Introducing the brand-new Mayflower Book Club!

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Mayflower Book Club! Starting on October 22, we’ll meet on Wednesdays at 8 pm once a month to discuss the current book pick, which will be available at a reduced price at Mayflower Bookshop.

Each session, participants get to vote for the next selection. Every book will be from a different country, so we can explore diverse perspectives and learn from other cultures. As Leiden is home to many international students and expats, and has a rich history of intercultural exchange, we hope this book club will inspire new friendships, insights, and empathy across borders. Discussions will be held in English, and all ages and nationalities are warmly welcome!

Participation is flexible: you can decide each month whether to join. This way, the group will change from session to session, bringing fresh perspectives every time. The chosen book will always be announced in our newsletter and on Instagram.

Our very first Book of the Month is Dutch writer Yael van der Wouden’s debut novel The Safekeep. Set in the Netherlands of 1961, the story follows Isa, whose brother arrives with his girlfriend Eva. While Isa is initially put off by Eva, their relationship evolves as a dark family secret unravels. The Safekeep has already won the Women’s Prize for Fiction and was nominated for the 2024 Booker Prize.

If you’d like to be part of the first session on Oktober 22, simply send us an email at bookclub@mayflowerbookshop.nl with your name to sign up. To stay updated on future books and meetings, subscribe to the Mayflower newsletter and/or follow us on Instagram @Mayflower_Bookclub.

We look forward to reading together!