A Historic Olive Odyssey
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A book to be savoured for its evocative language (which is rather less overtly dramatic than its predecessors in the Olive series), it is a read to be cherished, rather than wolfed down. The result is not a foodie's history of olive oil. It reminds us of the important part olives have played in providing light and sustenance for Western civilisation and, historically, as a symbol of peace. I found this history of the olive fascinating; the fleeting nature of the individual compared to ancient trees and agriculture, which are, paradoxically, threatened by the deadly power of mutual human hatred and destruction. The account is thought-provoking, veering between the idyllic and the scary to downright terrifying. It recounts the personal difficulties of a woman travelling alone (not always easy even in Europe or the USA, let alone in strict Muslim countries) and yet paints a sympathetic picture of so many who are involuntary victims of current Middle-East conflicts and divisions. It portrays vividly a journey that I doubt I would have the courage to undertake.
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sos
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I am still ploughing my way through this book, but it is hard going. The method of writing becomes very irritating and gets in the way of the story, with the excessive repetition of certain words and phrases such as "ancient peoples", "hirsuite", "crepuscular" and "drupes". Am waiting for a sentance where she uses all of them at once. It is also a shame that she doesn't mention more about her own farm and her relationship with her husband, about which she is irritatingly secretive.
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Luvvie language
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I found this book terribly tedious, it wasn't 'til I checked the info on the author and discovered she was an actress that the luvvie language fell into place. She clearly read and enjoyed Mort Rosenblum's fabulous book 'Olives', before writing this piece of frippery. His book is a joy, a carefully crafted and accurately researched work, with plenty of laugh out loud prose. Do yourself a favour, take the original journey with Mort.
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Discovering Olives!
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I have just discovered these books and I am so glad that I have. Here in South Africa olive faming is not such an old tradition. Learning all this great stuff and travelling with the author to places I have always dreamed of visiting has been terrific. She writes so well that I feel I am there with her at her side.
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Good Travel Book
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Overall, I enjoyed this book where Carol Drinkwater travels around the Mediteranean looking at countriees that grow olives. An olive farmer herself, her passion for the fruit is obvious, and her knowledge adds interest to her writing. Her style of writing is good, and she brings the countries to life, warts and all. Having been to many of the countries themselves, it was good to see them through another persons eyes. Why four stars then, rather than five. At times I thought that she was a little repetative, but don't let that put you off reading this, it is still a good book if you like reading about other countries and cultures.
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