We are born into families. We die inside or exiled from our families. I began writing "Making Olives" at the age of 26, and could only complete this story at the age of 55, when I finally came to understand meanings that take generations to unfold.

In this brilliant collection of short stories, Darlene Madott explores the individual quests of characters to sing themselves out of the void - to seek a motivation beyond the confines of their personal joys and sufferings.

Mazilli never lets go. Mazilli is a man who will not compromise or dilute the ultimate goal with the odd trip back to Italy. Just as, The Odyssey, all journeys are not about the destination, but about the twists and turns that drive you continuously off course.

Of the two women I am remembering, one knew the very secret of secrets, which is the art of keeping a secret; the other knew how to use secrets, which meant at some time or other she let them loose.

"I don't like the way you played the first phrase ... you seem to sit on that first note. I know Chopin marked it a quarter and the tempo is lento, but you have got to make it to the second note, cheat the note values a little, anticipate the second note, and incidentally, a big accent on it when you land. It's a poignant moment..."