Novel set in Overijssel 1961
GIVEAWAY – a CROATIA themed gift box
18th May 2025
Giveaway – a Croatia themed gift box. In conjunction with Bitter Lemon Press, we are delighted to offer a copy of the award-winning Red Water by Jurica Pavičiċ, PLUS Croatia-themed gifts
UK ONLY / STRICTLY OVER 18 ENTRIES ONLY
- A copy of the award-winning Red Water by Jurica Pavičić (published by Bitter Lemon Press). TR: Matt Robinson
- A Croatian makeup bag (lavender design)
- A bottle of Cherrica fruit liqueur, made from Marasca cherry in Croatia
- A Croatian recipe book by Nora Daničić
The story begins in 1989 on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. The investigation into a young woman’s disappearance falters as Yugoslavia plunges into a fratricidal war. Another three decades will pass before the truth is revealed. Inspector Gorki Šain, haunted by his failure to unravel the case the first time, returns to solve the crime in 2017.
A PRIZE WINNER. The novel was awarded the Ksaver Šandor Gjalski Prize for best Croatian novel in 2018, and the Fric Prize for best Croatian fiction in 2019. In France in 2022 it won theGrand prix de la literature policière, previously awarded to such writers as Mary Higgins Clark and Michael Connelly, the Prix Mystère de la critique, and the Prix Le Point.
SUSPENSE FICTION AS A GATEWAY TO HISTORY. Like Graham Greene’s The Third Man, Martin Cruz Smith’s Stalin’s Ghost or Damascus Station by David McCloskey,an evocation of the sordid aftermath of violent regime change in authoritarian countries.We are barely two months before the fall of the Berlin Wall, only “an instant” before the shift from one world to another, the shift toward tragedy for a country ultimately forged by war.
In the Sunday Times Books Section 18 May 2025, Joan Smith says of the novel: “Jurica Pavičić is from Split and he borrows the crime genre to offer insights into his country’s history. It’s one of the best novels I’ve read in ages.”
HOW TO ENTER
- You need to be a member of TripFiction. Simply go to tripfiction.com and scroll down to the JOIN NOW tab. And we do check!
- Just let us know in the Comments below by midnight, 31 May 2025: suggest any top tips for a trip to Croatia, books you have loved that are set there, dishes to eat – anything that you feel would enhance a trip to the country!
ONE winner chosen at random across ALL platforms. UK ENTRY ONLY / OVER 18 ONLY
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With huge thanks to Bitter Lemon Press for facilitating this giveaway
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Plitvice Lakes is a must! Try peka or fresh seafood on the coast. Girl at War is a great read set in Croatia.
I haven’t been there yet but my friend brought me back Stapici, which are salted pretzel sticks (some are filled with peanut butter) and they’re quite tasty if you fancy that sort of thing!
Roman sites at Split and Salona, which is nearby, are well worth visiting if archeology or history are your thing.
Visiting the ancient cities is a must liker Split and Dubrovnik
I’ve never been.
I would love to visit Croatia, saw some fabulous photos of Dubrovnik and Split and would love to see for myself
I have never been to Croatia but with any new country I visit trying out the local cuisine is a must.
If you’re visiting churches and other sacred sites, keep your shoulders covered and avoid bare thighs.
I’ve not been but I know people that have and they found it an amazing place to explore, they hired a car and stayed in self catering which sounded great.
I never been to Croatia so I can’t really say about the country food etc but it looks a beautiful country and I love to win
I’d love to try crni rižot.
Look out for Cevapi if staying in Croatia, it’s delicious.
Croatia is fantastic to visit. Dubrovnik and the islands are the diamonds in the crown. My tip: try the local wine. It is tremendous, especially the reds (deep, dark and sensuous).
Plitvice Lakes are astonishingly beautiful! Go in shoulder season if you can, when it’s peaceful <3
As others have mentioned, the Dubrovnik pass is worth it if you are visiting there.
Already joined ✅
Croatia is a great place to visit – I’d like to go back one day to see all the places we went through when I was volunteering there during the ’92/93/94 ‘noisy time’ as a local lady called it.
If anyone’s looking for another great book connected to the former Yugoslavia, *Black Butterflies* by Priscilla Morris is brilliant. A fictionalised story based on real events and people.
Try out some of the local foods. I especially enjoyed Gregada which is a delicious fish stew.
I have never been to Croatia, but it sounds wonderful and I would love to go there
I recommend the book Dark Mother Earth by Kristian Novak.
Most of Croatia’s beaches are pebbly or rocky and can be hard to enjoy in bare feet. Invest in some ‘swimming shoes’ if you intent to go to the beach!
Don’t overstretch yourself when planning an itinerary.
It might be tempting to squeeze in as many destinations as possible into one trip, but you won’t be doing yourself any favours unless you’re staying for at least two weeks.
I do not know enough about Croatia to provide any tips but it looks so beautiful!
To see Croatia from Split to Dubrovnik try a small cruise ship. They are wonderful and you will visit Brac, Korcula, Makarska Split, Dubrovnik and Hvar. Breakfasts and lunches onboard with idyllic swim stops along the route. During the evening when it docks for the night you are free to eat out without fear of it leaving you behind. With 19 cabins and 38 travellers what is there not to like!
Was lucky enough to visit Croatia in the 1980s before the war, wonderful memories.
If visiting Dubrovnik, consider getting the Dubrovnik Pass, which grants access to the famous city walls, museums, and free local bus travel.
Reading up on the history always enhances a trip and Croatia has history by the sack load
croatia is very high on my list to go very soon
Dubrovnik is lovely but gets very busy. I booked to walk the walls which was well worth doing.
We went to Split, Croatia for the first time last year. It was fabulous. I would recommend trying the gelato several times as it’s so delicious.
Do your research before you go as there are many lovely sites to visit, and without planning, this can become overwhelming.
Visit Dubrovnik for its stunning views and Game of Thrones tours and you must try the Black Risotto, Peka
If your a big fan like me you the audio tour around Dubrovnik is a must.
We made a list of places we wanted to go, then worked out the best way to get there. Times of buses and trains so we know how much time we had to spend exploring
check out the local train services first before going to see how easily you can get out and discover other places whilst you are there
A book called The Olive Grove by Eva Glyn is a wonderful book set in Croatia, a must read. The way the book describes everything it feels like you are actually there.
It’s on my to visit bucket list
I remember some great holidays to Croatia as a child. I haven’t managed to return as an adult but I would love to do so
Probably to ask someone who’s been or look up some reviews as part of your pre travel research
Visit in the Spring and Autumn as the weather is likely to be better. Also stayaway from the busy tourist areas and explore towns like Omis. Or Visit the islands of vis or Sǒlta.
Get off the beaten track and get a chance to see some of the beautiful countryside and lovely little towns and villages
Not been there, so I do not have any tips.
Dubrovnik is my favourite place to visit in Croatia. Completed the game of thrones tour and even if you don’t like the show it’s still a good tour with great views. Also did a kayaking tour from Dubrovnik and the water and views were gorgeous!
If you like Game if Thrones then the audio tour around Dubrovnik is a must! And visit some if the islands they are beautiful, Korcula is one of my favourites and well worth a visit!
I can remember reading The People We Were Before by Annabelle Thorpe, but haven’t come across any other books set in Croatia.
Carry cash (Kuna) for smaller purchases – While cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants, having some Croatian Kuna on hand is useful for smaller purchases, local markets, and some smaller establishments.
Make a point of visiting Zadar. It’s so quaint and traditional with lots to see and do
great beaches
Not been to Croatia but highly recommended by friends
The olive oil is good
Get off the tourist tracks and explore local life, such a beautiful country with friendly people
I love Black Risotto! Yum! You have to try it!
If you get a chance, include Opitaja in your trip to Croatia !
It’s a delightful coastal town, filled with beautiful villas built in the 19th century. There’s an incredible coastal walk /stroll along the coastline called the Lungomare. It passes lots of tiny bays where you can have a dip in the sparkling sea. Absolutely magical.
Try the Peka in Croatia, very special dish. Roki’s Restaurant on the island of Vis is unbelievable for Peka.
make sure you explore the off the beaten track places – some gorgeous scenery. Look for the little out of the way places to eat for delicious local food at great prices
I’ve never been to Croatia but I would love to visit the country.
The olive oil museum on Brac island is so lovely and informative with amazing food
I’d recommend a coastal holiday for the chance to swim in the Adriatic, and for the beautiful scenery.
Bakeries to die for.
Sorry I have never been but would love to learn more about Croatia.
I’ve never been to Croatia – sounds an amazing place to explore – sure I’d love
I’ve yet to visit Croatia, but our Croatian friend tells me that people tend to eat lots of seafood, and Italian dishes are very popular there. As he has coeliac’s disease, he finds the UK much easier to meet his dietary needs than Croatia.
I don’t really know anything about Croatia, but am looking forward to reading other people’s recommendations.
Unusual Tip for Foodies visiting Croatia :
If you are foodies like us you may be delighted to know that in Croatia you can hunt for truffles.The truffle capital of Croatia is situated in the green heart of the Istrian peninsula.
The Mirna River valley is in the central part, a little further north, below the medieval town of Motovun, surrounded by the Motovun Forest.
Here we had a wonderful experience on a tour accompanied by a professional truffle hunter and his dog showing how they hunt for truffles. We then enjoyed a meal using the truffles found on the day. Many of the hotels offer tours or you can google them yourself. There are various tours & prices on offer. These can include a truffle hunt; a tasting session of fresh truffles and a cooking demonstration or a meal. Foodie fact – Istria is known for both black and white truffles & the best time for truffle hunting is generally from September to January.
Visit Dubrovnik absolutely stunning
‘Girl at war’, by Sara Novic is stunning.
I haven’t visited Croatia but find reading fiction set in a country gives great ideas what to visit. ( although not sure why it inspires me if it’s crime fiction !)
Wow, I would love to win this, as Croatia is my favourite country to visit! I have been 7 times now!
An excellent book to read to get you in the mood is Eva Glynn’s ‘The Olive Grove’.
If you visit Dubrovnik (which I thoroughly recommend you do!), I suggest you buy the Dubrovnik Pass, which buys you entrance to the famous walls & to museums & gives you free local bus travel.
Finally, I recommend that you avail yourself of as much seafood & fish as you can eat – it is delicious!!
Hvala!
I’ve never been to Croatia but would love to visit one day x
I’ve never been to Croatia but would love to visit x
I would definitely recommend a trip to the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia, in particular the beautiful town of Rovinj, having just enjoyed a wonderful week there. I enjoyed some delicious food, saw some stunning places and even saw dolphins on an amazing boat trip