The Olive Grove is an absorbing, compelling read perfect for escaping into after a stressful day.
Firstly I absolutely loved the setting of this book! Croatia is a place I’ve wanted to visit for ages and this book has definitely made me more determined to get there soon. The wonderfully vivid descriptions made me feel like I was actually there, experiencing the wonderful views for myself and I spent far to long on the computer looking up pictures of the sights that are mentioned in the book too as they sounded so amazing. I enjoyed getting to know the island of Korčula better and to learn more about the Croatian traditions and way of life.
The two main characters were great creations who were interesting to get to know. I liked that the author has used slightly older characters in this book as I always think that brings a bit more to a story as there is more past to explore. Antonia is escaping from a relationship with a married man which she has started to feel a bit grubby about – I must admit I did cheer when she decided to leave him. Her worries over her roles as a mother now her child has grown up was a very interesting one to follow and made me warm towards her especially as I’ve had similar concerns myself for when my children are older. I enjoyed living precariously through her as she starts a new job (and life!) In a different country as it’s something I’ve always fantasied about. Damir was another great character who I quickly fell in love with after reading about his concern for the kittens. He’s a man with a traumatic past sadly as he grew up in Croatian War of independence which has had an impact on his life. I found it interesting to follow his story, learning more about the war but to see him change as the story went on.
The story unfolds at a steady pace with flashbacks from the character’s past helping the reader to understand what has happened and why the characters might be acting a certain a way. There are a few surprises along the way but mostly this is just a gentle read to relax into and savour. I’m a big fan of this author’s books and I’ll definitely be recommending it to others.
Huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me onto the blog tour and to One More Chapter for my copy of this book via netgalley. Though I did end up buying a copy too so my mum could read it!
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A real page turner. Antonia deciding to take a job in Croatia as a housekeeper was a risk but it was a chance to leave behind her complicated life. I loved how the story unfolded and how she made herself, by hard work, such an asset to the Vila Maslina. Her help to the owner Damir Malic with his troubles which emanated from the Bosnian war was touching. A beautifully written, eloquent and well crafted story.
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