What do you think?
Rate this book
Story of Olive #1
The Impossible Story of Olive in Love
A break-out quirky novel that will appeal to readers of Rainbow Rowell.
I get that I’m impossible.
I get that I’m mad and rude — perhaps even a drama queen at times.
But you’d be impossible if you lived my life ... You’d be impossible if you were invisible.
Shakespeare was an idiot. Love is not blind. Love is being seen.
Plagued by a gypsy curse that she’ll be invisible to all but her true love, seventeen-year-old Olive is understandably bitter. Her mother is dead; her father has taken off. Her sister, Rose, is insufferably perfect. Her one friend, Felix, is blind and thinks she’s making it all up for attention.
Olive spends her days writing articles for her gossip column and stalking her childhood friend, Jordan, whom she had to abandon when she was ten because Jordan’s parents would no longer tolerate an ‘imaginary friend’. Nobody has seen her — until she meets Tom: the poster boy for normal and the absolute opposite of Olive.
But how do you date a boy who doesn’t know you’re invisible? Worse still, what happens when Mr Right feels wrong? Has destiny screwed up? In typical Olive fashion, the course is set for destruction. And because we’re talking Olive here, the ride is funny, passionate and way, way, way, way dramatic.
This story is for anyone who’s ever felt invisible.
This story is for anyone who sees the possible in the impossible.
I get that I’m impossible.
I get that I’m mad and rude — perhaps even a drama queen at times.
But you’d be impossible if you lived my life ... You’d be impossible if you were invisible.
Shakespeare was an idiot. Love is not blind. Love is being seen.
Plagued by a gypsy curse that she’ll be invisible to all but her true love, seventeen-year-old Olive is understandably bitter. Her mother is dead; her father has taken off. Her sister, Rose, is insufferably perfect. Her one friend, Felix, is blind and thinks she’s making it all up for attention.
Olive spends her days writing articles for her gossip column and stalking her childhood friend, Jordan, whom she had to abandon when she was ten because Jordan’s parents would no longer tolerate an ‘imaginary friend’. Nobody has seen her — until she meets Tom: the poster boy for normal and the absolute opposite of Olive.
But how do you date a boy who doesn’t know you’re invisible? Worse still, what happens when Mr Right feels wrong? Has destiny screwed up? In typical Olive fashion, the course is set for destruction. And because we’re talking Olive here, the ride is funny, passionate and way, way, way, way dramatic.
This story is for anyone who’s ever felt invisible.
This story is for anyone who sees the possible in the impossible.
284 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2017
3 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 9, 2018
Actual rating 3.75
The full review can be found HERE!
‘I just want the truth, Adonis!’ I call out.Olive is undoubtedly abrasive, selfish, and a little unbalanced, but that’s not too surprising given the circumstances. Hers is a tale of a kind of instalove, but again, this cannot really be avoided, based on the set up and her “condition”.
He turns back and flings it at me. ‘Loneliness, okay?’ I flinch. His words are like shrapnel. ‘I see goddamn loneliness!’
‘You can see that?’ I’m completely dumb-struck.
He blinks, doesn’t say a word. There is nothing to say. I’m a loner, a loser, a freak—and he can read it clear as sunshine in my eyes.”
The miracle of it hits me again. If the curse is true, Tom is my true love. But is he? What other explanation could there be for him seeing me? Nobody has ever seen me before, not Ma, not Dad, not me. To everyone in the world, besides Tom, I’m invisible.It may take a little while to get into the story, as readers will likely find themselves viewing Olive’s behaviour through a more traditional lense, but as they read on they’ll start to understand just what this curse means for her, and will start to walk in her shoes.
But he doesn’t have to know that. Right?
Tom looks like he wants to punch him. He passes me his popcorn but I can’t take it. The guy will freak out if a box of popcorn is floating in mid-air. I let it land on my lap and it spills all over the floor. I don’t move to pick it up.But once you’re in, you’re bound to share some laughter and sadness with Olive, as she deals with things we never will, and other things we’re only too familiar with.
‘You’re not going to help me out here?’ Tom says to me, incredulous.
I keep my mouth shut. I can’t say anything. The guy moves away and whispers something to his friends, and they all turn to look at Tom. ‘He’s talking to his “girlfriend”.’ They laugh.
The full review can be found HERE!
March 2, 2017
The Impossible Story of Olive in Love by Tonya Alexandra isn't usually the type of book that i would generally read but I was very intrigued by it after looking at the cover.
I really enjoyed this book. It was unique and quirky and unlike anything i have really read before.
The story follows the life of a girl called Olive who we discover is actually invisible. I found this to be a little bit strange but i decided to just roll with it. Nobody in Olive's family has ever seen her and it is believed to be caused from gypsy curse. Her mother was invisible too. The curse is that the only person who will ever see Olive is her true love.
Olive lives with her sister, writes for a gossip column and has a blind best friend. Nobody has ever seen Olive that is until she meets a boy called Tom and they start dating. Their relationship is rather rocky. Olive hasn't told Tom that she is invisible and how can thing possibly work considering no one can actually see Olive except Tom? Olive has a way of destroying things and in her own typical fashion manages to mess everything up.
This would be a good read for anyone that enjoys Rainbow Rowell and I can see it becoming a big hit with the New Adult, Teens & Ya.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Harlequin (Australia) for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was unique and quirky and unlike anything i have really read before.
The story follows the life of a girl called Olive who we discover is actually invisible. I found this to be a little bit strange but i decided to just roll with it. Nobody in Olive's family has ever seen her and it is believed to be caused from gypsy curse. Her mother was invisible too. The curse is that the only person who will ever see Olive is her true love.
Olive lives with her sister, writes for a gossip column and has a blind best friend. Nobody has ever seen Olive that is until she meets a boy called Tom and they start dating. Their relationship is rather rocky. Olive hasn't told Tom that she is invisible and how can thing possibly work considering no one can actually see Olive except Tom? Olive has a way of destroying things and in her own typical fashion manages to mess everything up.
This would be a good read for anyone that enjoys Rainbow Rowell and I can see it becoming a big hit with the New Adult, Teens & Ya.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Harlequin (Australia) for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2017
This book is one of a kind. It truly is. It is new, impressive and unique. There aren’t many books out there that have the same kind of impact like this one had on me when I was reading it. The book is about a girl, Olive, who was born invisible. It’s kind of a weird concept to wrap your head around, but give it a few pages. No one in her family has ever seen her and to make things worse, her mother was invisible and is no longer around. Olive is struggling with her invisibility and can no longer deal with the isolation she is stuck in. But to help her through, she has her feisty annoying sister, her best friend Felix, who happens to be blind and her gossip column which is popular.
The story revolves around Olive and her sister who are trying their best to survive without their parents, one deceased and the other abandoned, simply because of the family curse which has now affected his life too. The story about Olives’ parents meeting and falling in love is pretty darn cute too. Then one night as Olive sneaks into a club, her life changes spectacularly. Cue the romance beginning right here. Olive sees a boy looking at her. This has never happened before and because of that, Olive freaks out and starts running. But low and behold the two-start talking and the star-crossed lovers are thrust into a turbulent and emotion evoking love story for the ages.
You have to trust this story, throw yourself right into it and let the waves of emotions roll right over you. Don’t ask questions, don’t question the story or what is happening, let it be what it is and you will fall in love with all of it, I promise you. I love this story for a few reasons: the fierce character that Olive is, she is smart, witty, sarcastic, and vulnerable too. The story is different and well written and the love interest and story is very realistic. There are only two downsides to this story, one will spoil the whole book for you so I’m not going to tell you what it is and the second is simple, the story isn’t long enough and I hope there is a second book.
If you like raw emotional, diverse, mythically challenging, romantic teenage love stories that fill your heart, then this is the book for you.
I give this book 4.8 out of 5 Booky Stars!
The story revolves around Olive and her sister who are trying their best to survive without their parents, one deceased and the other abandoned, simply because of the family curse which has now affected his life too. The story about Olives’ parents meeting and falling in love is pretty darn cute too. Then one night as Olive sneaks into a club, her life changes spectacularly. Cue the romance beginning right here. Olive sees a boy looking at her. This has never happened before and because of that, Olive freaks out and starts running. But low and behold the two-start talking and the star-crossed lovers are thrust into a turbulent and emotion evoking love story for the ages.
You have to trust this story, throw yourself right into it and let the waves of emotions roll right over you. Don’t ask questions, don’t question the story or what is happening, let it be what it is and you will fall in love with all of it, I promise you. I love this story for a few reasons: the fierce character that Olive is, she is smart, witty, sarcastic, and vulnerable too. The story is different and well written and the love interest and story is very realistic. There are only two downsides to this story, one will spoil the whole book for you so I’m not going to tell you what it is and the second is simple, the story isn’t long enough and I hope there is a second book.
If you like raw emotional, diverse, mythically challenging, romantic teenage love stories that fill your heart, then this is the book for you.
I give this book 4.8 out of 5 Booky Stars!
February 10, 2017
Hi everyone. I really hope you enjoy Olive in Love. She's a feisty one for sure - but I loved writing a flawed character with major issues (maybe that's because I'm messed up myself). Let me know if you've got any questions. I'm happy to chat. Tonya xxx
March 17, 2017
I really wanted to like this one, but I just couldn't. It's one of the books that I was looking forward to.
1.5 Stars - maybe.
1.5 Stars - maybe.
July 2, 2017
*This book was received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I was really looking forward to this book and enjoyed it quite a lot. Despite this there were some flaws. I really liked the idea of Olive being invisible to anyone but her true love however i didn't like Olive; she was selfish, self-centered and mean. At first I forgave her given her condition, however soon after people had repeatedly told her how selfish she was being she continued with her actions. I felt really sorry for Olive's sister and the one person who can see her; her true love. The book was also quite repetitive with Olive continually making mistakes and then begging forgiveness. The thing that saved this book was it's originality and some of the witty scenes and comments. I also didn't like the ambiguous ending. Overall, this was an interesting read that had a few flaws that let the book down.
I was really looking forward to this book and enjoyed it quite a lot. Despite this there were some flaws. I really liked the idea of Olive being invisible to anyone but her true love however i didn't like Olive; she was selfish, self-centered and mean. At first I forgave her given her condition, however soon after people had repeatedly told her how selfish she was being she continued with her actions. I felt really sorry for Olive's sister and the one person who can see her; her true love. The book was also quite repetitive with Olive continually making mistakes and then begging forgiveness. The thing that saved this book was it's originality and some of the witty scenes and comments. I also didn't like the ambiguous ending. Overall, this was an interesting read that had a few flaws that let the book down.
September 8, 2017
The Impossible Story of Olive in Love is about the other side of invisibility: when it's not a superpower, it's a pain in the ass and a lonely one at that. Olive is cursed to be invisible to all but her true love, which means for seventeen years she's been mistaken for a ghost, an imaginary friend, the wind and any number of excuses people make up to explain away the impossible - until she meets Tom, who can see her. It's a cool premise and the strength of this book is the plot, which explores interesting ideas and relationships. Unfortunately, the weakness is the characters, especially Olive, who often behaves and speaks in horrible ways and whose only excuse is "it's hard to be me". I could relate to Olive's predicament, but not to Olive herself, and it's hard to enjoy a book where the protagonist is so unlikable.
December 16, 2017
This is hilarious. I never though I'd enjoy a romance so much. I did get annoyed with the lovey-dovey occassionally, then Olive would do something mad-cap in front of Tom so only he can see.
I had a few issues with the whole invisibility thing - how can an invisible mother care for an invisible baby and not lose her!? But whatever.
Oh yeah, why didn't Tom dump Olive's abusive ass? They have a very problematic relationship.
I can see where book 2 is going, but I might not be able to stop myself.
I had a few issues with the whole invisibility thing - how can an invisible mother care for an invisible baby and not lose her!? But whatever.
Oh yeah, why didn't Tom dump Olive's abusive ass? They have a very problematic relationship.
I can see where book 2 is going, but I might not be able to stop myself.
July 20, 2017
At first I wasn't sure about Olive. She was a bit too smart alecky, the way many YA heroines are but as the penny dropped and I came to understand the significance pf the prologue, her character transformed, for me. This isn't a typical angsty YA book. The premise is very original and it is page-turningly told by its talented author. I could barely put the book down... A terrific read and maybe we'll see more of Olive some day?
January 22, 2018
Cool concept which loses its appeal due to an unlikeable protagonist.
May 23, 2018
Olive was not the kind of main character that I identify with that much. No big deal, I could have still enjoyed the book. But she was also immature, tempermental, reckless, selfish and she made drama simply for her own entertainment. There were times when she would talk about Tom and say how he's so amazing and caring and too good for her. Then a few paragraphs later she would be annoyed because of this "dumb boy". She would also make things difficult for the people she loved without any actual reason, even when these people were SO GOOD to her and loved her a lot.
The plot was average, not that much happened. There was a lot of opportunity for reconciliation or for her to further herself as a human and learn to have a good life despite being invisible, but a lot of things were half- explained or disregarded. Rose's character was so one- dimensional and she could have had a lot of depth but most of her past and dominant parts of her life were ignored completely. It felt as if her only purpose as a character was to help Olive develop.
Anyway, the plot... Non-existent? Olive goes on a few dates, has a few fights and doesn't develop all that much, the ending was good and I enjoyed a few of the parts about Jordan but everything else I struggled to get through, the book had the overall vibe of being written by a 17 year old Wattpad fan fiction writer.
Didn't mean to write that much but it's fine.
The plot was average, not that much happened. There was a lot of opportunity for reconciliation or for her to further herself as a human and learn to have a good life despite being invisible, but a lot of things were half- explained or disregarded. Rose's character was so one- dimensional and she could have had a lot of depth but most of her past and dominant parts of her life were ignored completely. It felt as if her only purpose as a character was to help Olive develop.
Anyway, the plot... Non-existent? Olive goes on a few dates, has a few fights and doesn't develop all that much, the ending was good and I enjoyed a few of the parts about Jordan but everything else I struggled to get through, the book had the overall vibe of being written by a 17 year old Wattpad fan fiction writer.
Didn't mean to write that much but it's fine.
June 18, 2018
The Impossible Story of Olive In Love is a hilarious and (strangely) charming story of love, relationships and growing up that is both unique and quirky.
Olive is invisible. Her family was cursed three generations ago, so that the women in her family (herself, her mother and her grandmother, yet strangely not her sister) are invisible to everyone except their true love. Olive spends her time writing gossip columns and hanging out with her best friend (who happens to be blind and thinks Olive is making up the whole invisible thing). When Olive meets Tom, she is shocked to discover he can see her. Does this mean he is her true love? But falling in love is so much harder than Olive imagined.
While The Impossible Story of Olive In Love does centre around the topics of romance, true love and relationships, the ultimate message is more about Olive and her development of character and growing up rather than a romantic happy ending. There is a sequel, which should tell you something about how this first book ends. Complications of family and friendship (and of course a gypsy curse) also bring plenty of drama, humour and heart to this story.
Olive is uniquely Olive. I’m not sure I’ve ever come across a character who is as brash, rude, independent, lonely, hurting and snarky as Olive. She’s also invisible, so that really sets her apart from your average romance protagonist. I honestly loved Olive, even when it seems she should be totally unlikable. She’s funny and true to herself, even when that means disappointing the people around her. Yet, she does have a lot to learn about understanding the people she cares about and learning how to show that care. There are plenty of humorous moments and some touching ones as well.
I look forward to reading the sequel and continuing Olive’s tumultuous journey towards self-discovery and (maybe) love.
Magical realism.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Olive is invisible. Her family was cursed three generations ago, so that the women in her family (herself, her mother and her grandmother, yet strangely not her sister) are invisible to everyone except their true love. Olive spends her time writing gossip columns and hanging out with her best friend (who happens to be blind and thinks Olive is making up the whole invisible thing). When Olive meets Tom, she is shocked to discover he can see her. Does this mean he is her true love? But falling in love is so much harder than Olive imagined.
While The Impossible Story of Olive In Love does centre around the topics of romance, true love and relationships, the ultimate message is more about Olive and her development of character and growing up rather than a romantic happy ending. There is a sequel, which should tell you something about how this first book ends. Complications of family and friendship (and of course a gypsy curse) also bring plenty of drama, humour and heart to this story.
Olive is uniquely Olive. I’m not sure I’ve ever come across a character who is as brash, rude, independent, lonely, hurting and snarky as Olive. She’s also invisible, so that really sets her apart from your average romance protagonist. I honestly loved Olive, even when it seems she should be totally unlikable. She’s funny and true to herself, even when that means disappointing the people around her. Yet, she does have a lot to learn about understanding the people she cares about and learning how to show that care. There are plenty of humorous moments and some touching ones as well.
I look forward to reading the sequel and continuing Olive’s tumultuous journey towards self-discovery and (maybe) love.
Magical realism.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
March 22, 2017
*I received a copy via Netgalley*
3.5 stars
Weird. Witty. Wonderful. These are just three words I'd use to sum up this book.
Overall a really unique and interesting book. I suggest trying not to overthink the premise because it will take you away from actually enjoying the witty and weird nature of this story. With brilliant writing and a sweet romance, it really is a classic YA story.
3.5 stars
Weird. Witty. Wonderful. These are just three words I'd use to sum up this book.
Overall a really unique and interesting book. I suggest trying not to overthink the premise because it will take you away from actually enjoying the witty and weird nature of this story. With brilliant writing and a sweet romance, it really is a classic YA story.
March 19, 2017
Definitely a one of a kind YA romance novel. Was very intrigued by the premise and would definitely recommend for fans of John Green.
July 24, 2017
Sadly, the premise is better than the full story.
March 12, 2017
This book was very difficult to rate because it's got a great concept, there were some funny moments and it's easy to read. I really wanted to like this book but the main character was just loathsome, she is immature, rude, self-absorbed and the intended character development to make her a better person just wasn't compelling. The way the main character treats her friend Felix, and how Felix was portrayed (as well as referred to by other characters) also gave the story a tinge of ableism which did not sit well with me. It could easily be a 4 star book for some readers but after much consideration, it's not the book for me.
September 12, 2017
The main character was so cringeworthy that I could barely stomach the "lovey dovey" bits, let alone the parts where she was whining. Which was the whole book.
Hated some of the comments she makes about her blind friend, the resolution wasn't satisfying. A lot of loose ends didn't get tied up.
I was sucked in by the beautiful cover (ironic I know).
Hated some of the comments she makes about her blind friend, the resolution wasn't satisfying. A lot of loose ends didn't get tied up.
I was sucked in by the beautiful cover (ironic I know).
May 4, 2017
Invisibility. It's something every human being on the planet has considered at some point in their life. For some, it's the means to the end when we would rather the floor open up and swallow us whole to stop others witnessing our transgressions and embarrassment. For others, it's that daily reminder that you have once again been over looked and ignored by your peers and others. For me personally, there have been vast periods of my life where I have experienced both sides of the coin, and yet I've never really thought through the ramifications of invisibility. Debut Australian Author Tonya Alexandra has.
The Impossible Story Of Olive In Love is an intriguing read with a fascinating basis. The book is centred around seventeen year old Olive, who through not fault of her own, is suffering from a gypsy curse her family brought on three generations before her. Totally invisible to everyone around her - her family included - Olive is forced to tackle the world alone and in a way most of us couldn't deal with. She can't open doors, or eat in public, strangers constantly run into her and no one is really aware of her existence outside of her family and even they haven't laid eyes on her. Olive lives her life as though she is in limbo, waiting for her one true life to magically appear before for, as he is the only person gifted to truly see her.
I wanted to love this book so bad. I was so excited to be asked to review it and eagerly dived into the book full heartedly. I was sucked into the story almost immediately and despite reading it quickly I'm still mystified and confused by my feelings on the book, even now some months later. It's also why this review is so late. I keep yo-yoing with my take on the book!
I don't think I liked Olivia as a character. She is snarky and horrible to those around her; and yet I can understand why. Here is a seventeen year old girl whose life is largely dictated to her by the convenience and beliefs of others. Unlike you and me, she can't walk in through her own front door because society could not deal with or process seeing a phantom door opening on its own. Or perhaps even more alarming, she can't even see what she looks like. To have such a fundamental part of who you know yourself to be - as partly given by knowing what you look like - is something every person would crumble under. I applaud Tonya Alexandra for writing such a flawed and complex character that I can appreciate, but sadly I just didn't connect with Olive as much as I would have liked and I fear that may have swayed the book slightly for me.
What's more I didn't feel anything between Olive and Tom, our leading man. I tried so hard but she was such a bitch to him and he was just too good, to the point he almost had no dimension beyond the words on the page. Meanwhile, Olive's blind best friend Felix felt real to me. While Tom did absolutely nothing for me, Felix was my hero. Through his character and Olive's, Alexandra touches on the concept of disability and the socially accepted scale of what makes one 'normal' and 'acceptable' to 'invisible' and 'made up'. Thus we get a glimpse into the realities of living with mental illnesses in current society ; if you can't see it then people assume it just isn't there. As a whole I really enjoyed Felix and Olive's interactions and really loved this side sub plot. The book's ending has given me some hope that perhaps there will be a second book in the series. Despite not connecting with this one, I would still read a sequel as there is so much left unanswered in what is a relatively short narrative and the ending is rather intriguing as well.
All that said there are pure moments of gold in this book. When Olive isn't dramatising everything, you can see the heart of a real person and those around her. She is strong, but vulnerable. Snarky and almost cruel, but there's a hint of something else there waiting to be explored. What's more the way in which Alexandra has dealt with the issue of mental illness and it's awareness is nothing short of amazing. I defy anyone to read it and not recognised people they know. She has given a voice to group of people who have been constantly silenced through societies own blindness and stubbornness.
This review was originally posted at The Never Ending Bookshelf on 4th May 2017 and can be found here: http://wp.me/p3yY1u-1ev
The Impossible Story Of Olive In Love is an intriguing read with a fascinating basis. The book is centred around seventeen year old Olive, who through not fault of her own, is suffering from a gypsy curse her family brought on three generations before her. Totally invisible to everyone around her - her family included - Olive is forced to tackle the world alone and in a way most of us couldn't deal with. She can't open doors, or eat in public, strangers constantly run into her and no one is really aware of her existence outside of her family and even they haven't laid eyes on her. Olive lives her life as though she is in limbo, waiting for her one true life to magically appear before for, as he is the only person gifted to truly see her.
I wanted to love this book so bad. I was so excited to be asked to review it and eagerly dived into the book full heartedly. I was sucked into the story almost immediately and despite reading it quickly I'm still mystified and confused by my feelings on the book, even now some months later. It's also why this review is so late. I keep yo-yoing with my take on the book!
I don't think I liked Olivia as a character. She is snarky and horrible to those around her; and yet I can understand why. Here is a seventeen year old girl whose life is largely dictated to her by the convenience and beliefs of others. Unlike you and me, she can't walk in through her own front door because society could not deal with or process seeing a phantom door opening on its own. Or perhaps even more alarming, she can't even see what she looks like. To have such a fundamental part of who you know yourself to be - as partly given by knowing what you look like - is something every person would crumble under. I applaud Tonya Alexandra for writing such a flawed and complex character that I can appreciate, but sadly I just didn't connect with Olive as much as I would have liked and I fear that may have swayed the book slightly for me.
What's more I didn't feel anything between Olive and Tom, our leading man. I tried so hard but she was such a bitch to him and he was just too good, to the point he almost had no dimension beyond the words on the page. Meanwhile, Olive's blind best friend Felix felt real to me. While Tom did absolutely nothing for me, Felix was my hero. Through his character and Olive's, Alexandra touches on the concept of disability and the socially accepted scale of what makes one 'normal' and 'acceptable' to 'invisible' and 'made up'. Thus we get a glimpse into the realities of living with mental illnesses in current society ; if you can't see it then people assume it just isn't there. As a whole I really enjoyed Felix and Olive's interactions and really loved this side sub plot. The book's ending has given me some hope that perhaps there will be a second book in the series. Despite not connecting with this one, I would still read a sequel as there is so much left unanswered in what is a relatively short narrative and the ending is rather intriguing as well.
All that said there are pure moments of gold in this book. When Olive isn't dramatising everything, you can see the heart of a real person and those around her. She is strong, but vulnerable. Snarky and almost cruel, but there's a hint of something else there waiting to be explored. What's more the way in which Alexandra has dealt with the issue of mental illness and it's awareness is nothing short of amazing. I defy anyone to read it and not recognised people they know. She has given a voice to group of people who have been constantly silenced through societies own blindness and stubbornness.
This review was originally posted at The Never Ending Bookshelf on 4th May 2017 and can be found here: http://wp.me/p3yY1u-1ev
August 16, 2017
The Impossible Story of Olive in Love by Tonya Alexander is an Australian authored YA book that I came across thanks to my role in the Australian Women Writers Challenge blog. The premise grabbed me immediately — a girl who is invisible to everyone except her true love in a contemporary setting and with a blind best friend (who doesn't believe she's invisible).
I get that I’m impossible.
I get that I’m mad and rude — perhaps even a drama queen at times.
But you’d be impossible if you lived my life ... You’d be impossible if you were invisible. Shakespeare was an idiot. Love is not blind. Love is being seen.
Plagued by a gypsy curse that she’ll be invisible to all but her true love, seventeen-year-old Olive is understandably bitter. Her mother is dead; her father has taken off. Her sister, Rose, is insufferably perfect. Her one friend, Felix, is blind and thinks she’s making it all up for attention.
Olive spends her days writing articles for her gossip column and stalking her childhood friend, Jordan, whom she had to abandon when she was ten because Jordan’s parents would no longer tolerate an ‘imaginary friend’. Nobody has seen her — until she meets Tom: the poster boy for normal and the absolute opposite of Olive.
But how do you date a boy who doesn’t know you’re invisible? Worse still, what happens when Mr Right feels wrong? Has destiny screwed up? In typical Olive fashion, the course is set for destruction. And because we’re talking Olive here, the ride is funny, passionate and way, way, way, way dramatic.
This story is for anyone who’s ever felt invisible.
This story is for anyone who sees the possible in the impossible.
This story is told in first person by the very melodramatic Olive. It's reasonably fast-paced and felt very quick to read. In fact, it did not take me very long, even though I was at Worldcon 75 in Helsinki without very much spare time to read and not as much downtime as usual in the evenings. Olive tells her story in a pretty whiney and self-centred way, but it's an entertaining voice and she does get called on all of her crap at some point.
The only somewhat questionable aspect of the book was the "gypsy curse" part, but otherwise it was extremely enjoyable. The premise of invisible girl who can only be seen by her true love is quickly explored when said alleged true love shows up near the start, and Olive spends a lot of the book learning how to human, more or less. Only part of that is because of the invisibility; she also hasn't had much experience interacting with people outside of her family other than as a stalker.
Her character development was interesting, as was how the book treated romance. On the one hand, this boy is apparently her true love because the gypsy curse said so, but on the other hand, Olive is only seventeen (the boy is twenty) which is obviously a bit too early to settle down. I really liked how that and the romance generally was resolved (especially since it could have gone in several less satisfying ways.
I highly recommend The Impossible Story of Olive in Love to fans of YA and especially speculative YA. It has a very strong teenaged voice, so it's not something I would particularly recommend to general spec fic fans who are not also fans of YA.
4.5 / 5 stars
You can read more of my reviews on my blog.
December 9, 2018
I enjoyed 50% of this book. I won’t lie, I did contemplate giving up on it. The main character is just so dramatic and unlikeable. I know the blurb warns about Olive being dramatic, but I at least expected to be able to relate to her.
However, I did enjoy the Irish magic and overall premise of the novel. I think it could have been executed wAy better though. The writing was nice, but nothing that made me want to drag highlighter through my library copy.
I really enjoyed Felix’s character and his relationship with Olive, but Olive was kind of just an asshole about the whole situation. Also the ending was sUper rushed - like “oh yea btw in this last chapter I’ve totally changed as a person and I’m finding myself now, I don’t need a man”. After she’s been a genuinely selfish person through the entire plot.
Anyway, I’m not going to give it 1 star even though I’d like to. I really did like the Irish stuff. I would have loved more on it, like a heartfelt scene over coffee with Olive’s Nan!!
However, I did enjoy the Irish magic and overall premise of the novel. I think it could have been executed wAy better though. The writing was nice, but nothing that made me want to drag highlighter through my library copy.
I really enjoyed Felix’s character and his relationship with Olive, but Olive was kind of just an asshole about the whole situation. Also the ending was sUper rushed - like “oh yea btw in this last chapter I’ve totally changed as a person and I’m finding myself now, I don’t need a man”. After she’s been a genuinely selfish person through the entire plot.
Anyway, I’m not going to give it 1 star even though I’d like to. I really did like the Irish stuff. I would have loved more on it, like a heartfelt scene over coffee with Olive’s Nan!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2017
The novel isn't something I would normally read, it started off a bit rocky for me. Once I got the flow of it I started to really enjoy the quirky plot line, to the point were I couldn't put the book down. I was thoroughly surprised to see how much I liked it.
It took me a while to warm up to Olive, but once I finally did, the more and more humorous her character became
The novel is about Olive, a seventeen year old gossip columnist, who incidentally happens to be invisible. She believes it's because of a curse a gypsy put on her grandmother. Felix, her blind best friend thinks she is making the whole thing up for attention.
Tom, a hard working 20 year old from Australia, is the only person who can see Olive. As they start to date Olive becomes more aware of the challenges that comes with being invisible as well as the sacrifices the people around her have to make.
It took me a while to warm up to Olive, but once I finally did, the more and more humorous her character became
The novel is about Olive, a seventeen year old gossip columnist, who incidentally happens to be invisible. She believes it's because of a curse a gypsy put on her grandmother. Felix, her blind best friend thinks she is making the whole thing up for attention.
Tom, a hard working 20 year old from Australia, is the only person who can see Olive. As they start to date Olive becomes more aware of the challenges that comes with being invisible as well as the sacrifices the people around her have to make.
December 9, 2018
This book came very highly recommended, so that might account for some of my dissatisfaction with it - it's always hard to live up to high expectations. And I can see why it got to so many people. But for me, I never connected enough with the first person character to really fall in love with the story. An unsympathetic first person narrator is never easy, but can be deeply affecting. For me though, Olive never got beyond being a selfish brat and I couldn't understand why her loved ones didn't just smack her. I am, however, invested enough to seek out book two, so maybe I will fall under her spell soon enough.
May 19, 2021
I'm giving this four stars as I enjoyed it and I know the students at school will. None of us is perfect and Olive has some sharp edges which many will identify with. Love that she is nerdy too.
Did I enjoy it as I know so many teens think they are invisible in their real worlds and the whole book was an allegory (there you go, using long words in a sentence just like Olive)?
I will recommend this to all readers (13+) - some of the more reluctant might enjoy the quirkiness and the gorgeous love story. Readers at Intermediate school might find the relationships a bit intense although there isn't anything too naughty.
Did I enjoy it as I know so many teens think they are invisible in their real worlds and the whole book was an allegory (there you go, using long words in a sentence just like Olive)?
I will recommend this to all readers (13+) - some of the more reluctant might enjoy the quirkiness and the gorgeous love story. Readers at Intermediate school might find the relationships a bit intense although there isn't anything too naughty.
December 2, 2019
i didnt think i would like this more than i did. the ending was so sad, i didnt anticipate it at ALL! (they didn't even end up together!) him being the only person who could see her, it was interesting watching them develop, but also heartbreaking to know they would never live a normal life if she was invisible. it was sad at the end, because olive never really gets to find love. but overall i love it so much i want to re read soon
May 11, 2017
The premise of this story sounded fun - a girl who was invisible to the world except her true love. Unfortunately, the author didn't deliver. Olive was obnoxious from the start; she was rude, immature and selfish, and I hated the way she treated Felix. Her references to his blindness had me wincing on more than one occasion. Definitely not for me.
April 14, 2020
I was super intrigued by this story. I really liked the premise of Olive and the magical realism in the book. But i just found the character of Olive to be annoying, selfish and rude a lot of the time, she's even described like that in the book, but I just didn't like her very much which made it a tough read for such a short book. I liked the ending though, it was cute and unexpected.
May 11, 2017
This was an entertaining light read which I think will be enjoyed by YA fans.
I was worried that the story was going down a predictable line but thankfully the ending went in a more interesting direction. Many questions are left unanswered so I'll be interested to read a follow up to this.
I was worried that the story was going down a predictable line but thankfully the ending went in a more interesting direction. Many questions are left unanswered so I'll be interested to read a follow up to this.
December 24, 2022
Didn't finish this book, the protagonist annoyed me way too much. She was overly self centred and jealous for alot of the time no good reason. I understand that being invisible comes with challenges but that doesn't mean you can be horrible to everyone around you.
February 17, 2018
Too many unexplained issues.
April 13, 2018
BEST BOOK EVER MY TOTALLY FAVORITE BOOK MAKE SURE YOU READ THE NEXT ONE!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews