Welcome to Litsy!

A typewriter & an introverted boy are trying to find out what happened to the boy's missing mother. It has serious "Where'd You Go, Bernadette" vibes, but without the humor. I thought it was sweet & loved the theme of not assuming you know what's happening inside someone else's head. Grief & pain can elicit such different reactions from people. The various reactions shown by the family felt so real to me. I loved the story & the typewriter's POV.

This was an emotional, imaginative, warm story of family. Just lovely.

I was not anticipating this #MiddleGrade to be as sad as it was in parts - the cover and synopsis made me think it would be more light and comical. Magical realism plays a role in this as the reader hears from the perspective of tween Ernest and Olivetti the typewriter. It‘s apparent early on that there is a big #ElephantInTheRoom when it comes to Ernest‘s family, and the mother‘s disappearance only adds layers to the situation. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

The cover is BEAUTIFUL, but to be quite honest, I needed more daily thoughts, more voice from the typewriter. The premise is so smart, but for me, the execution was lacking. I also would‘ve loved some chapters from the mom‘s perspective because I have some questions…

Olivetti is marketed as a children‘s book and I get why, but it‘s a delightful read for anyone who loves typewriters, a bit of adventure, and the stories we tell. A boy‘s mother is missing. Her Olivetti was the last one to see her before she disappeared.

This middle grade fiction debut told from the dual POV of a sentient typewriter and a 12-year-old introvert was enticing to me. Read my full review here: https://debbybrauer.org/#olivetti

Publication is expected March 26.

#NetGalley #RBMedia #Olivetti