Olivo Oliva: A novel

by Philippe Poloni

The setting is an olive orchard in Sicily, where an olive quivers at the end of a branch, longing for his freedom. In the grass below, the orchard owner’s daughter, Pina da Vita, has been seduced by the son of her father’s enemy. From this unusual tableau is conceived our hero, Olivo Oliva – part man, part olive, a bastard who grows up to be a prodigious killer and obsessive artist.

197 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Mackenzie Moyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read much surreal fiction, so this book’s whimsical prose took some getting used to. But, after about 30 pages I’d gotten over the initial misgivings I found myself having. The book got better and better from there. The end of the book is surely the strongest part of the book.

My favourite aspects of this book were that:

1) it didn’t take itself too seriously while also handling decidedly solemn topics like infanticide, the murder of an innocent animal, and the assignations of many people.

2) conversations between characters flowed naturally and in odd and poetic directions

3) I appreciated the characters.

This was a great book. I’d recommend it. I feel fortunate having found it in a stack of free books at the edge of someone’s walkway in downtown Toronto, on a sunny summer day among some cookbooks (I think this is the same instance where I found a book about cheese).

[Maria Cavaco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rivals "How I became a nun" in oddness and literary style...

[Jennifer Regnier · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts off telling the Background story of two lovers and their families feud. The book was enjoyable. I felt like I wanted to read more about Olivia's experience in the sacra. I felt the ending of the book lacking. I didn't really feel a connection with this character, he talks of feeling a drive that's leading him to Italy, but you don't feel that drive or sense it The character. Had the author not stated that he "felt Italy calling him" I would not have thought it myself.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange book. A little discordant and surreal sometimes. Character development is lacking (maybe lost in translation), but oddly, I like that. I don't think we're supposed to know everything about the characters. Read it...you'll see what I mean.