An Olive Grove at the Edge of the World
For Jared Gulian, leaving the United States and moving to the capital of 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 out in the middle of nowhere, it was almost too much.
To get there they’d have to drive over a dangerous mountain road—and Jared was terrified of heights. And then they’d have to figure out what on earth you do with 500 olive trees, warring hens, an obese kunekune pig, cast sheep, marauding cattle, and your neighbors when they say ‘yiece’ but mean ‘yes.’
In this delightful and endearing memoir, Jared 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 a 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.
About the Book
This book was originally published in New Zealand under the title ‘Moon Over Martinborough’.
Audiobook
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Paperback
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Amazon – Ebook & paperback
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New Zealand edition – Moon Over Martinborough
If you’re in New Zealand, you can also buy the original NZ paperback edition of this book, titled ‘Moon Over Martinborough,’ from the independent booksellers listed below.
- Hedley’s Books – Masterton, NZ
- Martinborough Bookshop – Martinborough, NZ
- Almo’s Books – Carterton, NZ
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Reviews
“A heart-warming tale with many laughs and a few tears… written with wit and warmth.” – Manawatu Standard
“A delightful journey of discovery.” – The Dominion Post
“Food for the soul for anyone who wants to escape to a simple country life, away from the bright lights and big city stresses. You’re quickly onside with Jared as you wish him to succeed with his gorgeously positive approach to challenges.” – Booksellers New Zealand
“I laughed out loud on the first page, and then got goosebumps a few pages after that… I was instantly engaged…” – Delaney Mes, food blogger
“One of the most delightful books I have read for some time. As I turn the final page, I feel like I am close friends with the author… Wonderfully written…” – Nadene Hall, NZ Lifestyle Block magazine
“Fantastic! A great read! Hilarious! What else can be said about this book? It was just so refreshing to see farm life through the eyes of two Chicago city boys who learned to be olive farmers. Jared often mentions a particular recipe for a special treat, such as carrot cake, and these have been included too. If you only read one book this year, this should be the one.” – Jacqui Webby, Oamaru Mail
“An endearing, funny and warmhearted read with plenty of close-to-home laughs and more than enough inspiration to be going along with.” – Waiheke Weekender
“Very funny, very endearing… a comedy of small disasters and small triumphs… but also really beautifully written.” – Till Lloyd, Newstalk ZB Wellington
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