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midnightverde's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I LOVED this book. I was drawn in quickly and fell in love almost instantly with Marcellus and Tova. There was something so real about Tova and how she wanted to work through her grief, literally, by going to work and keeping busy. Grief is different for everyone, and imagining her cleaning an aquarium and befriending an octopus somehow just made sense. Cameron, the mystery of his father, his struggles growing up with his Aunt Jeanne and feeling abandoned by his mother added so much richness to the story as I wondered about his backstory. The way the details are revealed is exquisite and I have already recommended my mom read it—and she’s not into reading, lol, so that’s my highest praise.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Terminal illness, Alcohol, Death, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Suicide, Cancer, Child death, and Drug abuse
purplepenning's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
A charmingly original debut with a Fredrik Backman vibe! Tova is an older woman who has lost her share of loved ones and, sometimes to her friends' dismay, copes by staying busy and applying Scandinavian stoicism. While staying busy at her cleaning job at the aquarium, she makes an unexpected friend — a surprisingly deft, gently humorous giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus. Observing what others may not, Marcellus unlocks the mysteries of the past and opens the possibilities of the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Cancer, Alcohol, Animal death, Confinement, Grief, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Chronic illness, and Terminal illness
Minor: Blood, Addiction, Drug use, and Suicidal thoughts
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