THE OLIVE SEASON Amour, a New Life and Olives Too

As a mistreated child, Drinkwater had two escapes--writing and acting. Both come into play here, as she's now a professional actress (the vet James's wife in "All Creatures Great and Small") who writes of her idyllic marriage, devastating miscarriage, and ongoing domestic life, all set against the backdrop of her farm in Provence. Not a word, English or French, is lost as she expresses love for her often absent husband, a film producer; sadness at losing their child; outrage at developers who want to despoil the countryside; and determination to get her olive crop harvested and pressed. Her conversations with neighbors and employees are as vivid as if they happened yesterday. If you're enchanted by this production, go back and listen to the prequel (OLIVE FARM, Clipper Audio). J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 04]