Add a mischievous octopus to a story about a bunch of interesting people and it ends up being an exceedingly readable and delightful debut novel! Oh, and the octopus narrates the book, and has a beautiful relationship with an aquarium caretaker named Tova. The character of Tova was modelled after the author’s own Swedish grandmother.
Fans of A Man Called Ove will appreciate the charm and wit of an unsentimental exploration into loneliness and relationship. There are a number of animated characters which Van Pelt brings to life in this zippy creative story.
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, especially since the day her 18 year old son mysteriously vanished over thirty years ago.
If there is a reader still on your Christmas list? This would be a fun and engaging read for just about anyone.
Joanne's Reading Blog 