Behind the Olive Trees is the sequel to Francesca Catlow’s poignant novel, The Little Blue Door. The follows Melodie on her continuing journey with Anton and Gaia. Francesca Catlow has created her characters with an insight and perception that is unique to her. These characters are complex and multi-dimensional, reflecting the reality and truth of the human condition.
Melodie is a likeable and engaging character yet she is flawed and imperfect, qualities which enhance her warmth and relatability. Catlow juxtaposes darkness and light, creating a sense of unpredictability and, at times, a feeling of danger. Melodie’s path is not linear. We share in her joy but we also share in her fear, her pain and her uncertainty. Behind the Olive Trees is a novel with depth. Catlow allows us to become immersed in these characters and view them as friends, yet she also presents us with new and unexpected aspects to the characters which prevents the reader from becoming complacent, keeping us on edge right to the end.
Catlow’s characters give the feeling that they are an extension of ourselves. They mirror our inner journey and remind us that life is not straightforward, simple or perfect; that we are transient and continually evolving.
Behind the Olive Trees is a masterpiece in its understanding of self-discovery and the path to finding who we are. Francesca Catlow is an intelligent writer and a genius in her ability to reach out to the reader through her characters. As demonstrated in The Little Blue Door, she is a writer who clearly has a deep insight and understanding of human nature, writing with compassion and depth about a range of human experiences.
NUB TV, a new series coming to Sky TV Channel 186 on Thursdays at 9PM from 1st September.
As well as featuring the best new music videos the hosts interview their favourite UFO and paranormal experts and ask them about their musical tastes as well what they are currently up to.
Guests include the world’s leading UFO expert Nick Pope, spoon bending psychic Uri Geller, paranormal pioneer Yvette Fielding & investigative filmmaker Jeremy Corbell.
The show is presented by Mark Christopher Lee from the indie band The Pocket Gods and Guy Thompson from electro pop band The Boy From Space.
Highlights include Uri Geller talking about the night John Lennon gave him an alien rock after John had a close encounter at his home at the Dakota Building in New York, as well as investigative film-maker Jeremy Corbell talking about how the US government knows the truth about UFOs and Alien contact.
Francesca Catlow’s debut novel, The Little Blue Door, is a captivating story which, from the opening lines, captures the feelings of the main character completely. The character is so beautifully crafted that we feel as though we know Melodie from the moment we meet her. It is a testament to Francesca Catlow’s immense talent and skill as a writer that we are drawn into her world from the first page. Her vivid imagery and intricate description evokes the enchanting beauty of Greece and immediately transports us to Melodie’s world.
Melodie is such an endearing and engaging character that the reader immediately wants to know more. We live the story through the character and we are by her side as she begins her journey of discovery, joy, and heartbreak. Catlow’s portrayal of Melodie’s loneliness throughout the novel demonstrates her absolute understanding of human nature. Melodie’s feelings, reactions and responses to the world around her create a truth and authenticity which reveals Catlow’s unique sensitivity as a writer.
Catlow creates an initial air of mystery in her main characters which intrigues but, more importantly, keeps us on Melodie’s path. As Melodie learns more about the new people in her life, so do we as the reader. Catlow ensures that we travel this road with Melodie and live her experiences alongside her; we care about her and feel both her sadness and her joy.
As Melodie’s story is gradually revealed to us, we are taken down an unpredictable road which draws us ever closer to the three main characters. She is a likeable and relatable character and we find ourselves caring about her deeply. We experience the growth and self-discovery of Melodie, Anton and Gaia as they develop and face some difficult revelations and realisations about themselves and the people they believed they knew well. Catlow’s characters are real; they are likeable yet flawed. They are real and reflect the human condition.
The Little Blue Door is a truly beautiful debut novel. Francesca Catlow is an intelligent and perceptive writer who understands how to make the reader feel as though they are an intricate part of the lives of her characters. I became absolutely invested in Melodie’s story and I look forward to reading about the next phase of her life in Behind the Olive Trees.
December 2, 2023 1946 Gianni Versace 1959 Gwyneth Strong 1960 Rick Savage 1962 Tracy Austin 1973 Monica Seles 1981 Britney Spears
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