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An Olive Grove at the Edge of the World: How two American city boys built a new life in rural New Zealand
Discover the hilarious and endearing tale of how two American city boys learn to become olive farmers in rural New Zealand.
For Jared Gulian, leaving the United States and coming to tiny Wellington, New Zealand, was a big enough switch from the bright lights of big cities. So when his partner CJ decided they just had to buy a rundown olive grove in the Wairarapa valley, it was almost too much to cope with.
First they'd have to drive over the dangerous Rimutaka range road to get there, and Jared was terrified of heights. Then they'd have to figure out what on earth you do with 500 olive trees that hadn't been pruned for years, a geriatric rooster, warring hens, an obese kunekune pig, cast sheep, marauding cattle, and understanding your neighbors when they said "yiece" but meant "yes."
In this charming and warm-hearted memoir, Jared Gulian describes the first four years of their new life in the country, its disasters and small triumphs, its surprises and pleasures. But most of all he describes the warmth of the local community that welcomed him, saved him from certain peril, taught him how to cook, how to care for animals, and how to understand and love the land.
This book was previously published in New Zealand under the title Moon Over Martinborough, where it became a bestseller (Nielsen BookScan NZ, June & July 2013).
For Jared Gulian, leaving the United States and coming to tiny Wellington, New Zealand, was a big enough switch from the bright lights of big cities. So when his partner CJ decided they just had to buy a rundown olive grove in the Wairarapa valley, it was almost too much to cope with.
First they'd have to drive over the dangerous Rimutaka range road to get there, and Jared was terrified of heights. Then they'd have to figure out what on earth you do with 500 olive trees that hadn't been pruned for years, a geriatric rooster, warring hens, an obese kunekune pig, cast sheep, marauding cattle, and understanding your neighbors when they said "yiece" but meant "yes."
In this charming and warm-hearted memoir, Jared Gulian describes the first four years of their new life in the country, its disasters and small triumphs, its surprises and pleasures. But most of all he describes the warmth of the local community that welcomed him, saved him from certain peril, taught him how to cook, how to care for animals, and how to understand and love the land.
This book was previously published in New Zealand under the title Moon Over Martinborough, where it became a bestseller (Nielsen BookScan NZ, June & July 2013).
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2018
326 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Jared Gulian
5 books78 followersI write heartwarming memoir and suspenseful sci-fi. Two-time NZ bestseller. 🇺🇸🇳🇿🏳️🌈
I grew up in suburban Detroit and currently live on a small hobby farm in rural New Zealand. In my spare time, I enjoy what some call 'granny hobbies' — knitting, baking, reading, and limited gardening. (I broke my back in 2022, and I've been living with chronic pain ever since.)
Join my mailing list at JaredGulian.com to receive exclusive content and updates on new writing.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok.
I grew up in suburban Detroit and currently live on a small hobby farm in rural New Zealand. In my spare time, I enjoy what some call 'granny hobbies' — knitting, baking, reading, and limited gardening. (I broke my back in 2022, and I've been living with chronic pain ever since.)
Join my mailing list at JaredGulian.com to receive exclusive content and updates on new writing.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 2, 2020
What a Delightful Read
As an essential worker during Covid, I struggled to unwind after the long days. Then this book was recommended to me by a coworker to whom it had been recommended. The book came highly lauded. It was just the escape I needed, into the charming storytelling of Mr Gulian, with the delightful neighbors and the laughable adventures. I allowed myself a chapter each night, almost like a prescription. Closing the final chapter was like saying goodbye to old friends. And I promptly ordered a copy for a friend recovering from illness.
Blessings, Mr Gulian. Your gifted storytelling was just what I needed during a stressful time. Oh, and the carrot cake is fabulous!
As an essential worker during Covid, I struggled to unwind after the long days. Then this book was recommended to me by a coworker to whom it had been recommended. The book came highly lauded. It was just the escape I needed, into the charming storytelling of Mr Gulian, with the delightful neighbors and the laughable adventures. I allowed myself a chapter each night, almost like a prescription. Closing the final chapter was like saying goodbye to old friends. And I promptly ordered a copy for a friend recovering from illness.
Blessings, Mr Gulian. Your gifted storytelling was just what I needed during a stressful time. Oh, and the carrot cake is fabulous!
May 1, 2024
I would give this a 4.5. I just really want to taste (buy) their olive oils! Jared makes them seem like quite hapless farmers, but their persistence always seems to pay off.
June 23, 2019
This book kept me smiling, except for a few to be expected on a farm, heartbreaking events.
Such fun, really nice characters, makes me wish I was their neighbor and friend.
Yummy recipes, too!
Is now another of my all time favorite reads.
Highly recommended.
Such fun, really nice characters, makes me wish I was their neighbor and friend.
Yummy recipes, too!
Is now another of my all time favorite reads.
Highly recommended.
February 20, 2021
Now looking for a partner to move with me to a New Zealand olive farm. Serious inquiries only.
July 1, 2018
The trials and tribulations of two city-boy Americans who buy a run down olive grove and start a farm. I bought this in preparation for my upcoming year in New Zealand (trying to bone up on NZ nonfiction and literature) and OH MY GOSH this is the purest, wholesome-est memoir! A delight from start to finish!
February 1, 2019
Delightful
I loved this account of Jared and CJ's adventures in farming. Jared paints a picture of New Zealand that took me back to my own time in NZ. The friendliness and generosity of their neighbors makes me long for the Land of the Long White Cloud. Thanks for sharing your little corner of the world, Jared.
I loved this account of Jared and CJ's adventures in farming. Jared paints a picture of New Zealand that took me back to my own time in NZ. The friendliness and generosity of their neighbors makes me long for the Land of the Long White Cloud. Thanks for sharing your little corner of the world, Jared.
May 23, 2019
This was a sweet book on the joys and heartaches of starting a life you know nothing about.
June 17, 2024
Delightful! I read the paperback version, not Kindle -- I'm not sure why Goodreads keeps defaulting to this version. No matter what version you can get your hands on, read it! Jared Gulian is a gifted writer. I hear he has written some science fiction. I don't normally read SciFi, but I'm looking this up right away.
This book is full of humor. I dare you to read the prologue without laughing. Each moment that I stole away time to read a few pages I left refreshed with a smile on my face. Even the inevitable poignant moments of farm-life described in detail left a smile of recognition on this rural girl's face. Such love when into the writing of this book that it seeps through the pages.
Please, Jared Gulian, please. Write a children's book. It would be marvelous. Write a novel full of humor and strangeness and love. The world needs more of this.
This book is full of humor. I dare you to read the prologue without laughing. Each moment that I stole away time to read a few pages I left refreshed with a smile on my face. Even the inevitable poignant moments of farm-life described in detail left a smile of recognition on this rural girl's face. Such love when into the writing of this book that it seeps through the pages.
Please, Jared Gulian, please. Write a children's book. It would be marvelous. Write a novel full of humor and strangeness and love. The world needs more of this.
July 6, 2020
This is one of those books that I read very, very slowly because I did not want it to end.
This is the true story of Jared and his husband CJ. Originally from Detroit, they travel and live everywhere from Chicago to Tokyo, and one day decide to move to New Zealand. Just when it’s time to move on, CJ convinces Jared that they should move over the, mountains via a road that is often impassible and always dangerous, to the remote town of Martinborough, and buy a farm that included 500 olive trees. These city boys have no idea how to do anything outside of city life so what could happen?
This is a warm and humorous look into the adventure of making that transition, with the unconditional love and support of community that never waited for the couple to ask for help.
As the world struggles daily in this moment of history, this is a delightful, warm and funny book that I truly enjoyed.
This is the true story of Jared and his husband CJ. Originally from Detroit, they travel and live everywhere from Chicago to Tokyo, and one day decide to move to New Zealand. Just when it’s time to move on, CJ convinces Jared that they should move over the, mountains via a road that is often impassible and always dangerous, to the remote town of Martinborough, and buy a farm that included 500 olive trees. These city boys have no idea how to do anything outside of city life so what could happen?
This is a warm and humorous look into the adventure of making that transition, with the unconditional love and support of community that never waited for the couple to ask for help.
As the world struggles daily in this moment of history, this is a delightful, warm and funny book that I truly enjoyed.
October 6, 2018
Enjoyed this real story a lot...the author has a gift for telling it how it is and with heart. The story made me smile often. Growing up around farming it especially endeared me to these men and their funny challenges.
Again, I am so proud of the authors that work with the help of the prestigious Iowa Writer’s Workshop.
Again, I am so proud of the authors that work with the help of the prestigious Iowa Writer’s Workshop.
January 11, 2021
Could not put this book down! A modern day Little House on the Prairie 📖 If you love adventure, new cultures (and recipes) and getting lost in the beauty of the outdoors, this book is for you. Two guys from Michigan take on New Zealand and learn the true meaning of being a Kiwi. Can’t wait to visit Martinborough someday, rent a ute, see an olive harvest and meet the kunekunes 🧑🏻🌾 🚜 🐖
December 22, 2023
A delightful read. Fascinating to read it as a fellow former Michigander. We moved to New Mexico 18 months ago and found our own charming little corner of the world...though not as farmers, more as hiking adventurers.
While I would have preferred more written about the olives, especially early on in the book, you cannot help but be charmed by the kind and generous people of Martinborough, the odd assortment chickens in their palace, and the goofy pigs. Well done!
p.s. We hope to visit New Zealand some day and definitely know one part of the North Island we'll be visiting.
While I would have preferred more written about the olives, especially early on in the book, you cannot help but be charmed by the kind and generous people of Martinborough, the odd assortment chickens in their palace, and the goofy pigs. Well done!
p.s. We hope to visit New Zealand some day and definitely know one part of the North Island we'll be visiting.
March 24, 2023
love it!
This is a wonderful slice of NZ farm life, filled with beautiful friendships and silly animals. Lots of good feelings, laughter, and a tear or two. Please go read this book!
This is a wonderful slice of NZ farm life, filled with beautiful friendships and silly animals. Lots of good feelings, laughter, and a tear or two. Please go read this book!
March 2, 2021
Loved reading about Jared's life in New Zealand. Now I'll have to go check out his Blog and Facebook page.
April 5, 2025
A charming memoir about completely changing your life from being city people to country folk. Really painted a beautiful picture of the area and their new lives.
August 12, 2020
Was on the fence between 4 and five stars - opted for five just because I loved the book that much. It honestly was like reading letters from a far-away friend. Beautiful story set in what sounds like an idyllic place to live. Makes me want to visit NZ so much more, now. These gents did something I've longed to do - just pick up and move there. Lovely country, lovely people and I really just didn't want this book to end. It'll be a re-read for sure, and a definite stop if I ever get the chance to visit. Read it cover to cover in 3 nights before bed and it was very relaxing. Lovely account of life on an olive farm - and the wonderful people and experiences, along with all the hard work, rewards and heartbreak that come with it.
October 1, 2022
This book absolutely blew me away.
If you had asked me how I felt about memoirs before reading this book, I would have shrugged noncommittally and told you that they were “fine.” The truth is, I’ve never been a creature rooted to this reality, and my heart lies with fiction and fantasy. Dragons and Magic and “chosen ones” and epic quests. Anything non-fiction would seem terribly dull to me by comparison.
And then I read Olive Grove.
When I tell you that I was captivated from start to finish, I need you to know that what I mean is that I was right next to Mr. Gulian every step of the way. I stood side by side with the naive, green city boy as he learned to navigate the mysterious and often hilarious inner workings of farm life in rural New Zealand.
I woke up early to feed the chickens (chooks) with him, and became delightful with each of their unique personalities. (I don’t even LIKE birds!) We walked the Olive Grove together, as he pointed out each species of tree and explained the flower-to-fruit process. A few months later we would sample the peppery rich oil pressed from the olives of those very trees. We swam in his ever-changing river, and sat on bales of hay under his beloved moonlight as he told me heartwarming stories about the triumphs and tragedies of his new life.
And I, quite frankly, fell in love.
I fell in love with Jared and CJ and their courageous, adventurous, and determined spirits. I fell in love with their incredible neighbors, and feel such a profound sense of gratitude that people like them actually exist in the world. Lovely, beautiful, helpful people who are always willing to lend a hand (and a LOT of equipment) to those in need of it. I also — and I can’t believe I’m saying this — fell in love with more than one farm animal.
But most of all, I fell in love with a piece of paradise found at an Olive Grove at the Edge of the World.
Thank you, Jared, for sharing it with us.
If you had asked me how I felt about memoirs before reading this book, I would have shrugged noncommittally and told you that they were “fine.” The truth is, I’ve never been a creature rooted to this reality, and my heart lies with fiction and fantasy. Dragons and Magic and “chosen ones” and epic quests. Anything non-fiction would seem terribly dull to me by comparison.
And then I read Olive Grove.
When I tell you that I was captivated from start to finish, I need you to know that what I mean is that I was right next to Mr. Gulian every step of the way. I stood side by side with the naive, green city boy as he learned to navigate the mysterious and often hilarious inner workings of farm life in rural New Zealand.
I woke up early to feed the chickens (chooks) with him, and became delightful with each of their unique personalities. (I don’t even LIKE birds!) We walked the Olive Grove together, as he pointed out each species of tree and explained the flower-to-fruit process. A few months later we would sample the peppery rich oil pressed from the olives of those very trees. We swam in his ever-changing river, and sat on bales of hay under his beloved moonlight as he told me heartwarming stories about the triumphs and tragedies of his new life.
And I, quite frankly, fell in love.
I fell in love with Jared and CJ and their courageous, adventurous, and determined spirits. I fell in love with their incredible neighbors, and feel such a profound sense of gratitude that people like them actually exist in the world. Lovely, beautiful, helpful people who are always willing to lend a hand (and a LOT of equipment) to those in need of it. I also — and I can’t believe I’m saying this — fell in love with more than one farm animal.
But most of all, I fell in love with a piece of paradise found at an Olive Grove at the Edge of the World.
Thank you, Jared, for sharing it with us.
January 29, 2019
2019 - bk 13. Shame on me. I bought this in January a year ago and let it sit on my to be read shelf for twelve months. Twelve months in which I could have been looking back and thinking about the evil cow, Lucy the pet pig, Francoise the shy but brave little chicken, the two American City Boys and their many friends. This book is a keeper for those moments when I am feeling meh or it's midwinter and the sun isn't shining. In fact, I'm keeping this book out - I may need it next week as a comfort re-read. If you want a book about two guys brave enough to encounter new cultures and new attitudes, this is the book for you. Ah - and recipes are included.
July 28, 2021
It grabbed me from the very first page to the very last sentence! Jared writes with charm and humor. His descriptions put the reader in the moment. I can't remember a book I have enjoyed more! And now I'm looking for a bottle of pinot noir from the North Island of New Zealand as I understand it is amazing! TY, Jared, for writing this delightful book! And please give your Kunekune a belly rug for me!
January 13, 2019
Welcome guests
This author makes the reader feel like a welcome guest, sharing a much-loved home and it’s treasures for the sheer joy it brings. Anecdotes, characters and significant developments are well-balanced within the narrative. This work is a gift to the reader from of a generous soul.
This author makes the reader feel like a welcome guest, sharing a much-loved home and it’s treasures for the sheer joy it brings. Anecdotes, characters and significant developments are well-balanced within the narrative. This work is a gift to the reader from of a generous soul.
April 8, 2019
I absolutely loved this book for a lot of reasons. First, Jared is a fantastic storyteller. Second, he did a great job of capturing what life is like living in New Zealand and adapting to rural life in another place. And lastly, it encouraged and inspired me to live more adventurously. Great book and I highly recommend it!
September 24, 2018
Really good first person account of two Americans moving permanently to New Zealand. His take on the Kiwis is spot on and his often self effacing humor is refreshing.
Good clear writing that makes you want to go find your new "friends" down under.
Good clear writing that makes you want to go find your new "friends" down under.
June 21, 2019
Exceptional, and laugh out loud funny!
I loved reading about Jared and CJ’s New Zealand farming and olive growing adventures. The book is well written and sometimes hilarious. I do have to say the the fireplace moment made me deeply sad and I wished he’d left it out.
I loved reading about Jared and CJ’s New Zealand farming and olive growing adventures. The book is well written and sometimes hilarious. I do have to say the the fireplace moment made me deeply sad and I wished he’d left it out.
June 23, 2023
Delightful and surprisingly informative book.
I'm primarily an audiobook listener, and the author graciously sent me a copy of this wonderful book, made all the better as the author, Jared Guilian, is the one who narrates his book.
As another American immigrant in Aotearoa / New Zealand, and a previous semi-city citizen, much of his and his partner's experience resonated with me.
The story telling follows several years as Jared and CJ move from the city of Wellington to an idyllic country home. In the ensuing years they go from city boys to legit farmers, helped along the way by the advice and generosity of their neighbours and friends.
The chapters are short snippets of events or time periods along the way, told in a delightful light-hearted style. I particularly loved the way that what could be considered "mundane" or "every day" events to long-time Kiwis or farmers, are presented with enthusiasm, newness and discovery by the author. Through this book it is obvious he has a great appreciation for the richness of new discoveries, the wonder to be found in daily living, and how exciting the world can be for those who are curious.
I was not expecting to walk away from this book with as much knowledge of animal husbandry and olive-growing and processing procedures as I did, but it was all absolutely fascinating.
The book is chock full of fun anecdotes, interesting and generous neighbours and the joys and sorrows of adapting to a life on the land.
Overall a wonderful book from a fellow American turned Kiwi who I'm pleased to consider my North Island neighbour.
I'm primarily an audiobook listener, and the author graciously sent me a copy of this wonderful book, made all the better as the author, Jared Guilian, is the one who narrates his book.
As another American immigrant in Aotearoa / New Zealand, and a previous semi-city citizen, much of his and his partner's experience resonated with me.
The story telling follows several years as Jared and CJ move from the city of Wellington to an idyllic country home. In the ensuing years they go from city boys to legit farmers, helped along the way by the advice and generosity of their neighbours and friends.
The chapters are short snippets of events or time periods along the way, told in a delightful light-hearted style. I particularly loved the way that what could be considered "mundane" or "every day" events to long-time Kiwis or farmers, are presented with enthusiasm, newness and discovery by the author. Through this book it is obvious he has a great appreciation for the richness of new discoveries, the wonder to be found in daily living, and how exciting the world can be for those who are curious.
I was not expecting to walk away from this book with as much knowledge of animal husbandry and olive-growing and processing procedures as I did, but it was all absolutely fascinating.
The book is chock full of fun anecdotes, interesting and generous neighbours and the joys and sorrows of adapting to a life on the land.
Overall a wonderful book from a fellow American turned Kiwi who I'm pleased to consider my North Island neighbour.
August 25, 2020
This book prompted me to examine my own life with new eyes: my husband and I moved to a small farm in a rural (but not that rural) part of Ohio, where we built a barn and kept our college-bound daughters' show horses, gradually adding horses of our own as time and events took some horses from us. We added dogs to the household (top number, 7) and lead an active life taking care of the barn, horses, land, dogs, garden, feral cats etc. Julian's whimsical stories made me recognize that I, too, was leading a truly magical life due to all the little things that it is often too easy to overlook. New Zealand truly sounds like a paradise, where the animals have as much character as the people and the land is amazing. Every detail of the lives of Julian and his partner, CJ, is made to seem incredibly important--as those little details should be, as they define us more as people than big events such as graduating college or going to work every day. Julian's writing is simple, direct and refreshing. This is an escape to a life we all should lead: love of family, friends and life itself is celebrated. Read this book.
June 28, 2019
This is a light little book in the spirit of James Herriot's "All Creatures Great and Small" without the annoying boss. The author and his partner have settled in the New Zealand countryside where they are growing olives as a pass time while continuing to commute to their "real jobs" in the city. The book, probably a rewriting of the author's blog, contains a series of vignettes about the trials and tribulations of two city boys learning to farm and take care of chickens, pigs and other livestock. There is a lot of talk of food with recipes inserted between some of the chapters. The only fault I found with the book is the lack of detail and excitement. It seems that all their problems are quickly solved by friendly neighbors. I found it just a bit saccharine. I had to stop from time to time because the chapters were often unconnected to each other, like separate little essays, and I tired of too many subjects in too short a space of time.
September 7, 2019
No villains. Other than death (of chicken, pig and cookie baking uncle)
There are similarities between our attempt to make a farm retreat in middle Pennsylvania and Jared's and CJ's actually creating a working farm. One cannot place a high enough value on neighbors. This book is a reminder of how important it is to have and to be a good neighbor. The good fellowship and guiding hands of these people was like having a community Peace Corp for the farming newbies from Chicago. The book made me want be a better neighbor and to visit Martinborough, but as for now I'll settle for a glass of pinot noir and something drenched in olive oil. Thank for writing this adventure book.
There are similarities between our attempt to make a farm retreat in middle Pennsylvania and Jared's and CJ's actually creating a working farm. One cannot place a high enough value on neighbors. This book is a reminder of how important it is to have and to be a good neighbor. The good fellowship and guiding hands of these people was like having a community Peace Corp for the farming newbies from Chicago. The book made me want be a better neighbor and to visit Martinborough, but as for now I'll settle for a glass of pinot noir and something drenched in olive oil. Thank for writing this adventure book.
February 16, 2022
What a wonderful book
This was such a great read! Having been born and raised in the country, the escapades in this book ring so true. City people haven't a clue what country living is truly like. Jared and CJ bought their little slice of heaven and learned by doing. Not an easy task, but they rose to the occasion, and when they got into a bind, their country neighbors lent a helping hand. A wonderful story about growth and learning to be great chicken farmers, friends with pigs and olive farmers. Not always easy, but definitely worth it, the country life seems to have grown on Jared and CJ...and it looks good on them. I hope to read more about their escapades, as well as more of his sci-fi books! Highly recommend!
This was such a great read! Having been born and raised in the country, the escapades in this book ring so true. City people haven't a clue what country living is truly like. Jared and CJ bought their little slice of heaven and learned by doing. Not an easy task, but they rose to the occasion, and when they got into a bind, their country neighbors lent a helping hand. A wonderful story about growth and learning to be great chicken farmers, friends with pigs and olive farmers. Not always easy, but definitely worth it, the country life seems to have grown on Jared and CJ...and it looks good on them. I hope to read more about their escapades, as well as more of his sci-fi books! Highly recommend!
March 23, 2025
I stumbled on this as I was parked on the side of a rural road in South Canterbury killing time before a meeting. Figured as I too had moved from the city recently I would give it a go. I could always stop if it was not my thing.
Within minutes I was hooked, as Jared gave a detailed description of how he successfully helped a cast sheep. Then proceeded to explain how he and C.J who both enjoyed all a city life offered, be it Chicago, Tokyo or Wellington ended up owning a olive grove in Martinborough. Jared is delightful as both the writer and narrator of their story, as well as informative, especially so for those unaccustomed to rural living. I learnt a lot of cool stuff about chickens, Kunue Kune pigs, land leasing for stock, olives, how they are harvested and pressed. His obvious joy and love of life is infectious, it's pretty easy to see why his neighbours love him and C.J and welcomed them both so enthusiastically. At the end of each chapter is a recipe of what ever yummies they have been enjoying at their various get togethers, and because jared is gluten free the gluten free option.
Seeing rural New Zealand through his eyes was such fun and I outright laughed many times as he took the piss out of our accent and colloquialisms. However more importantly he infused me with renewed mindfulness to be present with a life in the country and to see my situation with the joy it deserves. Thanks to him we (hubby and I) now have a profile on HelpX and two young Germans coming to stay to help with some jobs that were a little overwhelming.
So good.
Within minutes I was hooked, as Jared gave a detailed description of how he successfully helped a cast sheep. Then proceeded to explain how he and C.J who both enjoyed all a city life offered, be it Chicago, Tokyo or Wellington ended up owning a olive grove in Martinborough. Jared is delightful as both the writer and narrator of their story, as well as informative, especially so for those unaccustomed to rural living. I learnt a lot of cool stuff about chickens, Kunue Kune pigs, land leasing for stock, olives, how they are harvested and pressed. His obvious joy and love of life is infectious, it's pretty easy to see why his neighbours love him and C.J and welcomed them both so enthusiastically. At the end of each chapter is a recipe of what ever yummies they have been enjoying at their various get togethers, and because jared is gluten free the gluten free option.
Seeing rural New Zealand through his eyes was such fun and I outright laughed many times as he took the piss out of our accent and colloquialisms. However more importantly he infused me with renewed mindfulness to be present with a life in the country and to see my situation with the joy it deserves. Thanks to him we (hubby and I) now have a profile on HelpX and two young Germans coming to stay to help with some jobs that were a little overwhelming.
So good.
June 30, 2025
I thought this book was mostly sweet and well written. Overall I enjoyed the meandering stories and whimsy of life on a
New Zealand Olive farm. One small issue I have is with the bird who wasn’t shown mercy. I’m trying to write this in a way where there aren’t any spoilers but come on. That scene was gut wrenching and unnecessary, other than for the purpose of shock and awe, which, quite frankly, seems a bit low brow for this book. In any case, that tale is my reason for the 4 star rating instead of 5. All the other death made sense and worked within the context of the story. Readers should’ve been spared the burning bird. That’s something I didn’t enjoy and won’t soon forget. Even so and with my gripes included, I’d still recommend this book for a slow burn, sleepy weekend read.
New Zealand Olive farm. One small issue I have is with the bird who wasn’t shown mercy. I’m trying to write this in a way where there aren’t any spoilers but come on. That scene was gut wrenching and unnecessary, other than for the purpose of shock and awe, which, quite frankly, seems a bit low brow for this book. In any case, that tale is my reason for the 4 star rating instead of 5. All the other death made sense and worked within the context of the story. Readers should’ve been spared the burning bird. That’s something I didn’t enjoy and won’t soon forget. Even so and with my gripes included, I’d still recommend this book for a slow burn, sleepy weekend read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews