- Fiction
- Heart-warming
This novel follows Tova, a cleaner at a local aquarium, who forms an unexpected friendship with an octopus named Marcellus. Through this unlikely bond, Tova is gently led towards confronting the loss of her husband and son, while also uncovering surprising connections that bring new meaning and family into her life.
Tova is a deeply lovable character—someone you can’t help but wish was your own grandmother. Marcellus is a standout addition, offering charm, humour, and intelligence, particularly through his diary-style chapters that give the story a clever and unique perspective.
At first, the multiple viewpoints can feel slightly confusing, as several characters are introduced without an immediately obvious connection. However, the narrative soon weaves them together seamlessly, and everything begins to fall beautifully into place.
This is a warm, heartfelt, and uplifting novel, with no true antagonists—just flawed, human characters navigating life. It’s a genuinely feel-good read that suits almost any mood.
That said, it does explore some very strong themes, particularly grief, loss, and the deep loneliness of an older woman who has lost her only close family. Despite this, the story remains incredibly uplifting and tender rather than heavy.
The writing alternates between third-person narration for the human characters and Marcellus’ first-person diary entries, creating a clever and engaging shift in perspective that adds real depth to the storytelling.
This book has also been adapted into a film, which I’m really excited to watch after loving the story on the page.
I would recommend this novel to anyone experiencing loss, anyone who enjoys animal-led stories, or anyone simply looking for a comforting and uplifting read to brighten their week.
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