Olivetti

By: Allie Millington

Narrated by: Christopher Gebauer, Simon Vance

Being a typewriter is not as easy as it looks. Surrounded by books (notorious attention hogs) and recently replaced by a computer, Olivetti has been forgotten by the Brindles—the family he’s lived with for years. The Brindles are busy humans, apart from twelve-year-old Ernest, who would rather be left alone with his collection of Oxford English Dictionaries. Once a collector of words, now Olivetti only collects dust.

He gets a rare glimpse of action from Ernest’s mom, Beatrice—his used-to-be frequent visitor—only for her to drop him off at Heartland Pawn Shop and leave him behind. When Olivetti learns Beatrice has mysteriously gone missing afterward, he believes he can help find her. He breaks the only rule of the typewriterly code and types back to Ernest, divulging Beatrice’s memories stored inside him.

Their search takes them across San Francisco—chasing clues, dodging a dumpster diving girl, maybe committing a few misdemeanors. As Olivetti spills out the past, Ernest is forced to face what he and his family have been running from, the Everything That Happened. Only by working together will they find Beatrice, belonging, and the parts of themselves they’ve lost.

©2024 Allie Millington (P)2024 Recorded Books

Nice little story!

What a premise…
A typewriter that can communicate! I liked this little story, it was a fast read and nice. Enjoyable!

I really enjoyed this book

While parts of the story are sad, it was very enjoyable to listen to. I really liked the narration, well done.

Exceptional

Allie Millington is a brilliant author. I fell in love with the Brindles and Olivetti. The power of story, memories, and family told in a captivating way made me want more. Hopeful Olivetti will become a series and one day a movie! Thank you, Allie, for sharing Olivetti with all of us! 🤍

loved it!

such a sweet and endearing story about love and belonging in a life full of uncertainty. it's a great read and worth the time. i enjoyed olivetti, the book and the character 💗

Delightful

I have never read a book from the point of view of a typewriter. I loved it. I’ve often said I would listen to Simon Vance read a phone book, but no need. This book is charming and profound.

Unique Story!

I was attracted to the premise and did enjoy the story. It took a bit to get going but once it did I highly enjoyed it. The narrators did well, I loved Olivetti. Deals with a hard topic, but really digs deep into the family dynamics. All in all a good story. Highly recommend.

Unrealistic but worth the listen

In the end it was an entertaining and uplifting story. It is worth the listen.

Absolutely brilliant!

“Together is the only way forward.”

By far one of my favorite reads of 2024.

Let me just start by saying, the idea to give a sort of magical existence to a typewriter is absolutely brilliant. Olivetti lends a bit of class and maturity to the story, a stability to the emotional turmoil of twelve-year-old Ernest and his family. Even if, yes, Olivetti does show emotion sometimes. The entire cast of characters, even those who didn’t have a POV were captivating and well-rounded.

The first few minutes of this book had me laughing, and even though it soon became heartbreaking, mysterious, and then sweet, humor danced along the lines of this beautifully narrated story. (So, hats off to Allie Millington—but also to Christopher Gebauer and Simon Vance for the audiobook version.)

Allie weaves such a compelling tale of what it’s like to walk through life not having all the pieces of the puzzle; navigating hurt and healing amid the uncertainty; and embracing the people who just show up along the way (like Quinn).

I can’t say enough good things about this book, and yet, I could go on and on. But I don’t want you to spoil the experience for you—you’ll just have to check it out. And I recommend that you do.

Content notes: mentions of cancer; depression; family issues; divorce

Charming and unusual story

What a treat. Never knew which way the story would go. Loved it all!! Thanks

Must Read!

I loved the family, mystery and especially Olivetti, the typewriter as a character!! Touching story!