This book snuck up on me in the best way. It’s heartwarming without being cheesy and full of characters you actually care about. The story is told from three viewpoints:
- First there’s Tova, a quiet 70-year-old widow who’s trying to cope with loss by keeping busy
- Then Cameron, a younger guy whose life is a bit of a mess, but you root for him anyway because you can see he has heart
- And lastly Marcellus, yes – a giant Pacific octopus who lives in the aquarium where Tova works. His POV is quirky, sharp, surprisingly touching and adds a totally unexpected dimension.
Together their stories intertwine in a small-town setting, exploring loneliness, regret, friendship and second chances. The octopus narrator could’ve been weird or gimmicky, but it isn’t – it genuinely works. His insights quietly bring out what the humans are missing.
The book moves at a gentle but steady pace and even though you might guess some of the mystery bits, you care so much about the characters that it doesn’t matter. It left me with a warm, hopeful feeling.
If you’re after something that’s not a fast thriller but a heartfelt, slightly off-beat novel that sticks with you, this is a great pick.
-Nicole, Temora Shire Library
