Daunt Books Originals acquires 'captivating' love story by debut author Lidija Hilje

Daunt Books Originals has acquired a "captivating" love story by debut author Lidija Hilje. Editor Dredhëza Maloku acquired UK & Commonwealth (excluding Canada) rights from John Ash at CAA, who is handling British Commonwealth rights on behalf of Abby Walters. 

The book spans two decades and one "life-altering" summer, and follows Ivona and Vlaho as they meet as students in Zagreb at the turn of the millennium, at the time when newly democratic Croatia was "alive with hope and promise".

The synopsis continues: "Twenty years later, they are divorced. Vlaho is remarried to the spirited Marina. Ivona is single and adrift in her thirties. When a new man enters her life, it disturbs the carefully cultivated dynamic between Ivona, Marina and Vlaho, forcing a reckoning for all involved."

Maloku said: "Lidija Hilje is precisely the kind of sincere, big-hearted writer that I love and I’m excited to welcome her to Daunt Books. Set against the mesmerising Croatian coastline, Slanting Towards the Sea is an emotionally searing story about the fragile nature of potential. It is summery, sexy and cinematic, perfect for fans of Ayşegül Savaş’ The Anthropologists and Johanna Hedman’s The Trio."

Hilje said: "In writing Slanting Towards the Sea, I wanted to capture the essence of a deeply Croatian perspective while reflecting universal themes of love, belonging and acceptance that resonate across cultures. It is a privilege to see my work brought to life under Daunt Books’ care."

The novel will publish in July 2025, simultaneously with S&S in the US.