The Olive Route: A Personal Journey to the Heart of the Mediterranean

Description

Since Carol Drinkwater moved to an olive farm in France, she has developed a passion for the olive tree and the culture that has grown up around it. This fruit is farmed from the eastern shores of the shimmering Mediterranean to its western coast. Its silvery-green branches have inspired painters and poets, but who first pressed its 'bitter berry' and transformed it into liquid gold? In quest of its secrets and traditions, Carol embarked on a solo adventure round the Mediterranean basin. Transporting readers across the olive's ancient paths - celebrating its venerable past, tracking trade routes, unearthing unlikely stories, encountering peoples of today and bygone times - Carol comes full circle back to her farm in the sun-baked Provencal hills.

Actress Carol Drinkwater is probably best known for her role as Helen Herriot in the BBC series 'All Creatures Great and Small.' Also an accomplished novelist, she has achieved bestselling status with her much-loved memoirs of life on an olive farm in France. Carol Drinkwater is working with (has been invited to work with) UNESCO to help found an Olive Heritage Trail around the Mediterranean Basin. The aim is to create peace within the region and honour the heritage of this sacred tree.

'one cannot resist Drinkwater's courage and joie de vivre, nor the enormous appetite and enthusiasm she has for her subject' -- Wendy Holden THE DAILY MAIL 'Drinkwater has a sharp eye for character, and the people who populate The Olive Route will not disappoint her fans...' -- Danuta Keane THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY 'an inspiring and captivating read...a lively, often humorous account, providing a fabulous insight to the olive route.' -- Rhona Wells MIDDLE EAST MAGAZINE 'the adventures involved in the spread of the olive are colourful and intriguing' TRAVELLER 'part travel journal, part food story, and a social account of the eastern Mediterranean.' THE SUNDAY BUSINESS POST 'Carol is an engaging travelling companion with an infectious enthusiasm for her subject.' CHOICE 'this lively, well-paced narrative.' BBC GOOD FOOD MAGAZINE 'her sensitive and detailed descriptions give the reader a clear image of the fascinating destinations on her route' COTEDAZUR.COM