Rating: 4.67 (3 ratings)
First published 2025
Tova Sullivan works the night shift cleaning an aquarium, where she develops an unusual bond with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. Night after night, she finds herself talking to the creature about her deepest pain: her son vanished decades ago under mysterious circumstances. Marcellus proves to be more than just a good listener. The intelligent octopus pieces together clues from Tova's stories and begins to understand what truly happened on that terrible night. Using his keen observations and problem-solving abilities, Marcellus works to reveal the truth about her son's fate. Time is running short, as octopuses have brief lifespans, but Marcellus remains determined to give his human friend the answers she desperately needs. This debut novel weaves together themes of loss, healing, and the surprising connections that can form between different species.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, suspense, mystery, contemporary, relationships
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, unlikely-friendship
Setting: Pacific Ocean
Period: 21st-Century
384 pages · Paperback · Ecco