A Duck-Shaped Octopus: A Family's Journey Through Childhood Cancer

by Roanne Barnes Hautapu

In a day-to-day journal, Quinn's mother, Roanne Barnes Hautapu, has written a profoundly moving account of what the family went through, expressing the overwhelming trauma and gruelling realities of dealing with Childhood cancer.

319 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2024

Reviews

[Nicola Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put Roanne’s book down and read it in a day. The way it is written makes you feel like you were in the room with them experiencing the shock, grief and trauma of their cancer journey with Quinn. Even though it’s raw and should be read with a box of tissues, it’s a beautiful book. I highly recommend. Congratulations Roanne!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time reading all the medical stuff in this (because I'm very squeamish and don't handle that kind of thing very well), but otherwise this was a fantastic read. I have followed Quinn's Quest on Facebook since halfway through the year that this book is about, so I knew a few bits and pieces of the story already, but the extras that this book contains made it very worth reading.

[Lorraine Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this passionately written book about a families journey with childhood cancer. The highs, the lows, the trauma, the blows, all described in detail. The reader was pulled into this families life, along with all the emotions that they experienced…. A heart wrenching read.

[Nicola Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written , raw and emotional defiantly need a box of tissues. Thanks for sharing your journey Ro And Quinn xxx

[Sue Arrojado · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of a resilient young girl going through the horrendous experiences related to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Her mum, Ro, shares this emotional and exhausting journey with the reader in a way that is so very real, allowing insight into the reality of what people are going through daily. Moments of laughter, tears and overwhelming empathy for a family who has endured so much. The positivity of Quinn shows the strength, acceptance, positivity and belief children have. We can all learn from them. Definitely worth reading!

[Sarah Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! It was utterly heart wrenching, honest and such a well written journey about a family that faced the worst. There were tears and smiles for all they have overcome. Inspirational and well worth reading.

[Marie Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that is well written and it was hard to put down once I started to read it. It treats the worst year imageable for a family in a direct and sympathetic way. The voice of the book is personal and clear.

[Lisa Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down such a well written book following the very real and emotional journey of a strong loving family and the ongoing effects that a family goes through when a child is so unwell thank you for sharing your story.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading A Duck Shaped Octopus over the weekend 😃 Amazing book Roanne - Amazing story! Heart warming and heart breaking all at the same time. Prepare to cry a lot (I cried numerous times reading it). An amazing story of strength and courage.