
The Olive Tree
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Narrated by:
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Carol Drinkwater
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By:
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Carol Drinkwater
About this listen
Troubled by challenges her own South of France farm is experiencing - attack by a virulent pest, the premature ripening of the trees' fruits - Carol realises new approaches to farming are becoming essential. Traditional customs have been set aside while the use of excessive chemicals is putting the harvests of her crops (and others) at risk. Changing patterns within the world's climate demand urgent action.
Carol's quest takes her south through Spain - now the home of more olive trees than anywhere else on earth - Morocco, Algeria and Italy before she finally returns to her farm. As a woman travelling alone, she is frequently vulnerable and never more so than in Algeria where, on her arrival, terrorist bombs are exploding, devastating the capital. Determined not to give up, Carol accepts the support of a network of beekeepers who guide her across troubled territories.
Through her travels and vivid, sometimes unlikely encounters, Carol confronts some of the critical issues of our time - land-care and the harsh realities of diminishing water reserves - and ends her momentous journey in the company of olive growers whose vision for the future is remarkable and ingenious.
©2009 Carol Drinkwater (P)2009 WF Howes LtdListeners also enjoyed...
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Just about as good as it gets...
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- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
For three years Meyer rented a home in the rice-farming community of Wasteland, hometown of his wife's family, and their personal saga mirrors the tremendous change most of rural China is undergoing in the form of a privately held rice company that has built new roads, introduced organic farming, and constructed high-rise apartments into which farmers can move in exchange for their land rights.
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If you liked the Wonder Years...?
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What listeners say about The Olive Tree
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
- Andy
- 01-10-10
tough to follow and listen to
This book seems to be more of a memoir than a story about olive trees. Drinkwater weaves in so much flotsam that its tough to follow the story. Moreover, while I love her English accent, her narration is so high energy, that it is difficult to listen to.
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