Newbery Buzz #1: Olivetti

Here we go again: when ALA Award season approaches, we can’t help speculating about which high-profile children’s books will snatch the coveted Newbery medal. Sometimes a dark horse will gallop out of nowhere and claim the prize, but usually the winner and honor books have been on librarians’ radar for months. Such as the outstanding debut novel (reviewed here) that Megan and Janie are talking about today.

Janie. We have to give the author points for originality. The co-narrator of the story, and arguably the co-protagonist, is a manual typewriter. Personally, I never used an Olivetti, but I’m familiar with manual typewriters (Underwood). Their clackety-clack and cheerful ‘ding’ five spaces before the end of a line (followed by the answering ‘scccrrriiiitch’ of the carriage return) all suggest a personality. While introducing himself Olivetti assures us that typewriters have much more character than those know-it-all laptops. He belongs to the Brindle family and has become the keeper of all the memoirs and stories they type on him–especially those of Beatrice, the mom of the family. 

The story begins when an agitated Beatrice packs up Olivetti and carts him off to a pawn shop, where he’s left on a shelf with other outdated writing machines. He can’t make sense of it, and neither do we. We need the other narrator to fill us in. Megan, could you introduce us to Earnest, and share a bit about how the story shapes up?

Megan. I have my grandfather’s Remington (the kind that plays a cameo in the story), and it’s popular with visitors. A couple of my boys have written a story or two on it; there’s something truly remarkable about a typewriter. When I went back to Olivetti to freshen my memory, I liked it better than I did when I first read it. The characters and narrative voice are so real and appealing with touches of humor and scorn for technology—and even for books!

Earnest is the third of four children. His family cares about each other, but they have grown too busy to communicate and spend time together as they once did. He’s a loner who reads the Oxford English Dictionary, and for some reason he has recently needed therapy which he considered worthless. When Beatrice goes missing, Earnest is the one who finds Olivetti in the pawn shop and discovers that the typewriter has an unexpected talent that may help his family figure out where Beatrice went and why. Some of the clues were hidden until my second reading, which rang true since the family didn’t realize the significance of things that didn’t seem important.

We love books that are honest about families, warts and all. How are the Brindles distinctive as a family—besides having a typewriter that brings them together?

Janie. In some ways they’re a typical family (or what used to be typical): dad and mom and four siblings. But this configuration isn’t that typical in San Francisco, where the Brindles would be considered a huge family (and maybe not environmentally friendly, either!). They remind me of the Vanderbeekers, another large urban family we love. Earnest’s brothers and sister each have their distinctive personalities (described by Olivetti by the touch of their fingers on his keys). But the family member who really stands out for me is their dad, Felix. He’s sometimes distracted by work, which is understandable–it would take a lot of income to maintain a large family in one of the nation’s most expensive cities. But he’s one of the most fun-loving, inventive, and imaginative dads I’ve encountered in literature. To see him trying to maintain family morale during the crisis of their mom’s disappearance is both touching and inspiring. Every member of the family rallies to solve that pressing mystery but, as I indicated, Earnest takes the lead. He’s not alone, though; in the classic model of children’s books, he finds an ally. Could you tell us a little about her?

Megan. I thought about the Vanderbeekers, too! Thank you for pointing out Felix. He’s definitely busy and distracted, but you’re right, he’s trying hard and really loves his wife and family. His motto, “Always listening, always learning” is ironic when we realize that his listening to podcasts and trying to maximize the time (which is really tempting when you’re struggling to keep all the balls in the air!) results in losing touch with those he loves. There’s a reason the Brindles have been struggling, and Millington handles it so well. The past crisis leads into the plot of the book, drawing us into the heart of the story. There are so many great lines!

Earnest’s ally is Quinn, the pawn shop owner’s daughter. She’s a cheerful, lively character who befriends Earnest in spite of himself, loves discoveries, is willing to ask questions and to believe unusual things. She brings purpose and direction to the story.

Why do you think Millington chose to connect this book with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe?

Janie. Good question! Olivetti serves as a kind of portal, like the wardrobe–not just to solving the mystery of Mom’s disappearance but also to unlocking her hidden motives and fears. Another similarity is four siblings (plus Quinn) left on their own to figure things out when the parents have checked out. I didn’t sense a transcendent presence in the book, such as Aslan represents in LWW, but Narnia itself is seen as a place of escape. Also, and importantly, reconciliation. Mom has found her “Narnia” in a particular place along the coast: Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon (Hey, I’ve been there!). The rock allows her to reflect and regroup in a time of severe personal crisis. I couldn’t help wondering if there might be a Christian connection with I Cor. 10:4: “. . . and the rock was Christ.” Christians can certainly make that connection, though I saw no indication the author does. 

Beatrice was actually a sticking point for most members of the WORLD Book of the Year committee. Leaving her family so abruptly and traumatically was seen as inexcusable, and the basic problem isn’t really resolved. But I found the theme of family solidarity and shared memories worthwhile. What about you, Megan? And do you think Olivetti might charm the Newbery committee into crowning it with honor?

Megan. To be honest, as a mother I found Beatrice’s vulnerability and struggle refreshing. Once I went for a VERY long walk and didn’t want to come home (but I did). Moms in literature always seem so strong and loving and patient, and I confess that I can’t live up to that. If I didn’t have Christ, where would I be?! Her departure wasn’t the result of egregious sin or not loving her family, and the reconciliation at the end is lovely.

I really hope the Newbery committee is moved enough to crown Olivetti to bring it to the attention of a wider audience. I think it is worthy of distinction.

Janie. I agree, and I think its chances are much better than average. Newbery committees vary widely every year, but they tend to favor family-friendly stories with quirky characters. And they love honoring new authors. I predict Olivetti will be on the honor list, if not the top medal winner.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Reviews: Type “Newbery Buzz” in the search box to see our book discussions from previous years.