Marcellus is a Pacific octopus. After a run-in with a wolf eel, he was captured and brought to the aquarium, where he has lived out his life in an exhibit. Marcellus, who is quite smart, feels imprisoned and at night, gets out of his cage and visits the other parts of the aquarium and the other inhabitants, some of whom he eats, whoops!
Tova is the night cleaner. She took the job after her husband passed away and she is meticulous in cleaning. She lost her only son when he was eighteen in a boating accident. She is the only one who knows Marcellus' secrets and they have become friendly.
Cameron is a thirty year old who has drifted through life. His mother was an addict and when he was little, took him to his aunt's house for a visit and never came back for him. He never knew who his father was. He is quite brilliant but has drifted from job to job. When his best friends are prospective parents, he knows he needs to grow up. He finds a clue that he thinks will lead him to his father and picks up stakes and moves sixteen hours north to the little town where the aquarium is. The only job he can get is also cleaner at the aquarium, filling in for Tova after she falls. The two become friends as Tova can't resist coming to the place even while on sick leave. Marcellus knows a secret about them but can he find a way to let them know as well?
Shelby Van Pelt is an American author who was raised in the Pacific Northwest where the book is set. This is her debut novel and it has gained a lot of praise and interest. I was lucky enough to hear her speak at a book signing and the amount of research she did for this book was intensive and exhaustive. Readers will also learn interesting facts about these amazing creatures. There are plot twists, some of which are telegraphed too obviously but overall, the writing is breezy and this book is delightful, while emphasizing the need for having someone to love in our lives. This book is recommended for women fiction readers.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment