Review of Letters from the Olive Tree

[Sandra Smith 18]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Letters from the Olive Tree" by Reese Balducci.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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What if you and the only soul you have ever loved were separated by an ocean? What if letters were all the two of you had to cling to? What if the letters stopped coming? It is 1905, and Giovanni has grown up knowing that his older brother will inherit the family olive farm. Growing restless on the inside, he begins to wonder how he will make a life for himself and the woman he loves. After he and Ersilia share a never-before-spoken-out-loud desire to venture beyond their families’ farms and create a life they can call their own, Giovanni takes a bold step that will take him far beyond the Italian landscape. The move tests not only his physical, mental, and emotional strength but also Ersilia’s commitment to their unspoken love. Letters from the Olive Tree by Reese Balducci is a short historical fiction story that is poignant and pure.

The author’s approach to the story uses lyrical prose that is soothing to read and brings both landscape and longing to life. The expressive writing style is complemented by the author’s ability to tell a story without employing foul words, sex scenes, or violence. This purity of words, along with steady pacing, makes for a very relaxing and satisfying read. I love the main characters. With their qualities of determination, perseverance, and loyalty, they earn my admiration. Displaying hope, resilience, and courage in the face of uncertainty, Giovanni and Ersilia are an inspiration.

There are no disappointments in this short story that more than lives up to its description. With close to zero errors, the editing proves to be top-notch. With only pluses and no minuses, this story comes out on top of the stack. A lovely writing style, admirable characters, steady pacing, lack of vulgarity, and nearly error-free text make this story one that should not be missed. Bravo! Letters from the Olive Tree absolutely deserves the 5 out of 5 stars that I’m giving it.

This is a beautiful and breathtaking story that has my stamp of approval. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates not having to stumble over offensive content in order to experience a great piece of literature. Readers that prefer condensed stories, value farming, or have a connection to or appreciation for land will also find this book pleasing. If you enjoy historical fiction, Giovanni and Ersilia’s story is perfect for a relaxing and peaceful weekend read.

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Letters from the Olive Tree
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Kibet Hillary]

It is good and inspirational to read that Giovanni and Ersilia are an inspiration and that the book also motivates the reader to display the same traits that include hope, resilience and courage. These qualities are necessary and essential as life is packed with ups and downs. Thank you, @Sandra Smith 18, for the enlightening review.

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

This sounds like a good reading. I will give it a chance when I see it because of your well-written review. You have a way with words and you did justice to the book.

[Sandra Smith 18]

It is good and inspirational to read that Giovanni and Ersilia are an inspiration and that the book also motivates the reader to display the same traits that include hope, resilience and courage. These qualities are necessary and essential as life is packed with ups and downs. Thank you, @Sandra Smith 18, for the enlightening review.

Life is definitely packed with ups and downs and having good character traits helps us not only get through but also thrive in all the different times of our lives. Thanks so much for your comment!

[Sandra Smith 18]

It is good and inspirational to read that Giovanni and Ersilia are an inspiration and that the book also motivates the reader to display the same traits that include hope, resilience and courage. These qualities are necessary and essential as life is packed with ups and downs. Thank you, @Sandra Smith 18, for the enlightening review.

Life is definitely packed with ups and downs and having good character traits helps us not only get through but also thrive in all the different times of our lives. Thanks so much for your comment!

[Sandra Smith 18]

This sounds like a good reading. I will give it a chance when I see it because of your well-written review. You have a way with words and you did justice to the book.

Thank you for your lovely comment! I hope you get a chance to read it.

[Yasmine ZM]

The review has only good things to say about this novel It feels like a peaceful read. I also appreciate the fact that the author did not need to use any vulgarity to bring us this story. I am adding this book to my shelves. Thank you for this beautiful review.

[Onyemuwa-dave]

This is a truly beautiful and heartfelt review of Letters from the Olive Tree.
I especially love how you highlighted Giovanni and Ersilia's "poignant and pure" story—I'm a big fan of unique love stories like this one. Your praise for the "lyrical prose" and their admirable perseverance really shines through. It sounds like it would make a fantastic movie, too! Thanks for sharing this great review.

[Sandra Smith 18]

The review has only good things to say about this novel It feels like a peaceful read. I also appreciate the fact that the author did not need to use any vulgarity to bring us this story. I am adding this book to my shelves. Thank you for this beautiful review.

Thanks for your comment, Yasmine ZM! I'm glad you're adding this one to your bookshelves. I'm sure you will enjoy it!

[Sandra Smith 18]

This is a truly beautiful and heartfelt review of Letters from the Olive Tree.
I especially love how you highlighted Giovanni and Ersilia's "poignant and pure" story—I'm a big fan of unique love stories like this one. Your praise for the "lyrical prose" and their admirable perseverance really shines through. It sounds like it would make a fantastic movie, too! Thanks for sharing this great review.

Thanks for your kind words! I agree it would make a fantastic movie, and we definitely need more movies based on these kinds of stories! Hope you get a chance to read this one.

[Spoorthy S]

Thank you for the thoughtful review. I liked how you described the characters' growth. It made me want to check out the book myself.