New Author to me, beautifully written and captivating, a real heart clencher, hard going at times. Fully recommended.

A lovely story set during present times and past times. Fran searches for the truth about her biological father.

Another lovely story by Eva. Fran wants to find out more about her father so returns to Croatia to find out more. A lovely stoey

Modern-day grief and the turmoil of a wartime past are entangled for Fran in ‘The Collaborator’s Daughter’ by Eva Glyn. Looking for a new start after the death of her beloved adoptive father, Fran leaves wintery England for the warmer streets of Dubrovnik. Feeling alone, vulnerable and anxious, Fran searches for the strength to look for answers.
Brought from Yugoslavia to England as a baby at the end of the Second World War, Fran was raised by her mother to believe her father was a war hero. But Fran has recently discovered the name of Branko Milisic on a list of Nazi collaborators executed by partisan fighters in 1944. Unable to rationalise her gentle, loving mother Dragica as having loved a Nazi, Fran visits Croatia for the first time, taking small steps in discovering the history of the city where she was born. Her life is drifting. Having nursed her mother then father in their last years, raised her son and cared for grandchildren, Fran now realises she needs time for herself. But after a life of caring, being selfish is not as easy as it sounds. In her sixties, she lacks confidence and feels old, unattractive and shy.
Fran’s rebirth as an independent woman unfolds slowly, sometimes tortuously, as she treads the warm streets of Dubrovnik, shyly meeting the locals, learning their language, baking local delicacies and plucking up the courage to ask questions about her mysterious father. Fran is an introspective character and she spends a lot of time re-examining her motives, asking what-if, worrying about what she will find, summoning courage to take the next step, to ask the next question. As the grief at the recent loss of her father begins to lessen, she becomes bolder, finding strength with the new friends she has made in the beautiful city. Glyn’s descriptions of Dubrovnik are pictorial, so much so that the city almost becomes a character with a personality.
This is a compassionate telling of an emotional story about grief, about the fear of the past and ultimately about forgiveness. The truth about Branko and Dragica’s life during the Second World War seems deeply hidden, impossible to find, records lost, witnesses dead. As Fran struggles with the idea that her father was a traitor, perhaps a murderer, she is introduced to a local man who fought in the more recent Balkan War. Jadran knows what war is really like, the fear, the shame, the horror, the impossible choices, the loyalties and betrayals. Glyn cleverly juxtaposes the different wartime experiences as Fran tries to forgive a father who possibly did terrible things.
At times Fran is overcome with the enormity of what she is attempting. But with the help of her new Croatian friends, and bolstered by rallying Skype sessions with best friend Parisa back home in England, she investigates the truth, one small step at a time.
An original storyline in a country whose wartime story is read little in fiction.
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This story was so emotional, but told in a really beautiful way. I am so glad that I read it. I have never read a book set in Dubrovnik before so this was a new setting for me. It was interesting to learn more about what was experienced in different countries during the war.

A enthralling tale of love, hope and courage. The main character is so courageous she blew my mind. I felt empowerment and strength shining through.

Fran has always known her biological father passed away prior to her birth and the man that raised her was not her biological father. When that man passes away, she starts to unravel information about her biological father and what happened during the war and Nazi Occupation of Yugoslavia. Fran embarks on a trip to her place of birth to find out what happened. This is a heart-wrenching, emotional and enthralling tale of courage, hope, love and sacrifice that will resonate within you after the book is finished.

The Collaborator's Daughter is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that delves into the intricacies of family, personal identity, and the enduring impact of war. This remarkable narrative takes us on a journey through the turbulent history of Dubrovnik during World War II, all while expertly navigating the delicate complexities of one woman's quest to uncover her father's hidden truths.

At the heart of the story is Fran, a woman who finds herself at a crossroads following the loss of her beloved stepfather, whom she had always considered her true father. Eager to unravel the mysteries of her own lineage, Fran embarks on a poignant pilgrimage to Dubrovnik, her mother's homeland, where she hopes to discover more about her biological father. Armed with only fragmented memories and a burning curiosity, she's about to unearth revelations that will challenge her understanding of her family's past.

The narrative unfolds in a dual timeline, alternating between Fran's contemporary perspective and her father's experiences during the war. This stylistic choice expertly weaves together the complexities of a tumultuous past and the emotional journey of self-discovery. Fran's courage and determination are palpable as she confronts the harsh realities of her father's involvement in a dark chapter of history. She is devastated by the shocking revelation that her father was listed as a Nazi collaborator and executed in disgrace, a truth that shakes the very foundations of her identity.

What sets this novel apart is its vivid portrayal of Dubrovnik during World War II, a setting that may be unfamiliar to many readers, as it was to me. The author's meticulous research and descriptive prowess bring the historical context to life, providing a rich and immersive experience. The story doesn't shy away from the grim aspects of the war, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the choices people were forced to make in such trying times.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of the complexities of war and the individuals who lived through it. It emphasizes the human capacity for both heroism and betrayal, adding layers of nuance to the characters and their motivations. Fran's journey is not just about uncovering her father's secrets but also about understanding the shades of gray that color the choices people made during wartime.

The supporting characters, particularly the friendly locals who assist Fran in her search, add warmth and depth to the narrative. Fran's relationships with her friends and family serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of a strong support system during challenging personal journeys.

The Collaborator's Daughter is a beautifully written novel that skillfully combines historical depth with a moving family drama. The story demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit, the power of forgiveness, and the strength it takes to confront uncomfortable truths. It's a compelling read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there may be hidden stories waiting to be unearthed.

A fantastic piece of historical fiction that had me feeling all the feels. Both shocking and heartbreaking in equal measure. I loved it

This book was thrilling and shocking when Fran discovers that her father who was executed for collaboration years ago. Everything is not what it seems and she is uncovering details she can't completely wrap her head around.

I got lost in this story during a great afternoon at the beach. It is so well written and rich in detail.
Many thanks to Harpercollins UK and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Really well written. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and how it unfolded. Loved how it came together. Would definitely recommend this book

I absolutely adored The Collaborator's Daughter!
The dual timeline adds an extra layer to this already beautiful story! It's an emotional read but so worth it!

I loved this so much! The right amount of happy moments and emotional moments that almost had me in tears. I loved Fran and her journey and the two timelines to being the story together was perfectly written

A novel for our time. Despite being set mainly back in WW2, the co.plexity of where one stands when it comes to protecting those you love, is as relevant today. The effect that decisions made decades in the past continue to impact future generations is also a theme of this book. Well thought out with beautiful reflections on a fascinating country and stunning city, which I've had the privilege to visit. Thank you for using this unusual take on a country effected by war.

Wow, what a read! After reading the synopsis I had an idea what the book was like, what I got was so much more.
I loved the way the story unfolded, revealing Safranka’s story and Branko’s as if one story, without it being dual timeline.
Although sad in places Safranks’s was beautiful.
This is a recommended read. The information about Dubrovnik’s history was fascinating. Can you tell I loved it.

➡️ Setting
This books had a dual time line.
We follow Fran in 2010 (in the beginning of the book it's late 2009), and we also follow Branko in 1944. And we alternate their POV in the chapters.
Having that dual time line helped a lot with the plot and understanding the characters.

➡️ Characters
As I said before we follow Fran and Branko, her biological father. But we get to see many different characters as Fran goes on her adventure to Dubrovnik.
There is family interactions and drama, there is friendship growing and a romance blossoming.
I could understand Fran's fears and her thoughts, and I was very focus in seeing her journey and seeing what she would learn after, because I was seeing Branko's story as well.

➡️ Plot
Because we had that duality in the story, it made it possible to get a full picture of Branko's story and understand Fran's journey.
And I loved that the book gave us family, friends and romantic relationships, and the various interactions we establish with those around us.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and I read it in one sitting.
I loved that this book had a main characters that was older, a grandmother that goes to another country to learn more about her father, and ends up find much more.

Beautiful, emotional, well written historical fiction. WWII and after. Loved the characters and felt all of their emotions. Another WWII book definitely worth the read.

Told in a dual timeline set in Dubrovnik, A very sad story, emotionally told . The after effects are war are well researched. Complex and sad but very compelling.

The story about Dubrovnic in the war was interesting, however most of the story was about Fran coming to terms with being retired with a grown up family and not knowing what she wants to do with herself. She goes to Croatia to find out about her father, and is very quick to jump to conclusions about him, which can be frustrating. She also makes friends while she is there and it is enjoyable reading about the town itself. However, there is just so much of her soul searching and self analysing that one can bear, so that is the one thing that makes this book good rather than great.