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Somewhere in the Crowd
Four friends. Twelve years. One Eurovision . . .
Eurovision is always the highlight of Millie 's year. So when she and her best friend James get the chance to see the final live in Oslo, it's a dream come true - until they get swept up the excitement and try to break backstage, along with carefree German singer Ingrid and charismatic Australian backpacker, Noah.
Getting thrown out of the stadium wasn't exactly the plan, but it might just spark the friendship - and the pact - of a lifetime. The four of them are going to reunite for every final, every year, every Eurovision.
Over the years, the unlikely four celebrate iconic Eurovision moments all across Europe - and, most importantly, are there for each other during all their highs and lows, heartaches and triumphs. But real life takes them down increasingly different paths, their promise becomes harder and harder to keep. Can the magic of Eurovision bring them together one last time...?
A joyous and uplifting novel inspired by the iconic song contest, about friendship, love and finding where you belong
Eurovision is always the highlight of Millie 's year. So when she and her best friend James get the chance to see the final live in Oslo, it's a dream come true - until they get swept up the excitement and try to break backstage, along with carefree German singer Ingrid and charismatic Australian backpacker, Noah.
Getting thrown out of the stadium wasn't exactly the plan, but it might just spark the friendship - and the pact - of a lifetime. The four of them are going to reunite for every final, every year, every Eurovision.
Over the years, the unlikely four celebrate iconic Eurovision moments all across Europe - and, most importantly, are there for each other during all their highs and lows, heartaches and triumphs. But real life takes them down increasingly different paths, their promise becomes harder and harder to keep. Can the magic of Eurovision bring them together one last time...?
A joyous and uplifting novel inspired by the iconic song contest, about friendship, love and finding where you belong
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2023
31 people are currently reading
576 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
May 5, 2023
Eurovision, my biggest ‘hobby’ combined with a book, what could be better? There was not a sequin’s chance I wouldn’t enjoy this and of course I loved it
4 friends ( who meet randomly at Eurovision) make a pact to meet every year thereafter….12 years on and they continue this tradition in Liverpool…but there is plenty ‘going on’ in those inbetween years, even though they meet every year their lives take very different turns
Its wonderfully all things Eurovision, the writer obviously loves the Contest and has researched really really well but mainly you feel her love for it throughout
My fav quote from the book is
‘Standing in the middle of the Eurovision audience where it doesn’t matter who or what you are, as long as you are happy’ ( and a good person of course,not a serial killer etc…….I added that bit 😊 )
Sums it all up really and sums up this book, it made me happy, roll on next week and EUROVISIONNNNNN 2023
Points from the Mark jury 12 points 😎
4 friends ( who meet randomly at Eurovision) make a pact to meet every year thereafter….12 years on and they continue this tradition in Liverpool…but there is plenty ‘going on’ in those inbetween years, even though they meet every year their lives take very different turns
Its wonderfully all things Eurovision, the writer obviously loves the Contest and has researched really really well but mainly you feel her love for it throughout
My fav quote from the book is
‘Standing in the middle of the Eurovision audience where it doesn’t matter who or what you are, as long as you are happy’ ( and a good person of course,not a serial killer etc…….I added that bit 😊 )
Sums it all up really and sums up this book, it made me happy, roll on next week and EUROVISIONNNNNN 2023
Points from the Mark jury 12 points 😎
June 3, 2023
Sometimes you just need to read a super cheesy book
May 13, 2024
Echt een super cute verhaal🥹🥹
April 19, 2023
3.5 stars
Eurovision is one of those events that is undoubtedly better live. I’ve always wanted to go, but every year we realise it’s crept up on us yet again and we settle for half watching, half skipping through the televised version. This year my money’s on Norway, although Sweden’s Loreen may scoop it (again), because Tattoo is an absolute belter!
Somewhere in the Crowd follows four friends over the years, as they fulfil a pact to meet each year at the final. It’s a great concept and there were moments of brilliance, but it’s quite a slow read and falls short of expectations. It lacks pizzazz, glitter and glamour, which is a shame, given the location. Although there are discreet references to past winners and the events, it never feels like we are really there, as there’s not enough information about that year’s Eurovision. Granted, they’re not always at the live event, but a little more atmosphere – and perhaps references to the commentators or presenters – would have significantly elevated the book.
Characters too feel a little underdeveloped. Perhaps because we get just one chapter for each year, but we never really get to know them. As the years go by, we gain a little more insight, particularly Millie and James, but Ingrid and Noah feel lacking, which is a shame as they’re arguably more interesting! It would also have been nice to have a flashback or two to Tom and Julie’s life as they met at the famous Eurovision where ABBA stormed the stage!
However, it is a nice story and there are some quite poignant moments. After a slow start, as we cover a few years with little occurrences, gripping drama emerges and the book picks up somewhat. Zachary and James are just couple goals and readers will root and weep for them, but Millie and Noah are never believable and it’s hard to reconcile their relationship.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read, but isn’t anywhere near as showstopping and exciting as Eurovision itself.
Eurovision is one of those events that is undoubtedly better live. I’ve always wanted to go, but every year we realise it’s crept up on us yet again and we settle for half watching, half skipping through the televised version. This year my money’s on Norway, although Sweden’s Loreen may scoop it (again), because Tattoo is an absolute belter!
Somewhere in the Crowd follows four friends over the years, as they fulfil a pact to meet each year at the final. It’s a great concept and there were moments of brilliance, but it’s quite a slow read and falls short of expectations. It lacks pizzazz, glitter and glamour, which is a shame, given the location. Although there are discreet references to past winners and the events, it never feels like we are really there, as there’s not enough information about that year’s Eurovision. Granted, they’re not always at the live event, but a little more atmosphere – and perhaps references to the commentators or presenters – would have significantly elevated the book.
Characters too feel a little underdeveloped. Perhaps because we get just one chapter for each year, but we never really get to know them. As the years go by, we gain a little more insight, particularly Millie and James, but Ingrid and Noah feel lacking, which is a shame as they’re arguably more interesting! It would also have been nice to have a flashback or two to Tom and Julie’s life as they met at the famous Eurovision where ABBA stormed the stage!
However, it is a nice story and there are some quite poignant moments. After a slow start, as we cover a few years with little occurrences, gripping drama emerges and the book picks up somewhat. Zachary and James are just couple goals and readers will root and weep for them, but Millie and Noah are never believable and it’s hard to reconcile their relationship.
Overall, it’s an enjoyable read, but isn’t anywhere near as showstopping and exciting as Eurovision itself.
May 4, 2023
is this what boomers and gen x think millennials do and speak like?
also why did literally every single character have curly hair
it feels like a debut book but i dont think it is. i skim read the final 35% of it because everything was just boring and the whole plot was meh. the group of friends met every year at ESC and even this wasn’t something that could make the book better. so sad i didnt enjoy it as had quite high hopes for it
also james is the best character, dont come at me. everyone else was so bland
also why did literally every single character have curly hair
it feels like a debut book but i dont think it is. i skim read the final 35% of it because everything was just boring and the whole plot was meh. the group of friends met every year at ESC and even this wasn’t something that could make the book better. so sad i didnt enjoy it as had quite high hopes for it
also james is the best character, dont come at me. everyone else was so bland
May 28, 2023
As a lover of Eurovision I liked this book. As a lover of literature I did not like this book. The writing gives very GCSE creative writing vibes - 'dazzling' 'great' 'amazing' are overused. But anyways this deserves a couple of stars because Eurovision is great even in book form
May 14, 2024
eurovision fiction is exactlyyy what was missing from the literary canon !! a sweet story about four friends coming together via the magic and fun of eurovision
June 26, 2024
Euroviisut❤️
Mielestäni mielenkiintoinen konsepti (hahmoista kerrotaan pääosin vain Euroviisujen aikaan)
Mielestäni mielenkiintoinen konsepti (hahmoista kerrotaan pääosin vain Euroviisujen aikaan)
May 24, 2023
I love the Eurovision Song Contest. It is my number one obsession, more than books and more than drag race or anything else in the world. I love it. So clearly I was excited when I saw that this book existed and immediately had to order it.
I enjoyed reading this book because I was in Liverpool this year for Eurovision and there were moments in it that took me back to being in the arena and all of the emotions that it brought. And I enjoyed the romances and how things turned out and the slow burn of it all. However there were some aspects of the references to Eurovision that irritated me.
I suppose if I was less obsessed with the contest and I didn't know as much about it, it wouldn't have annoyed me. But there was zero reference to the semi finals until about 8 years in. In fact these allegedly huge Eurovision fans were out at a bar or finishing an essay on the Thursday night of Eurovision week when there is a semi final on the television that no self respecting fan would ever miss. Then at another point the author writes a conversation during the performance by Surie for the UK, but fails to mention that there was actually a stage invasion during it, which was one of the most shocking things to happen in that contest. I could go on....in fact I will...
These people who will have paid a huge amount of money for tickets keep getting out of their seats during the performances to attempt to get backstage or to get a drink.....like that would ever happen. Also a small amount of research would have told the author that fan media do not get tickets to the shows for free, but either have to pay like the rest of us or watch the show from the press centre. And they certainly don't get their flights paid for by the EBU. In fact, this year they were actively discouraged and hindered from creating any content.
So I suppose in summary....my point is....if you fancy reading a wholesome, cheesy, light hearted romance set against the backdrop of Eurovision then go for this book. If you obsess over the details and will be annoyed by anomalies, you should probably give it a skip.
I enjoyed reading this book because I was in Liverpool this year for Eurovision and there were moments in it that took me back to being in the arena and all of the emotions that it brought. And I enjoyed the romances and how things turned out and the slow burn of it all. However there were some aspects of the references to Eurovision that irritated me.
I suppose if I was less obsessed with the contest and I didn't know as much about it, it wouldn't have annoyed me. But there was zero reference to the semi finals until about 8 years in. In fact these allegedly huge Eurovision fans were out at a bar or finishing an essay on the Thursday night of Eurovision week when there is a semi final on the television that no self respecting fan would ever miss. Then at another point the author writes a conversation during the performance by Surie for the UK, but fails to mention that there was actually a stage invasion during it, which was one of the most shocking things to happen in that contest. I could go on....in fact I will...
These people who will have paid a huge amount of money for tickets keep getting out of their seats during the performances to attempt to get backstage or to get a drink.....like that would ever happen. Also a small amount of research would have told the author that fan media do not get tickets to the shows for free, but either have to pay like the rest of us or watch the show from the press centre. And they certainly don't get their flights paid for by the EBU. In fact, this year they were actively discouraged and hindered from creating any content.
So I suppose in summary....my point is....if you fancy reading a wholesome, cheesy, light hearted romance set against the backdrop of Eurovision then go for this book. If you obsess over the details and will be annoyed by anomalies, you should probably give it a skip.
August 19, 2023
This was a good fun romance, well it had to be considering it’s centred around Eurovision! I’m not a huge Eurovision fan and haven’t watched it in years, but I knew it would be a fun read because of the setting.
Millie was been brought up on Eurovision, especially since her grandparents who raised her, met at the 1974 final when ABBA won with Waterloo. She’s watched every year with them, and then later on with her school friend James. One year they decide they’re actually go to the Grand Final so they can see the event live, rather than on TV. So they both go to Oslo in 2010, and that’s when they meet Ingrid from Germany, and Noah from Australia, and their Eurovision adventure begins.
I loved Millie and James, and loved their friendship. They’d been there for each other over the years, as well as both being mad about Eurovision. Millie doesn’t really know what she wants to do with her life, but James wants to be a music journalist rather than writing animal stories in the local newspaper. Ingrid who they meet in Oslo is desperate to be a singer, and hopes to one day perform at the Eurovision final. Noah is taking taking life easy travelling around Europe and just happens to be in Oslo when it’s Eurovision. They have such a great time together, that they decide to meet up every year to celebrate the competition wherever it happens to be.
I loved following these four strangers, who then become friends through the years. I learnt lots about them during their up and downs, and hoped things would work out well for all of them. Of course there were a few surprises along the way, as well as misunderstandings. The romance was fun and even brought a tear to my eye at one magical moment.
Recommended if you enjoy contemporary romance, and a must read if you’re a Eurovision fan!
Millie was been brought up on Eurovision, especially since her grandparents who raised her, met at the 1974 final when ABBA won with Waterloo. She’s watched every year with them, and then later on with her school friend James. One year they decide they’re actually go to the Grand Final so they can see the event live, rather than on TV. So they both go to Oslo in 2010, and that’s when they meet Ingrid from Germany, and Noah from Australia, and their Eurovision adventure begins.
I loved Millie and James, and loved their friendship. They’d been there for each other over the years, as well as both being mad about Eurovision. Millie doesn’t really know what she wants to do with her life, but James wants to be a music journalist rather than writing animal stories in the local newspaper. Ingrid who they meet in Oslo is desperate to be a singer, and hopes to one day perform at the Eurovision final. Noah is taking taking life easy travelling around Europe and just happens to be in Oslo when it’s Eurovision. They have such a great time together, that they decide to meet up every year to celebrate the competition wherever it happens to be.
I loved following these four strangers, who then become friends through the years. I learnt lots about them during their up and downs, and hoped things would work out well for all of them. Of course there were a few surprises along the way, as well as misunderstandings. The romance was fun and even brought a tear to my eye at one magical moment.
Recommended if you enjoy contemporary romance, and a must read if you’re a Eurovision fan!
March 18, 2023
Four strangers (well, two strangers and two friends!) meet in 2011 at the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest, and a bond is built, with a pact made to meet every year to celebrate all that is wonderful about the contest.
Millie and James are best friends from England. They've grown up loving Eurovision due to a wonderful love story that started when Millie's grandparents met in the 60s at one of the finals.
Aggie is a German musician who holds a deep love for the contest, too, and is desperate to be a part of the whole process.
Noah is travelling, and there by chance, with no real interest in Eurovision.
The story spans over ten years as the quartet meets yearly in the city where the Grand final is due.
Over the years, dynamics change, relationships strengthen, crumble and sometimes get rebuilt.
There is great character development for each of the four individuals, who are so different in their ways but held together by this pact to meet every year.
Romance? Yes, there is a low, simmering love story for more than one of them, too!
I enjoyed this read, especially because Eurovision is one of those constants in my life since childhood!
Millie and James are best friends from England. They've grown up loving Eurovision due to a wonderful love story that started when Millie's grandparents met in the 60s at one of the finals.
Aggie is a German musician who holds a deep love for the contest, too, and is desperate to be a part of the whole process.
Noah is travelling, and there by chance, with no real interest in Eurovision.
The story spans over ten years as the quartet meets yearly in the city where the Grand final is due.
Over the years, dynamics change, relationships strengthen, crumble and sometimes get rebuilt.
There is great character development for each of the four individuals, who are so different in their ways but held together by this pact to meet every year.
Romance? Yes, there is a low, simmering love story for more than one of them, too!
I enjoyed this read, especially because Eurovision is one of those constants in my life since childhood!
August 12, 2023
4.5 🥳🥳🥳
I am the most qualified person in the country to review this book. I'm Ireland's number one eurovision girlie. I went to the show this year. A Levels are temporary, Eurovision is forever.
That being said, I read this in one sitting. I don't care if this is a brainless cash grab trying to capitalise on the fact that eurovision is in Liverpool!!! I had so much fun with it!!!!
I found the writing really clunky at times but not bad enough for it to have much effect on my enjoyment.
I love Eurovision, and this story was just so wonderful. I really liked the characters and their relationships and their friendship!!!! Especially James, what a sweetheart. My only qualm is I do wish we got a bit more of Ingrid, but the other 3 main characters were also fantastic. I really do recommend!!!! I genuinely had a blast.
I am the most qualified person in the country to review this book. I'm Ireland's number one eurovision girlie. I went to the show this year. A Levels are temporary, Eurovision is forever.
That being said, I read this in one sitting. I don't care if this is a brainless cash grab trying to capitalise on the fact that eurovision is in Liverpool!!! I had so much fun with it!!!!
I found the writing really clunky at times but not bad enough for it to have much effect on my enjoyment.
I love Eurovision, and this story was just so wonderful. I really liked the characters and their relationships and their friendship!!!! Especially James, what a sweetheart. My only qualm is I do wish we got a bit more of Ingrid, but the other 3 main characters were also fantastic. I really do recommend!!!! I genuinely had a blast.
December 8, 2023
This was such a charming story. Strongly suggested for fans of Eurovision.
May 5, 2023
If you love this iconic annual music fest that brings together European nations (oh and randomly Australia..), cheesy tunes and power ballads, fascinating costumes and performances then you’ll want to check out this book which is a love letter to this memorable calendar event.
Four friends, Millie, James, Ingrid and Noah first meet at the live Eurovision event in Oslo when they get thrown out of the stadium when they try to get backstage. This defining moment sparks a friendship between them and they make a pact to reunite at every Eurovision final each year.
The book moves the development of the characters over this Eurovision annual timeframe. There is romantic chemistry between Millie and Noah but something seems to hold them both back over the years and we join them on their highs and lows over a lifetime. While they move on in different directions, the Eurovision brings them all back together in love and friendship.
It is an uplifting and lighthearted read. Eurovision is itself a central character of this story (and we get a whistle stop tour of each year including Sam Ryder almost winning last year!) and you can’t help but get caught up in this annual musical obsession with these fictional friends. As the time period is over multiple years, there’s not much character development or depth in between the Eurovision final which made me question how likely these friends were able to maintain a close friendship as they lived very separate lives in between… While there is romance don’t expect much exploration in chemistry and the relationship.
If you go in to this read as a light and heartwarming story without a lot of character development and you want to get caught up in the excitement of Eurovision, I would recommend! A good way to anticipate Eurovision next weekend!
Four friends, Millie, James, Ingrid and Noah first meet at the live Eurovision event in Oslo when they get thrown out of the stadium when they try to get backstage. This defining moment sparks a friendship between them and they make a pact to reunite at every Eurovision final each year.
The book moves the development of the characters over this Eurovision annual timeframe. There is romantic chemistry between Millie and Noah but something seems to hold them both back over the years and we join them on their highs and lows over a lifetime. While they move on in different directions, the Eurovision brings them all back together in love and friendship.
It is an uplifting and lighthearted read. Eurovision is itself a central character of this story (and we get a whistle stop tour of each year including Sam Ryder almost winning last year!) and you can’t help but get caught up in this annual musical obsession with these fictional friends. As the time period is over multiple years, there’s not much character development or depth in between the Eurovision final which made me question how likely these friends were able to maintain a close friendship as they lived very separate lives in between… While there is romance don’t expect much exploration in chemistry and the relationship.
If you go in to this read as a light and heartwarming story without a lot of character development and you want to get caught up in the excitement of Eurovision, I would recommend! A good way to anticipate Eurovision next weekend!
August 17, 2024
This was definitely one of the books about Eurovision I’ve read of all time. Kinda feel like the characters barely changed over the 12 years, just the things around them. I’m sure this is great if you’re a casual Eurovision fan but some parts were so infuriating that I genuinely was going to DNF it. Unfortunately, I’m a masochist and went through it anyway. It wasn’t really worth it.
February 17, 2023
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
This was adorable. I loved every single word. I’m pretty sure I smiled throughout the whole thing. There were a couple of heavier moments such is life but it was mostly pure joy. Music, friends, sequins. What more could you possibly need. I love Eurovision and I loved this book. What a balm to the soul this was.
This was adorable. I loved every single word. I’m pretty sure I smiled throughout the whole thing. There were a couple of heavier moments such is life but it was mostly pure joy. Music, friends, sequins. What more could you possibly need. I love Eurovision and I loved this book. What a balm to the soul this was.
December 4, 2024
This book was ok, I found it a bit confusing at first with the different characters being introduced. However, once you had met everyone and got into the flow of the story it definitely got much better.
May 10, 2023
A real feel good book and about one of my obsessions in life.. The Eurovison !! :)
loved the characters and their friendship.. romances..dramas etc!
5 stars! :)
loved the characters and their friendship.. romances..dramas etc!
5 stars! :)
May 7, 2024
3,5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Parempi kuin odotin! Sopivaa kuunneltavaa viisuviikolle.
Parempi kuin odotin! Sopivaa kuunneltavaa viisuviikolle.
October 2, 2024
Söpö tunnelma, josta Euroviisu-fanina tykkäsin paljon. Kivaa, rentoo ja helppoo lukemista & suosittelen, jos tykkää Euroviisuista 🫶🏼
February 9, 2025
About as exciting and unique as Denmark’s entries at Eurovision. Boo
May 11, 2025
Perfect start of Eurovision week
May 28, 2024
Tää oli luokkaa ”ihan kiva”. Jäin vaa lopulta kaipaamaan enemmän euroviisuja. Tulipahan nyt kuitenkin yksi haastava Helmet-lukuhaastekohta ruksittua, nimittäin Suomi mainittu!
June 22, 2024
Really torn between a three and four star review. It took me a little while to get behind the third person, present tense of the book, but I'm so glad I stuck it out.
It was really lovely and heartwarming; the way the narrative moved from person to person felt really seamless.
I think I'd give it a 3.5 stars, but I'm very happy to land on 4.
Lovely standalone book that kept me company while waiting for a tow truck!
It was really lovely and heartwarming; the way the narrative moved from person to person felt really seamless.
I think I'd give it a 3.5 stars, but I'm very happy to land on 4.
Lovely standalone book that kept me company while waiting for a tow truck!
March 21, 2024
I love Eurovision. Always have and always will. So to find a book encapsulating that love of the competition, is always going to be a guilty pleasure of mine. Was it fanciful and predictable? Yes. Does that make it any less enjoyable? Absolutely not! A good, easy holiday read for those eurovision diehards. Now excuse me whilst I go and listen to Fairytale on repeat for an hour...
May 27, 2025
✨2.5 stars✨
Pretty cringe but also pretty fun 😭
Pretty cringe but also pretty fun 😭
May 10, 2024
Sometimes you just need a really cheesy story and this was everything
April 21, 2023
3.5 stars
A fun and iconic read about the love and passion for Eurovision. I loved the idea of the four friends meeting on a whim and agreeing to meet every year for Eurovision in the host city. With engaging characters and beautiful cities shared in the glam and glitter of the zany competition.
A fun and iconic read about the love and passion for Eurovision. I loved the idea of the four friends meeting on a whim and agreeing to meet every year for Eurovision in the host city. With engaging characters and beautiful cities shared in the glam and glitter of the zany competition.
May 4, 2024
Perfect book for an Eurovision fan <3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews