The Olive Farm

Carol Drinkwater

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THE OLIVE FARM is television actress Carol Drinkwater's lyrical account of a new life in France; about her house Appassionata and the trials and tribulations of acquiring an olive farm, restoring it, farming the olives, overcoming the heartaches of taking on a 'new' French family and understanding slowly the workings and lifestyle of a vivacious Provencal community.

THE OLIVE FARM opens the door on a bustling Mediterranean world using Carol Drinkwater's old abandoned villa as the gateway to it. The book explores the local landscape, the various al fresco jazz festivals, the colourful carnival in Nice, the local cuisine, meals around an oval wooden table, the cycle of olive farming and pressing, local wines, Carol's bizarre friendship with a toothless Arab gardener, hours whiled away in magnificent hammock lugged all the way from northern Brazil because its colours were an exact match for the slatted wooden shutters, and Picasso's museum at Antibes. It is a celebration of Appassionata and its wonderful olive-groved, sun-drenched world and its unlikely cast of characters.

What will you learn from this book

  1. A New Beginning: The book chronicles Carol Drinkwater's decision to purchase an abandoned olive farm in Provence and her journey to breathe new life into the neglected property.

  2. Challenges of Farming: Drinkwater vividly describes the challenges she faces as a novice farmer, including learning the intricacies of olive cultivation, battling the elements, and navigating the complexities of rural life in France.

  3. Connection to Nature: Through her experiences on the olive farm, Drinkwater develops a profound connection to nature, gaining a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of the seasons and the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape.

  4. Cultural Immersion: The book offers insights into the rich cultural heritage of Provence, as Drinkwater immerses herself in the traditions, cuisine, and way of life of the local community.

  5. Personal Growth: Drinkwater's journey on the olive farm becomes a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery, as she confronts her fears, embraces new challenges, and finds fulfillment in the simplicity of rural living.

  6. Interactions with Locals: The author shares anecdotes about her interactions with the colorful characters who inhabit the Provencal countryside, from eccentric neighbors to seasoned farmers, each leaving a lasting impression on her.

  7. Olive Oil Production: Drinkwater provides fascinating insights into the process of olive oil production, from the meticulous care required to tend to the trees to the ancient techniques used to extract and press the oil.

  8. Preservation of Heritage: The book underscores the importance of preserving the cultural and agricultural heritage of Provence, as Drinkwater grapples with the challenges of maintaining the authenticity of the olive farm in the face of modernization.

  9. Sense of Place: Through vivid descriptions and evocative prose, Drinkwater captures the essence of Provence, evoking the sights, sounds, and scents that define the region and infuse her narrative with a sense of place.

  10. Celebration of Life: Ultimately, "The Olive Farm" is a celebration of life's simple pleasures, from the satisfaction of harvesting olives to the joy of sharing meals with loved ones, reminding readers of the inherent beauty and abundance found in nature's bounty.

Language English
ISBN-10 0349114749
ISBN-13 9780349114743
No of pages 352
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Abacus
Published Date 01 Jan 2008

About Author

Author : Carol Drinkwater

1 Books

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