J's Musings

Review by Janhavi

This is one of those books that I can never really describe. It’s fun to read and touches the soul and that is all one can say without stripping the book of its odd charm.

But for you, I will dissect in the most appetizing way possible.

The book follows an old woman, a young man who has just shifted to her city, and probably the titular character; an octopus at the local aquarium.

We read from 3 pov[s] and are treated to almost constant inner dialogue. External conversations build up to the story, but can sometimes feel awkward and choppy, like human conversations.

The story focuses a lot on the overlapping of the character’s lives. It can test your patience at some points because the pacing is very real.

How long it takes an Octopus to scheme and get his plans to work, how long an old woman can take to move on, and how quickly a young man can pick himself back up. That is all I can say about the plot without ruining the book for you.

I read this a month or so ago, and all I remember is not feeling the way I felt like I should have.

I asked chat gpt for book recommendations that would help me cry in a good way. But I don’t think I even welled up. Looking back, that was because I needed a release and this wasn’t strong enough.

Aside from that, it is a wonderful book. How much you cry after reading it depends on when and what state of mind you read it in.

The writing was wonderful and smooth to read. The conversations tend to feel awkward, but never unnatural. I haven’t read much from this author; but I have read a lot in general and I can confirm this is probably one of my favourite books ever.

The setting and pacing work well together. Especially if you don’t mind a slow read.

It is a book that tests your patience and then rewards you for passing.

Overall a 4/5.

Just read something this week,

Janhavi