Reviews

The Octopus Man by Jasper Gibson

bekkeh's review

challenging funny hopeful reflective sad

shivels's review

adventurous reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

gukguk's review

challenging emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

sjhoward's review

challenging funny inspiring reflective sad

4.0

michaelaquilina's review

dark emotional funny informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

henrymarlene's review

3.0

Tom is smart, intelligent and witty. He has had schizophrenia for about 20 years. Whilst against the internal advice of Malamock (The Octopus God), Tom  agrees to take part in an experimental drug trial. Whether the Octopus God disappears or silenced by this drug is not entirely clear. This story provides a small window into what happens when the symptoms of a mental illness are potentially inhibited, the manifestation of hearing voices and how they are accepted and managed. The struggle of Tom without Malamock’s guidance is evident, and leads to great confusion, yearning and heart break. Tom’s experiences feel lie a car crash in slow motion. You can’t get in there to help, you have no idea how it will end, but you know things won’t be the same again. You see the world through Tom’s eyes and you feel the discomfort, the lack of support. You also gain a glimpse into Tess’ world (Tom’s sister) and the impact of schizophrenia on the familial bond where the toll of Tom’s struggles is most heart breaking.  Their bond is beautiful as well as full of torment; for Tess, it does take its toll. We also meet past girlfriends and watch Tom negotiate with them and new friends he has made.

Darkly funny. A commentary of systemic failures and misunderstanding. Seriously compelling. This story of a man with Malamock’s voice instructing his every motion and thought. It is also a story of the failings of society to understand people with a mental illness and its desire for everyone to be ‘normal’, of doctors who fail to listen, and the confusion encompassing it all.

sheilaghs_wheels's review

4.0

A moving and eye-opening read about Tom, a person with schizophrenia, and the impact on his life and the lives of those who love him.

lost_in_a_leabhar's review

emotional reflective

4.5

georgialeanne's review

4.0

Admittedly this book took me at least 100 pages to get into as I had no idea where it was going to go but the writing is so unique and Tom, the main character, made me want to laugh and cry throughout the story. This portrayal of schizophrenia is extremely well-researched and thought-provoking. This book is a definite must read.

corahlouise's review

funny informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0