and she has been waiting for something like this for longer than she remembers. She plans to make this her fresh start and leave the ghosts of her past behind her. The only issue is this island and the residents have their own secrets and the scars from war and tragedy that is not so long ago.
Antonia finds herself drawn to Damir Maric, her enigmatic and intriguiging boss. He just wants to make a better life for himself. He is a troubled man whose memories are still impacting his life and are beginning to take a toll on his waking hours too. We see Antonia and Damir begin to help each other and support one another, giving themselves a chance to have a fresh start.
Croatia is a place I have never been so this novel was really interesting to read. I have all heard of the horrors that played out over there but this book brings home the reality of the war and the aftermath. It highlights how people are still suffering to this day and how hard it is to move forward after such atrocities.
To read Antonia and Damirs journey to become more fulfilled and at peace with their life's made this a beautiful story. The horrors of Damir's memories are shown in flashback and we are able to understand what he has dealt with throughout his life. This alone made the story such a great read.
Eva Glyn's characters are so well drawn that you can't help feeling emotional as the story unfolds and the horror becomes reality. I was captivated by this book with it's gorgeous setting and characters that really drive the story.
Thank you to Anne Cater and One More Chapter for my place on the tour and the gifted book.
Antonia finds an advert looking for a multi lingual housekeeper at a farmhouse on a Croatian island. She realises this chance won't come again and she has been waiting for something like this for longer than she remembers. She plans to make this her fresh start and leave the ghosts of her past behind her. The only issue is this island and the residents have their own secrets and the scars from war and tragedy that is not so long ago.
Antonia finds herself drawn to Damir Maric, her enigmatic and intriguiging boss. He just wants to make a better life for himself. He is a troubled man whose memories are still impacting his life and are beginning to take a toll on his waking hours too. We see Antonia and Damir begin to help each other and support one another, giving themselves a chance to have a fresh start.
Croatia is a place I have never been so this novel was really interesting to read. I have all heard of the horrors that played out over there but this book brings home the reality of the war and the aftermath. It highlights how people are still suffering to this day and how hard it is to move forward after such atrocities.
To read Antonia and Damirs journey to become more fulfilled and at peace with their life's made this a beautiful story. The horrors of Damir's memories are shown in flashback and we are able to understand what he has dealt with throughout his life. This alone made the story such a great read.
Eva Glyn's characters are so well drawn that you can't help feeling emotional as the story unfolds and the horror becomes reality. I was captivated by this book with it's gorgeous setting and characters that really drive the story.
Thank you to Anne Cater and One More Chapter for my place on the tour and the gifted book.
September 8, 2021
Antonia Butler realises that her life in England is going nowhere so when an opportunity arises to work as a housekeeper at Villa Maslina on the beautiful Croatian island of Korčula, Antonia takes a chance, not just on relocating, but also in getting to know the young owner of the villa. Damir Maric, is a troubled man whose enthusiasm, and joie de vivre, is hampered by the secrets and tragedy of his past, a past which has so many troubling memories that Damir prefers to keep them well hidden. Antonia and Damir get to know, and like each other, and the business at Villa Maslina starts to thrive, and succeed, but Damir's troubling memories seem to be hampering his ability to move on with his life.
The Olive Grove brings to vibrant life the warmth and sunshine of a Croatian summer whilst at the same time alludes to the troubled past of the former Yugoslavia during the momentous years of the Croat-Bosniak War. In keeping the narrative light, but compassionate, the impact of the troubles is in no way diminished but is rather made all the more poignant by being so much part of the story.
I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, Antonia in particular has her own problems to sort out but her warm nature and sheer common sense help to move this really lovely story along in a sensitive and compassionate way. There is a sense of putting right the sins of the past and the author does this really well whilst at the same time brings the beautiful island of Korčula to life with descriptions of its sunny climate, cosy bars and restaurants, and of course, the eponymous olive grove, which is such an integral part of the story.
From its beautiful cover, to its emotional and heartwarming content, The Olive Grove is every bit as captivating as I knew it would be from this talented storyteller.
May 12, 2024
Tešila som sa na ďalšiu knihu z edície: Za láskou, pretože v nej mám niekoľko svojich obľúbených kníh. Najväčšou srdcovkou je kniha: Deň, keď sme sa stretli. No veľmi sa mi páčil tiež Príbeh písaný vôňami alebo Za láskou do Paríža.
A ako sa mi páčil najnovší príbeh tejto edície?
Ihneď ma zaujal prológ tejto knihy, znel tak tajomne a zaujímavo. Po dočítaní knihy som si ho prečítala znova, aby som si pripomenula ako to bolo.
S nadšením som sa teda pustila do príbehu a musím povedať, že sa mi to páčilo. Príbeh sa vôbec nevliekol, Antónia prišla na ostrov v presne tú právu chvíľu. Tu sme začali spoznávať Damira a jeho život. To, s čím bojuje a čo ho trápi. Autorka do knihy vložila úlomky z jeho minulosti, spomienky, ktoré ho mátajú aj počas bieleho dňa, čo sa mi páčilo. Tiež sa mi páčilo, že som sa dozvedela kúsok z Chorvátskej histórie. Pravdupovediac, nemala som o nej ani len potuchy.
Dej sa v istom momente ale, povedala by som, odvíjal vždy na tej istej úrovni. Chýbali mi v nej veci, ktoré by ma nejak viac zasiahli.
Posledných päťdesiat strán ma ale znova dokázalo nadchnúť, hltala som každé jedno slovo a bola som zvedavá, ako to vlastne v minulosti celé bolo.
Čo sa týka postáv, musím povedať, že ma v knihe neskutočne hnevala dcéra Antónii. Miestami sa chovala ako trápna, rozmaznaná tínedžerka, nie ako 22 ročná žena, ktorá žila s priateľkou.
Podľa názvu knihy som čakala, že sa dej bude viac tiahnuť k téme olivovníkov, no na moje počudovanie, tam bola iba malá zmienka o tom. Prostredie a kultúra boli popísané celkom pekne.
A keďže je to kniha z edície: Za láskou, čkala som v knihe viac romantiky. Tiež ma prekvapil koniec knihy a to, s kým skončila Antónia.
Teším sa na ďalšiu knihu z tejto edície.
3,5*
A ako sa mi páčil najnovší príbeh tejto edície?
Ihneď ma zaujal prológ tejto knihy, znel tak tajomne a zaujímavo. Po dočítaní knihy som si ho prečítala znova, aby som si pripomenula ako to bolo.
S nadšením som sa teda pustila do príbehu a musím povedať, že sa mi to páčilo. Príbeh sa vôbec nevliekol, Antónia prišla na ostrov v presne tú právu chvíľu. Tu sme začali spoznávať Damira a jeho život. To, s čím bojuje a čo ho trápi. Autorka do knihy vložila úlomky z jeho minulosti, spomienky, ktoré ho mátajú aj počas bieleho dňa, čo sa mi páčilo. Tiež sa mi páčilo, že som sa dozvedela kúsok z Chorvátskej histórie. Pravdupovediac, nemala som o nej ani len potuchy.
Dej sa v istom momente ale, povedala by som, odvíjal vždy na tej istej úrovni. Chýbali mi v nej veci, ktoré by ma nejak viac zasiahli.
Posledných päťdesiat strán ma ale znova dokázalo nadchnúť, hltala som každé jedno slovo a bola som zvedavá, ako to vlastne v minulosti celé bolo.
Čo sa týka postáv, musím povedať, že ma v knihe neskutočne hnevala dcéra Antónii. Miestami sa chovala ako trápna, rozmaznaná tínedžerka, nie ako 22 ročná žena, ktorá žila s priateľkou.
Podľa názvu knihy som čakala, že sa dej bude viac tiahnuť k téme olivovníkov, no na moje počudovanie, tam bola iba malá zmienka o tom. Prostredie a kultúra boli popísané celkom pekne.
A keďže je to kniha z edície: Za láskou, čkala som v knihe viac romantiky. Tiež ma prekvapil koniec knihy a to, s kým skončila Antónia.
Teším sa na ďalšiu knihu z tejto edície.
3,5*
February 5, 2025
Antonia is desperately in need of a change - after breaking it off with her boyfriend, who happens to be married, and is her boss, she is left feeling down and out. The travel agency where she works just signed on a new farmhouse/hotel on the Croatian island of Korčula, and when she learns that they are looking for a multilingual housekeeper to help run things, she takes a leap of faith and moves on to the new opportunity. Owner Damir Maric is charismatic and ambitious, but he has his own demons to work through - can their newfound friendship help heal old wounds?
I really loved this novel. I visited Korčula this past summer and reading this book was like being transported right back to the island. As someone who is familiar with Croatian culture I felt like it was portrayed pretty accurately, which was really appreciated. And the story itself was lovely, with Antonia and Damir both showing great growth by the end. The story focuses a lot on the Bosnian war, and while it is a heavy topic that very much affected Damir (I do not have PTSD but I read someone else’s comment that says it is accurately portrayed here, and I don’t doubt that), the novel itself isn’t particularly heavy or dark. This almost felt like the book equivalent of a comfort meal, something to curl up with at the end of a long day to fill you up and make you feel good. This was a 4.5 for me, and given that Eva Glyn’s books mostly take place in Croatia or Greece, I will definitely be picking up another when I once again need to transport myself to a place that is warm and sunny (both locationally and emotionally).
I really loved this novel. I visited Korčula this past summer and reading this book was like being transported right back to the island. As someone who is familiar with Croatian culture I felt like it was portrayed pretty accurately, which was really appreciated. And the story itself was lovely, with Antonia and Damir both showing great growth by the end. The story focuses a lot on the Bosnian war, and while it is a heavy topic that very much affected Damir (I do not have PTSD but I read someone else’s comment that says it is accurately portrayed here, and I don’t doubt that), the novel itself isn’t particularly heavy or dark. This almost felt like the book equivalent of a comfort meal, something to curl up with at the end of a long day to fill you up and make you feel good. This was a 4.5 for me, and given that Eva Glyn’s books mostly take place in Croatia or Greece, I will definitely be picking up another when I once again need to transport myself to a place that is warm and sunny (both locationally and emotionally).
September 3, 2021
The first thing I noticed about this book was the beautiful cover. Then I read the synopsis and thought what an interesting sounding story. I have never read a book by Eva Glyn before and I am so glad I did.
The story follows Antonia a middle aged woman in a dead end affair with her married boss (that never ends well) and a dead end job, but it is a job and it pays the bills. Then she decides to change her life and go to work at a restored villa in Croatia owned by a young man, Damir. Damir himself has unhealed wounds from growing up in a war torn country. These two lost souls find each other and a chance at a new life. I really enjoyed this novel. I am not really familiar with Croatia and its environs so it was nice to read a novel set in surroundings that are not France, Greece or Italy, great countries, but it is nice to branch out. I have always known about the Bosnian war, but this novel really brought home the horrors and how hard it can be to move on. Following these two people on their journey to a happier more fulfilled life made this book a wonderful read. The supporting characters were interesting to, but it was Damir and Antonia who were the heart of the novel.
I recommend this book for those looking for an emotional read in a beautiful setting. I look forward to more books by Eva Glyn.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
The story follows Antonia a middle aged woman in a dead end affair with her married boss (that never ends well) and a dead end job, but it is a job and it pays the bills. Then she decides to change her life and go to work at a restored villa in Croatia owned by a young man, Damir. Damir himself has unhealed wounds from growing up in a war torn country. These two lost souls find each other and a chance at a new life. I really enjoyed this novel. I am not really familiar with Croatia and its environs so it was nice to read a novel set in surroundings that are not France, Greece or Italy, great countries, but it is nice to branch out. I have always known about the Bosnian war, but this novel really brought home the horrors and how hard it can be to move on. Following these two people on their journey to a happier more fulfilled life made this book a wonderful read. The supporting characters were interesting to, but it was Damir and Antonia who were the heart of the novel.
I recommend this book for those looking for an emotional read in a beautiful setting. I look forward to more books by Eva Glyn.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and the author for the chance to read and review this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews