Today's DSN was bought entirely on a whim. I cannot remember where it is I first saw it, but I read the description, and decided to give it a chance, not even knowing if it would make the blog or not. But here it is, an intriguing story about the strange relationship between an older woman and an incredibly intelligent octopus.
The Situation: Tova Sullivan is nothing if not neat, tidy, resolute, disciplined, and consistent. She is the ideal employee to work the nightly cleaning shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She is quick and efficient, but thorough, and even insists on bringing her own cleaning solution. When a small injury causes Tova to miss work for a few weeks, it is actually perfect timing for the hapless and lost Cameron Cassmore. Cameron drove into the small community of Sowell Bay on a unique mission, and needs to make some money quickly. He may not be as thorough as Tova, or have the same relationship with the aquarium's many creatures as she does, something he learns during his first face off with Marcellus, the 60 pound giant Pacific octopus that knows more than anyone realizes.
The Problem: Tova has become a master at simply moving on, something she had to do after her husband died a few years before, and also when he son died many years earlier the summer after he graduated high school. The grief is still there, as are the awkward looks and silences from friends and acquaintances whenever the subject comes up. At 30, Cameron should be comfortably settling into adulthood, except he constantly screws up every opportunity that comes his way. However, he is determined to complete his current mission, the one that brings him to Sowell Bay. And then there is Marcellus, the intelligent and perceptive octopus that is also on a mission, one he must complete before the end of his life, something he knows is fast approaching. If he fails, he fears his friend Tova may not receive the information she has been searching for.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of fiction set in the small Pacific Northwest town of Sowell Bay. It is a small community where it is acknowledged that people talk, so not many are surprised when their news travels fast. At the center of the story is Tova, a small, older woman who stays busy, out of people's way, and mostly to herself. When she sees Cameron having a hard time at the aquarium, she feels she must step in, even though she is supposed to be nursing an injury. The other primary narrator is Cameron, who blames his lack of direction on the fact that his mother abandoned him when he was nine years-old. But the narrator that starts the book off and introduces the reader to the Sowell Bay Aquarium is Marcellus. The octopus keeps the reader updated on his nightly adventures out of his tank, and on what he sees while trapped inside of it.
My Verdict: The often fantastic thing about picking up a book after doing very little research on it is that I have no idea what to expect. I knew there was an older woman and a smart octopus, and that was about it. So I was delightfully surprised to find myself exploring the small, tight-knit community of Sowell Bay, and the residents that 'like to talk,' though it does come more from a place of concern than gossip. And while Marcellus the octopus is one of the more important residents, he is not so prominent in the story that he takes over. Yes, he is an incredible octopus, and there are some readers who may wish to have more time with him and his story, but ultimately, the book is about human relationships, and how those relationships can lead to the most unlikely discoveries. It is a story that takes many turns, and touches on the subject of grief in a way that is appropriate, and not heavy-handed.
Favorite Moment: For some reason, I took a fair amount of delight in a scene where Cameron loses his luggage after flying on a budget airline. And according to other passengers who often use the airline, this is to be expected.
Favorite Character: Marcellus is funny, and a great idea for a character, but I ultimately have to pick Tova. She leads a quiet life, minding her own business, doing what she needs to do, and occasionally has conversations with a giant Pacific octopus. I gotta respect it.
Recommended Reading: I recommend Anxious People by Fredrick Backman. It has the same kind of quirky energy and spastic characters that make the story uniquely entertaining.
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