Rosh's Reviews > Olivetti
Olivetti
by
by
In a Nutshell: A middle-grade mystery with a dual narrative, one of which is from a typewriter’s pov. Had much potential but went awry in execution as it attempts too much and loses its track. It might work better for older readers, but not sure if I want to advocate this to kids.
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Plot Preview:
Bookish Yays:
💎 A typewriter story in the computer/smartphone era – points for originality
💎 Olivetti’s perspective is unique. As the self-proclaimed "Keeper of memories", he offers some wry observations on humans, which are quite funny.
💎 Quinn, the pawn shop owner’s daughter: a good character, and probably the only one in this story with some depth.
💎 The cover: stunning!
Bookish Mixed Bags:
💫 The blurb just doesn’t prepare us for the content. It is much sadder than expected, covering mental health issues, life-threatening health scares, and even an intent to suicide. While I know these are topics faced by MG-level kids as well, I still don’t like the idea of such upsetting content being offered to littlies.
💫 The vocabulary is a bit on the tougher side for the target age group. Not a surprise, as Ernest is always roaming with the dictionary, but little readers might stumble over the bigger words.
💫 While the idea of personifying a typewriter is great, I wonder how many middle graders actually know what typewriters are. Or even what pawn shops are. Without the exact knowledge, they won’t get the nuances of the story.
Bookish Nays:
💣 The book seems to suffer an identity crisis as it encompasses mystery, adventure, family drama, magical realism, humour, mental health, and sick lit within a single middle-grade work. This makes the flow feel quite haphazard. (In other words, it suffers from the infamous “kitchen sink syndrome” so common in debut works.
💣 There is little character development. The four Brindle kids all have a one-noted portrayal. We barely get to know any of them except for one quirk of each.
💣 I felt sorry for the Brindle kids. Their parents seemed really selfish and shortsighted. There’s no justification for the parents’ behaviour. While MG books do contain such parents, it was odd to see these two getting away with their problematic conduct with no repercussion at all.
💣 The final quarter is a major letdown as it is much exaggerated and illogical. This section also has a couple of major logical loopholes connected to Beatrice’s behaviour and Olivetti’s memory.
💣 I don’t understand why the “Everything that happened” was kept such a secret until around midway the book. The secret could be triggering for some kids (and even some adults), so it should either have been clarified in the blurb, or mentioned as the trigger warning at the start.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 4 hrs 33 min, is narrated by Christopher Gebauer and Simon Vance. They both are quite good and I had no complaints about their performance.
I had grabbed this book mainly for the typewriter as I was eager to know how a typewriter’s perspective would be written. However, I found the story somewhat boring after a point simply because I couldn’t figure out what it was trying to do and the characters didn’t appeal to me at all.
Moreover, I am not sure how I would have felt had I read this as a kid, what with all the traumatising content. I guess it would work better for kids who don’t question too much and readily suspend disbelief.
Because of the content, I wouldn’t advocate it to younger middle-graders. Actually, I am not sure if I want to advocate it at all to this age group. It might work better for teens. Before investing in the book, do check out the trigger warnings listed below.
2 stars.
My thanks to Recorded Books and NetGalley for the ALC of “Olivetti”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
Content warnings: Parental abandonment, social anxiety, cancer, attempt to suicide. Can I also count Olivetti’s being completely broken once as a content warning? If I were a kid, I would have been heartbroken to see him shattered like that, even if the situation was resolved after a couple of scenes.
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Plot Preview:
Olivetti has stayed with the Brindle family for years. Each of the Brindles – the parents and the four kids – are busy doing their own thing, and the fights are about who gets to use the new laptop while Olivetti lies ignored. He remembers the good old days when Beatrice Brindle, the mother, used to type her feelings out on him regularly. But now she has gone missing. And no one has any idea of where she could have gone, except perhaps Olivetti.
As twelve-year-old Ernest, the third of the Brindle children, is the only one who seems accessible despite always having his nose in the dictionary, Olivetti decides to break the typewriter code of conduct and communicate with Ernest, divulging Beatrice’s memories in hopes of finding some clue about her whereabouts.
The story comes to us in the alternating first person perspectives of Olivetti and Ernest.
Bookish Yays:
💎 A typewriter story in the computer/smartphone era – points for originality
💎 Olivetti’s perspective is unique. As the self-proclaimed "Keeper of memories", he offers some wry observations on humans, which are quite funny.
💎 Quinn, the pawn shop owner’s daughter: a good character, and probably the only one in this story with some depth.
💎 The cover: stunning!
Bookish Mixed Bags:
💫 The blurb just doesn’t prepare us for the content. It is much sadder than expected, covering mental health issues, life-threatening health scares, and even an intent to suicide. While I know these are topics faced by MG-level kids as well, I still don’t like the idea of such upsetting content being offered to littlies.
💫 The vocabulary is a bit on the tougher side for the target age group. Not a surprise, as Ernest is always roaming with the dictionary, but little readers might stumble over the bigger words.
💫 While the idea of personifying a typewriter is great, I wonder how many middle graders actually know what typewriters are. Or even what pawn shops are. Without the exact knowledge, they won’t get the nuances of the story.
Bookish Nays:
💣 The book seems to suffer an identity crisis as it encompasses mystery, adventure, family drama, magical realism, humour, mental health, and sick lit within a single middle-grade work. This makes the flow feel quite haphazard. (In other words, it suffers from the infamous “kitchen sink syndrome” so common in debut works.
💣 There is little character development. The four Brindle kids all have a one-noted portrayal. We barely get to know any of them except for one quirk of each.
💣 I felt sorry for the Brindle kids. Their parents seemed really selfish and shortsighted. There’s no justification for the parents’ behaviour. While MG books do contain such parents, it was odd to see these two getting away with their problematic conduct with no repercussion at all.
💣 The final quarter is a major letdown as it is much exaggerated and illogical. This section also has a couple of major logical loopholes connected to Beatrice’s behaviour and Olivetti’s memory.
💣 I don’t understand why the “Everything that happened” was kept such a secret until around midway the book. The secret could be triggering for some kids (and even some adults), so it should either have been clarified in the blurb, or mentioned as the trigger warning at the start.
🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 4 hrs 33 min, is narrated by Christopher Gebauer and Simon Vance. They both are quite good and I had no complaints about their performance.
I had grabbed this book mainly for the typewriter as I was eager to know how a typewriter’s perspective would be written. However, I found the story somewhat boring after a point simply because I couldn’t figure out what it was trying to do and the characters didn’t appeal to me at all.
Moreover, I am not sure how I would have felt had I read this as a kid, what with all the traumatising content. I guess it would work better for kids who don’t question too much and readily suspend disbelief.
Because of the content, I wouldn’t advocate it to younger middle-graders. Actually, I am not sure if I want to advocate it at all to this age group. It might work better for teens. Before investing in the book, do check out the trigger warnings listed below.
2 stars.
My thanks to Recorded Books and NetGalley for the ALC of “Olivetti”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook. Sorry this didn’t work out better.
Content warnings: Parental abandonment, social anxiety, cancer, attempt to suicide. Can I also count Olivetti’s being completely broken once as a content warning? If I were a kid, I would have been heartbroken to see him shattered like that, even if the situation was resolved after a couple of scenes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
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Reading Progress
March 19, 2024
– Shelved
March 19, 2024
– Shelved as:
arcs-not-started
June 4, 2024
–
Started Reading
June 6, 2024
– Shelved as:
2-stars
June 6, 2024
– Shelved as:
audiobook
June 6, 2024
– Shelved as:
netgalley
June 6, 2024
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-39 of 39 (39 new)
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Great review, Rosh! Oh gosh, this does sound too mature for such a young audience. And bummer it wasn't a good read on top of that. Hope you love your next read!
I've mentioned this before, but I really appreciate the effort you put into writing reviews for books you don't enjoy!
Oh no! Poor Olivetti breaking sounds horrendous. Since it is an animate typewriter with emotions, it is very much like a brutal death as its pieces shatter. It's like the death of the protagonist. Very upsetting to read!
Seeing more nays and mixed bags is not making me enthusiastic about the story. All very valid points.
Marvellous review, Rosh!
Seeing more nays and mixed bags is not making me enthusiastic about the story. All very valid points.
Marvellous review, Rosh!
Such a shame. I love the idea of the story, and your first two Bookish Yays are why it sounds like it ought to have been good. Great review, as always :-)
Oh, dear! That's a lot of dark themes for kids when the cover is so pretty. :/ Sorry this wasn't as good as it could have been. Not a book for my little bestie. Brilliant review, Rosh.
You lost me at the typewriters point of view lol Kudos to you for giving this such an honest shot Rosh! Keeping my fingers crossed that your next read is far better! xx
Based on the cover alone, you really wouldn’t expect such heavy themes. And I can’t help but agree that many youngster don’t know what a typewriter is. I mean, there are kids out there who don’t even know what a CD is or how to use it. And those aren’t the little kids. Good review, Rosh.
Just read your review after posting my own! I just finished it and personally loved it so much. I thought it was definitely age-appropriate, and I feel you portrayed it as a dark and heavy book, which I think it's anything but. It's full of life and adventure. It deals with heavy topics, sure, but that's life for many young readers and there should be books that cover these things. In my opinion, it handles these heavier topics with a deft hand and light touch. Just thought I'd share and be somewhat of a contrarian on this post! I'm brand new to Goodreads, and haven't come across many in-depth reviews such as yours, so I'm looking forward to following you to see what other books you read and what you think of them! Best of luck in your reading!
Berengaria wrote: "I really like the idea of showing kids older tech or things that were common before their birth. I had older parents so knew at least 10 years more history than any of the kids my age with younger ..."
Thanks, B! I too love that idea! I hope it makes kids curious about such things they consider antiquated but were so common in our days. I too wish it had been done better. It could have been awesome!
Thanks, B! I too love that idea! I hope it makes kids curious about such things they consider antiquated but were so common in our days. I too wish it had been done better. It could have been awesome!
Yun wrote: "Great review, Rosh! Oh gosh, this does sound too mature for such a young audience. And bummer it wasn't a good read on top of that. Hope you love your next read!"
Thanks, Yun! Yeah, too mature especially for younger middle-graders.
Thanks, Yun! Yeah, too mature especially for younger middle-graders.
Persephone's Pomegranate wrote: "I've mentioned this before, but I really appreciate the effort you put into writing reviews for books you don't enjoy!"
Thanks again, Perse! ;)
Thanks again, Perse! ;)
Kavya wrote: "Oh no! Poor Olivetti breaking sounds horrendous. Since it is an animate typewriter with emotions, it is very much like a brutal death as its pieces shatter. It's like the death of the protagonist. ..."
"It's like the death of the protagonist" - exactly! I am glad the situation was rectified fairly soon in the book, but it still left me stunned, especially as Olivetti was given a voice.
Thanks, Kavya!
"It's like the death of the protagonist" - exactly! I am glad the situation was rectified fairly soon in the book, but it still left me stunned, especially as Olivetti was given a voice.
Thanks, Kavya!
Ian wrote: "Such a shame. I love the idea of the story, and your first two Bookish Yays are why it sounds like it ought to have been good. Great review, as always :-)"
Thanks, Ian. It definitely would have been good had it focussed on one key thought rather cramming so many into a single book. really sad because I love the idea of a book with a typewriter as the protagonist. :)
Thanks, Ian. It definitely would have been good had it focussed on one key thought rather cramming so many into a single book. really sad because I love the idea of a book with a typewriter as the protagonist. :)
Heather Adores Books wrote: "Well, at least the narration was good and not too long. Honest review, Rosh!"
True, Heather!
True, Heather!
Baba wrote: "You are so right, what a brilliant concept seemingly wasted!"
I can only hope it works better for other readers, Baba! I certainly wanted much more! :/
I can only hope it works better for other readers, Baba! I certainly wanted much more! :/
Srivalli wrote: "Oh, dear! That's a lot of dark themes for kids when the cover is so pretty. :/ Sorry this wasn't as good as it could have been. Not a book for my little bestie. Brilliant review, Rosh."
The cover is really beautiful, which is all the more reason I was surprised when it turned so sad. If it weren't on audio,. I would have given it to your bestie to read and get her opinion. But lately, most ARCs have been such duds for her that I am slightly afraid to even suggest books to her now. :D
The cover is really beautiful, which is all the more reason I was surprised when it turned so sad. If it weren't on audio,. I would have given it to your bestie to read and get her opinion. But lately, most ARCs have been such duds for her that I am slightly afraid to even suggest books to her now. :D
Chantel wrote: "You lost me at the typewriters point of view lol Kudos to you for giving this such an honest shot Rosh! Keeping my fingers crossed that your next read is far better! xx"
Haha, I enjoy such unusual narrative viewpoints, Chantel! :D I still liked Olivetti's voice, and if the whole book had been filled with his cribbing about the Brindels, I might have enjoyed it far more. ;)
Haha, I enjoy such unusual narrative viewpoints, Chantel! :D I still liked Olivetti's voice, and if the whole book had been filled with his cribbing about the Brindels, I might have enjoyed it far more. ;)
Nancy wrote: "I love the cover art. Too bad this one didn’t live up to its potential."
The cover art is definitely stunning!
The cover art is definitely stunning!
Maureen wrote: "Sorry it was a letdown Rosh, but as always your review is excellent! 💓"
Thanks, Maureen! 💗
Thanks, Maureen! 💗
Thibault wrote: "Based on the cover alone, you really wouldn’t expect such heavy themes. And I can’t help but agree that many youngster don’t know what a typewriter is. I mean, there are kids out there who don’t ev..."
Correct, Thibault! Those fancy flowers on the cover made me expect a happy story. And right about the teens who don't know what a CD is, forget about a floppy disk. Technology has changed so much in the last few decades that things become outdated almost as soon as they are in the market. In that sense, I am glad that kids would learn of something called "typewriter" through this story. :)
Correct, Thibault! Those fancy flowers on the cover made me expect a happy story. And right about the teens who don't know what a CD is, forget about a floppy disk. Technology has changed so much in the last few decades that things become outdated almost as soon as they are in the market. In that sense, I am glad that kids would learn of something called "typewriter" through this story. :)
KidLitReads wrote: "Just read your review after posting my own! I just finished it and personally loved it so much. I thought it was definitely age-appropriate, and I feel you portrayed it as a dark and heavy book, wh..."
First and foremost, welcome to Goodreads! :) I hope you find a wonderful community of bookish friends here, as have I. This is a beautiful place for all readers.
I am truly happy you enjoyed this story and found it age appropriate. That's the beauty of reading, isn't it? Each of us has a different take on the same book, and our cumulative opinions needn't always match. How boring and useless reviews would be otherwise! My main issue with the book isn't the dark content (which was a 'mixed bag' for me) but how it tries to be a bit of everything.
Thanks for the follow! Happy reading to you as well. :)
First and foremost, welcome to Goodreads! :) I hope you find a wonderful community of bookish friends here, as have I. This is a beautiful place for all readers.
I am truly happy you enjoyed this story and found it age appropriate. That's the beauty of reading, isn't it? Each of us has a different take on the same book, and our cumulative opinions needn't always match. How boring and useless reviews would be otherwise! My main issue with the book isn't the dark content (which was a 'mixed bag' for me) but how it tries to be a bit of everything.
Thanks for the follow! Happy reading to you as well. :)
Rosh (is rushing to catch up after the break!) wrote: "But lately, most ARCs have been such duds for her that I am slightly afraid to even suggest books to her now. :D"
Hahaa.. gotta be careful! :P
Hahaa.. gotta be careful! :P
Oh no! The premise of this one was unique but I remember not requesting it for some reason - your review makes me glad I didn't. I hate that this one didn't work, but your review is quite helpful - excellent review, Rosh!
It sounds like “Olivetti” promised a unique narrative perspective but ultimately left you feeling disconnected from the story and its characters. It’s a shame when the cover is the highlight of the book, but at least it looks good on the shelf. Great review, Rosh!
A wrote: "Oh no! The premise of this one was unique but I remember not requesting it for some reason - your review makes me glad I didn't. I hate that this one didn't work, but your review is quite helpful -..."
Lucky you, A! I had avoided it at first, but a positive review promptly sent me back to give it a second glance. Wish I had resisted the appeal of the typewriter's perspective!
Lucky you, A! I had avoided it at first, but a positive review promptly sent me back to give it a second glance. Wish I had resisted the appeal of the typewriter's perspective!
Dusk wrote: "It sounds like “Olivetti” promised a unique narrative perspective but ultimately left you feeling disconnected from the story and its characters. It’s a shame when the cover is the highlight of the..."
Spot on, Dusk! It would be a great book to own physically for its cover, but to me, it doesn't offer repeat reading value.
Spot on, Dusk! It would be a great book to own physically for its cover, but to me, it doesn't offer repeat reading value.
Sounds like an interesting, too bad it didn't continue to be a great book Rosh. Fair review as always!
FYI we still have a typewriter in the office downstairs and my grandkids like to play on it. They say it's so much work!! haha
FYI we still have a typewriter in the office downstairs and my grandkids like to play on it. They say it's so much work!! haha
A POV from a typewriter sure sounds interesting! Sounds like it's the heavy themes are a bit much, given the target age group, yikes. Thanks for sharing, this review will be useful feedback for both the publisher/editor and potential readers! Love the cover too. Wonderful review Rosh! 🧡
Dorie - Cats&Books :) wrote: "Sounds like an interesting, too bad it didn't continue to be a great book Rosh. Fair review as always!
FYI we still have a typewriter in the office downstairs and my grandkids like to play on it. ..."
Haha, that's so funny, Dorie! Typing definitely is work. I still remember how astounded I was the first time I saw MS Word breaking automatically at the end of a line. It felt like a miracle! :D
FYI we still have a typewriter in the office downstairs and my grandkids like to play on it. ..."
Haha, that's so funny, Dorie! Typing definitely is work. I still remember how astounded I was the first time I saw MS Word breaking automatically at the end of a line. It felt like a miracle! :D
Esta wrote: "A POV from a typewriter sure sounds interesting! Sounds like it's the heavy themes are a bit much, given the target age group, yikes. Thanks for sharing, this review will be useful feedback for bot..."
Thanks so much, Esta! 💕 The typewriter pov is the USP of this one.
Thanks so much, Esta! 💕 The typewriter pov is the USP of this one.
Too bad it wasn't done better.