As the Adriatic sun blazes and beach towels unfurl, it’s the perfect time to dive into a good book and at Croatians Online, we’re doing just that. Whether you’re reading from a breezy coastal terrace or a quiet inland nook, we invite you to join us in preparing for a thought-provoking and inspiring lineup of reads heading into fall.
Whether you’re catching up on your to-be-read pile or cracking the spine of something new, our book club is a space to connect, reflect, and celebrate the power of Croatian stories wherever we are in the world. Stay tuned for discussion dates, author interviews, and more surprises along the way!
Our upcoming Book Club picksreflect the richness of Croatian voices, diasporic experiences, and the universal themes of identity, resilience, and transformation.
Coming Soon To the Croatians Online Book Club:
September: Underground Barbie by Maša Kolanović
Underground Barbie is a powerful story about children trying to get by in Croatia during the homeland war. It looks at struggles with growing up, identity, and fitting in, all told with a mix of emotion. Maša Kolanović writes in a way that’s both honest and moving.
- Discussion: September 2025
- Available through major booksellers and Croatian publishers:
Underground Barbie Amazon Link
October: The Kuzma Vineyard by Fernando J. Figueredo Maričević
Spanning continents and generations, this intergenerational saga bridges the old world and the new through one family’s ties to a beloved vineyard. With themes of heritage, ambition, and belonging, Maričević crafts a lyrical tribute to the Croatian diaspora experience in Latin America and beyond.
- Discussion: October 2025
- Now available in paperback and e-book formats:
The Kuzma Vineyard Hardcover and Ebook link
From Thorns, to Path, to Eternity by Mate Capin
With the subtitle “I asked God for flowers, and he gave me rain”, Capin’s introspective spiritual memoir invites readers to walk with him through grief, hope, and revelation. It’s a raw, heartfelt journey toward meaning and peace, perfect for reflective readers seeking deeper connections.
- Book Club DiscussionTBA
- Available now on Kindle Edition:
From Thorns to Path to Eternity Ebook Link
Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje
Set against the shimmering Croatian coast, Lidija Hilje’s debut novel traces the story of Ivona and Vlaho, two students swept up in the hope of a newly independent Croatia. As their relationship evolves over two decades, Hilje delicately explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the shifting tides of history.
- Book Club Discussion: TBA
- Release Date: July 8, 2025. Now Available for Pre-order: Pre-order now on Amazon, Simon & Schuster, and other major retailers:
Options for Slanting Towards The Sea Pre-Order
The Girl Who Left: From Croatia to the Canefields by Debra Gavranich
A moving story of migration and resilience, Debra Gavranich recounts her mother’s journey from post-war Dalmatia to the sugarcane fields of northern Australia. With honesty and warmth, this book is both personal and universal, shedding light on the Croatian immigrant experience. A great companion read for those exploring diasporic stories.
- Book Club Discussion
- Available now on Amazon:
The Girl Who Left: Amazon link
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