Olivetti - A Machine full of Memories

Book: Olivetti

Author: Allie Millington

Genre: Fiction

Recommended age: Middle Grade

What comes to your mind when you think of a typewriter? A machine with keys! A mechanical device! A creative writing tool! 

According to Olivetti, an old typewriting machine of the Brindles, typewriters are human’s confidants. They are the ones who have unlimited storage and are called the protector of memories. Imagine, what if a typewriter typed back? What will happen when the keys take off on their own? This novel by Allie Millington answers those imaginations through the POV of an old typewriter.

Olivetti is an old typewriter, owned by the Brindles - Felix and Beatrice. The Brindles and their four kids live in an apartment in San Francisco. Olivetti who loves being in the spotlight felt left out after Felix brings in the Laptop. When three of the Brindle children always fight for the Laptop, Ernest the fourth one loves to spend his time alone on the roof of their apartment. He loves dictionaries and plays with words in his head. Everything was normal in the Brindle household until the day when Beatrice went missing.

One day Felix discloses that Beatrice was not missing and she has made the decision to leave the house for some reason. Ernest thinks that the reason is him. While trying to find his mom, he comes across Quinn the daughter of a pawn shop owner. He also finds out that Olivetti is being sold to Quinn's father by his mom before she has left.

Together Ernest (the secret keeper who holds a secret, the story of “Everything that Happened” about his family ) and Quinn (kind, strong and determined) along with Olivetti (who believes that he is made of Beatrice’s words ) try to find Beatrice’s whereabouts. Whether they are able to find Beatrice and the reason she left is the rest of the story.

Review:

Olivetti is a well-paced middle-grade novel that teaches us the importance of a family where life begins and love never ends. And there's nothing we can't get through as a family when we are together. Even though a stationary object, Olivetti strongly believes that Beatrice will come and take him back which shows the power of hope. This book will appeal to those who are word wizards, Ernest loves dictionaries and learning words. Whenever the situation is tough he copes up by citing the words in alphabetical order . Olivetti is full of stories, he carries words and memories of the Brindle family created over the years. While introducing himself Olivetti mentions that “Memories are like heartbeats, and they keep us alive “Maybe the memories of the Brindles is the reason that keeps Olivetti alive and confident about Beatrice . Quinn’s character shows us what determination and willpower are. As Beatrice says “Strength isn’t about what you can do, “It’s about what you can endure.”. 

Olivetti has brought back those typewriting class memories of mine and the clickety-clack sounds of the keys I used to hear for one whole hour. According to the author most young humans nowadays have not had the pleasure of seeing a typewriter. What about you? Share your insights in the comments below !