Much-loved author and actor Carol Drinkwater joins Paula Farquharson, Director of the Princess Grace Irish Library, in conversation.

Carol talks about her latest novel, One Summer in Provence (Atlantic, July 2025), a story of betrayal, belonging and discovering love in unexpected places. She also shares highlights from her summer at Ireland’s leading literary festivals — the West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry, and Listowel Writers’ Week, where she adjudicated the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year award, won by Niall Williams.

We hear about Carol’s Irish roots, and why she describes herself as Irish-Mediterranean rather than British (The Irish Times, July 2025). She also discusses her acclaimed memoirs, The Olive Farm series, which have sold over a million copies worldwide, and her solo 17-month Mediterranean journey that inspired the ARTE/France 5 documentary The Olive Route and led to a UNESCO initiative.

The conversation expands to explore Grace Kelly’s world in Monaco in the 1950s, contrasted with life in Ireland at the same time.

GUEST DETAILS

Carol Drinkwater is a multi-award-winning actress, writer and filmmaker. She is the author of more than 20 books, including bestselling memoirs and fiction. Her Olive Farm series has become a classic of travel writing, while her novels and screen work continue to reach audiences worldwide.

MORE INFORMATION

Find out more at: https://www.caroldrinkwater.com

Come and visit us at the Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco. https://www.pgil.mc