Prime logo Prime members: New to Audible?
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The Olive Picker  By  cover art

The Olive Picker

By: Kathryn Brettell
Narrated by: Patricia Santomasso
Try for $0.00

$14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $19.95

Buy for $19.95

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

More than a memoir, The Olive Picker is a touching experience brimming with strength and triumph. Facing a horrific attack, a resourceful nurse must summon her wits or lose her life. In this brave and shocking memoir, the author masterfully guides us through the pivotal points of her life, from an abusive upbringing that destroys her self-confidence, to the wreckage of an ill-conceived marriage, and on to a defining moment, full of grace and mercy, which gave her the wings to become the conquering and triumphant phoenix she is today. Kathi's story is a heart-wrenching testament to the endurance of the human spirit. Beautifully portrayed, The Olive Picker will grab you by the soul and hold you captive.

©2015 Kathryn Brettell (P)2016 Kathryn Brettell

What listeners say about The Olive Picker

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    14
  • 4 Stars
    3
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    13
  • 4 Stars
    3
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    13
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    1
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A Memoir

Which scene was your favorite?

The Memoir is a wonderful story of strength, survival and moving beyond the pain. This book is anyone who has or is in an abusive relationship It gives much needed hope. For those of us who are gifted with healthy relationships, this story should remind you of how precious those people in you life truly are.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

The Olive Picker: A Memoir

I was given a copy of this audio book so that I could listen and provide an honest review that I hope will help others on deciding whether or not to spend a credit. The narrator did a good job. The story is some what of a 'coming of age' story of a young woman. She has had an abusive past and some of the story is told through her sessions with her therapist. It kept my attention throughout. In my opinion, it is worth spending a credit on.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

What a roller coaster of emotions!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Olive Picker to be better than the print version?

N/A I prefer audiobooks so I can do other things at the same time.

What other book might you compare The Olive Picker to and why?

Stands alone. I've never experienced so many different emotions in one book.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Kathy was being beaten by her husband and the voice of an angel kept telling her what to do.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, you can keep track of the characters and events better and it builds up the suspense.

Any additional comments?

I'm sorry this had to happen in real life. It was very emotional."I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.”

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A very strong woman!

What did you like best about this story?

Ms. Brettell never gave up, no matter what, she found a way to conquer everything that was thrown at her. As the saying goes... you never know how strong you are until strong is the only option (something like that...).

What about Patricia Santomasso’s performance did you like?

The narration was very good. It felt as if she were talking directly to me.

Any additional comments?

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator for an unbiased review.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Worth a listen!

I really enjoyed this novel. Hard to believe this came from a first time writer!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Riveting!

I was sucked right in after the first chapter. The reader has a great voice and reflected the author very well, and knowing this was a true story made it even more intriguing. I kept going back to it because I wanted to see what happened!! The end was very difficult to listen to, because through listening I I cared so much for the woman under attack. After finishing the book I am still thinking about the experiences she endured. I think this book would be good for anyone who has had a difficult childhood, or gone through a traumatic experience as an adult, or anyone who wants to get inside the head of someone who has gone through these things, and survived.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

This is one of the best books that it has ever been my privilege to read

I can not say enough good things about this novel. The writing was excellent, The narration was top notch, it had me engaged from the very first chapter all The way till the end. I started the book and had to finish it in just one sitting, it is really that good. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story. I received this review copy from the author publisher or narrator

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

So much more than an abuse survivor memoir. Highly recommend.


Right from the beginning I could not put this down. It is a memoir of an abuse survivor, but it is so much more. It is a gripping and heartbreaking story you can't help but keep listening It consumed my life for the two days in which I listened to it. The authors conversational style in telling her story without judgement is riveting
It reminds me of an old saying. People don t judge you by the things that happen to you but by the way you deal with those things. This is certainly true of Kathryn Brettell. This story will stay with me for a long time. This is not the type of book I would normally choose but I am so glad I did. Well worth recommending
“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Worth Every Minute of Listening

Would you listen to The Olive Picker again? Why?

Yes, love the message and journey this book offered.

What did you like best about this story?

Never give up!

What does Patricia Santomasso bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Good narration with strong voice.

Any additional comments?

"This review copy audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost."

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Survival despite overwhelming odds

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. gut-wrenching honesty

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!