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My Friend the Octopus
England, 1877, and aquarium fever is at its height.
Twelve-year-old Vinnie Fyfe works in the tea-shop at Brighton aquarium, and waits for her milliner mother to return from Paris.
The arrival of a giant octopus changes her life for ever. Discovering a talent for art, Vinnie begins to draw the extraordinary beast.
She soon realises she can communicate with the octopus through colour and – as a gripping mystery begins to unfold – discovers what true courage really means …
Twelve-year-old Vinnie Fyfe works in the tea-shop at Brighton aquarium, and waits for her milliner mother to return from Paris.
The arrival of a giant octopus changes her life for ever. Discovering a talent for art, Vinnie begins to draw the extraordinary beast.
She soon realises she can communicate with the octopus through colour and – as a gripping mystery begins to unfold – discovers what true courage really means …
256 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2022
30 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 2, 2022
A timeless, fascinating and unpredictable MG novel. J'adore.
June 16, 2022
When Lavinia – or Vinnie – is bustled off to her aunt’s house in Brighton by her milliner mother, who promptly disappears, it seems as if unhappiness is on the horizon. Always close to her mother, Vinnie can’t understand why she’s been so suddenly abandoned; they’ve never been apart before. But the shy girl soon finds the vibrancy and scenery of Brighton invigorating – it’s a more casual, informal life than the one she’s used to, with its strict manners and airs and graces, and she quickly falls into Aunty Bets’ straight-forward way of life, helping her run the café.
On the terrace below the café is the Brighton Aquarium and it’s there that Vinnie makes new friends. The manager, Mr Lee and his nephew, Charlie. And then, quite extraordinarily, a giant octopus. The new aquarium addition is a handful, but while others fret at its cunning ways and camouflaged get-aways, Vinnie finds herself drawn to it. And drawn to drawing it! With every sketch she does in her notebook, she feels increasingly connected to the beast she calls Ghost. And Ghost feels connected to her - communicating with touch, and dazzling colour. But while Vinnie learns more about Ghost's personality, she also realises that she doesn't know much about the people she thought she knew best, and something strange is going on. Why is Mr Jedders, her mother’s fabric supplier, following her? And where IS her mother? With Charlie’s help, and using what few clues she has, she decides to investigate... Following leads, they find themselves at an address in London, where they come face to face with the unethical side of fashion: sweatshops. It's a brutal existence for the child labourers and a far cry from the genteel ribbons and hat bows they fashion at Fyfe's Milliners... Still wondering what Jedders' awful production line has to do with her mother, Vinnie returns to Brighton and to her sketching of Ghost. But something is wrong with her friend...
The two mysteries of the story meet in a grand finale, where human characters reveal their true colours, just as Ghost is losing hers.
This is such a special book. Crisp writing and a perfect story that highlights human nature and human rights, wrapped up in the eight arms of an octopus encounter. It’s a mystery, a caper, an adventure. It's fun and light and fresh. It’s a tale of fitting in (be it camouflage or custom) and of new beginnings. And the characters are terrific, from Vinnie who finds her feet and her forte (drawing), to wannabe journalist Charlie with a nose for a story, and Temitayo, an African girl who’s eager to escape her existence as a specimen for high society grown-ups to peer at. The adults are just as good, and I especially loved Mrs Heap, Temitayo’s governess, who would much rather scoff cake and gossip than keep an eye on her charge. And Vinnie’s mother… Quite a character, it turns out.
The book is full of Victoriana and history and detail. And of course, it’s packed with octopus facts. Those who know about octopuses or saw the documentary My Octopus Teacher may anticipate the conclusion, but it won’t make you immune. There’s a moment that will send a lump to your throat and a tear to your eye. But the ending is upbeat. *SPOILER ALERT*. And perhaps Vinnie will write us a sequel: My Friends The Octopuses?
Not to be missed, this book has plenty of themes to be explored in the classroom. Or it can just be enjoyed as a great story, with heart. Three hearts at least.
On the terrace below the café is the Brighton Aquarium and it’s there that Vinnie makes new friends. The manager, Mr Lee and his nephew, Charlie. And then, quite extraordinarily, a giant octopus. The new aquarium addition is a handful, but while others fret at its cunning ways and camouflaged get-aways, Vinnie finds herself drawn to it. And drawn to drawing it! With every sketch she does in her notebook, she feels increasingly connected to the beast she calls Ghost. And Ghost feels connected to her - communicating with touch, and dazzling colour. But while Vinnie learns more about Ghost's personality, she also realises that she doesn't know much about the people she thought she knew best, and something strange is going on. Why is Mr Jedders, her mother’s fabric supplier, following her? And where IS her mother? With Charlie’s help, and using what few clues she has, she decides to investigate... Following leads, they find themselves at an address in London, where they come face to face with the unethical side of fashion: sweatshops. It's a brutal existence for the child labourers and a far cry from the genteel ribbons and hat bows they fashion at Fyfe's Milliners... Still wondering what Jedders' awful production line has to do with her mother, Vinnie returns to Brighton and to her sketching of Ghost. But something is wrong with her friend...
The two mysteries of the story meet in a grand finale, where human characters reveal their true colours, just as Ghost is losing hers.
This is such a special book. Crisp writing and a perfect story that highlights human nature and human rights, wrapped up in the eight arms of an octopus encounter. It’s a mystery, a caper, an adventure. It's fun and light and fresh. It’s a tale of fitting in (be it camouflage or custom) and of new beginnings. And the characters are terrific, from Vinnie who finds her feet and her forte (drawing), to wannabe journalist Charlie with a nose for a story, and Temitayo, an African girl who’s eager to escape her existence as a specimen for high society grown-ups to peer at. The adults are just as good, and I especially loved Mrs Heap, Temitayo’s governess, who would much rather scoff cake and gossip than keep an eye on her charge. And Vinnie’s mother… Quite a character, it turns out.
The book is full of Victoriana and history and detail. And of course, it’s packed with octopus facts. Those who know about octopuses or saw the documentary My Octopus Teacher may anticipate the conclusion, but it won’t make you immune. There’s a moment that will send a lump to your throat and a tear to your eye. But the ending is upbeat. *SPOILER ALERT*. And perhaps Vinnie will write us a sequel: My Friends The Octopuses?
Not to be missed, this book has plenty of themes to be explored in the classroom. Or it can just be enjoyed as a great story, with heart. Three hearts at least.
September 4, 2022
There is something about Octopuses that makes The Husband and I absolutely adore them (it probably Cthulhu and Kraken related). So when I saw this cover in the middle grade section and saw it was set in Victorian England, I obviously had to get it.
And I am so glad I did, because this book was Amazing. We follow Vinnie, who helps her mother designing hats for wealthy ladies. But her mother takes her away from London in the middle of the night and dumps her with her aunt in Brighton. Her aunt runs a tea shop above the aquarium and Vinnie quickly befriends the owners nephew. She is there when the latest exhibition, a massive octopus arrives. And so a whole new story begins.
What makes this story great is that is has an intriguing plot but also interesting characters that grow a lot throughout the story. Vinnie realises she has had a very sheltered life. Before this she has never been alone. She has never had to do her hair herself, go to the shop, make any decisions, know what she likes... her mother did everything for her. Through the book she comes to realise that the way she lives isn't normal, and that her mother isn't as holly as she was lead to believe. She has to make several difficult decisions, between what is right and between the promises she has made/people she loves. It makes Vinnie a very interesting and real character to follow.
But the plot doesn't let us down either. There are several plot lines running side by side and they are all interesting and don't distract from each other. I feel middle grade is at its best when it doesn't talk down to its audience and gets dark... and this one certainly does. For one it involves real science, and nature in all its beauty, but also its cruelty. Yes, I shed several tears. It also shows the cruelty some workers were victim to at the time. You may be familiar to the Matchgirls that went on strike in 1888. In this book we visit a workplace that dies fabric Paris green, used a lot in Vinnie's job as a milliner. Paris Green was made by combining copper acetate with arsenic. And we get to see quite a few side effects working with these toxins can have on a young girl, including death. We also get to experience a cruel manager, including beating his employees. So that is certainly something to be aware of.
But this book is not only dark. It is also filled with wonderful moments... such as Vinnie doing something unseemly as going swimming for the first time. Friendship. Gaining a new hobby and being very good at it. Baking. So many wonderful and lovely firsts that make you feel all warm and cosy.
Overall, this is an Amazing read that I cannot believe I haven't heard more off because it is just so brilliant. A definite favourite of mine!!!! Also, the physical edition has gorgeous French flaps.
And I am so glad I did, because this book was Amazing. We follow Vinnie, who helps her mother designing hats for wealthy ladies. But her mother takes her away from London in the middle of the night and dumps her with her aunt in Brighton. Her aunt runs a tea shop above the aquarium and Vinnie quickly befriends the owners nephew. She is there when the latest exhibition, a massive octopus arrives. And so a whole new story begins.
What makes this story great is that is has an intriguing plot but also interesting characters that grow a lot throughout the story. Vinnie realises she has had a very sheltered life. Before this she has never been alone. She has never had to do her hair herself, go to the shop, make any decisions, know what she likes... her mother did everything for her. Through the book she comes to realise that the way she lives isn't normal, and that her mother isn't as holly as she was lead to believe. She has to make several difficult decisions, between what is right and between the promises she has made/people she loves. It makes Vinnie a very interesting and real character to follow.
But the plot doesn't let us down either. There are several plot lines running side by side and they are all interesting and don't distract from each other. I feel middle grade is at its best when it doesn't talk down to its audience and gets dark... and this one certainly does. For one it involves real science, and nature in all its beauty, but also its cruelty. Yes, I shed several tears. It also shows the cruelty some workers were victim to at the time. You may be familiar to the Matchgirls that went on strike in 1888. In this book we visit a workplace that dies fabric Paris green, used a lot in Vinnie's job as a milliner. Paris Green was made by combining copper acetate with arsenic. And we get to see quite a few side effects working with these toxins can have on a young girl, including death. We also get to experience a cruel manager, including beating his employees. So that is certainly something to be aware of.
But this book is not only dark. It is also filled with wonderful moments... such as Vinnie doing something unseemly as going swimming for the first time. Friendship. Gaining a new hobby and being very good at it. Baking. So many wonderful and lovely firsts that make you feel all warm and cosy.
Overall, this is an Amazing read that I cannot believe I haven't heard more off because it is just so brilliant. A definite favourite of mine!!!! Also, the physical edition has gorgeous French flaps.
April 18, 2023
I really liked this until it went a bit off the rails at the end.
April 5, 2023
This was quite a read because it took some turns I was not expecting! I loved it. I loved Vinnie's self-discovery and growing confidence, the friendships she developed (including with the awesome octopus!), and the complexity of the situations and conflicts she found herself in. It was both sad at times and heart-warming, and Imogen Church's narration of the audiobook was fabulous. She is such an engaging narrator!
June 22, 2022
8 things I loved about this book…
🐙 EMOTIONS! It’s a love story, let there be no doubt about it! Beauty and the Beast vibes 💛
🐙 Feisty, arty girl. Little Vinnie certainly learns how to stand on her own two feet.
🐙 Baking - be prepared for the smell of fresh bread wafting from the pages - not kidding!
🐙 Historical refs (right up my street), masterfully done. FAO teachers!
🐙 Fresh starts & friendships
🐙 Threads pulling together – seemingly miles apart and then, ta dah!
🐙 I now 💛 octopuses
🐙 That COVER! Does this come in wallpaper?
Highly recommend- and a perfect companion to Darwin’s Dragons.
🐙 EMOTIONS! It’s a love story, let there be no doubt about it! Beauty and the Beast vibes 💛
🐙 Feisty, arty girl. Little Vinnie certainly learns how to stand on her own two feet.
🐙 Baking - be prepared for the smell of fresh bread wafting from the pages - not kidding!
🐙 Historical refs (right up my street), masterfully done. FAO teachers!
🐙 Fresh starts & friendships
🐙 Threads pulling together – seemingly miles apart and then, ta dah!
🐙 I now 💛 octopuses
🐙 That COVER! Does this come in wallpaper?
Highly recommend- and a perfect companion to Darwin’s Dragons.
April 4, 2023
Charming, coming-of-age, bit of a mystery.
Strange thing: On my Kindle, this book has no text. I had to read it on my Kindle Fire, which is an unpleasant reading experience. But I still enjoyed the book.
Strange thing: On my Kindle, this book has no text. I had to read it on my Kindle Fire, which is an unpleasant reading experience. But I still enjoyed the book.
November 19, 2022
This is such a wonderful book! 🐙
It has so many things going for it:
🐙The book is beautiful in the first instance with wonderful illustrations at the start of each chapter.
🐙The characters are believable and likeable (apart from the villainous ones!) with great descriptions - loved the bakery / tea room element
🐙 Strong female characters
🐙 A couple of good villains thrown in for good measure
🐙 Good historical facts woven into the story - I learned something new about Paris Green
🐙 A good plot that has a few storylines threaded throughout.
🐙 Best thing of all - Vinny’s relationship with Ghost. It was magical and I’m not ashamed to say I shed a tear or two at a certain point.
I had wanted to read this book over the summer but didn’t manage the time so was thrilled to see it as part of my Longlisting books for the Sparks! Book awards. Loved it 🥰🐙🥰
It has so many things going for it:
🐙The book is beautiful in the first instance with wonderful illustrations at the start of each chapter.
🐙The characters are believable and likeable (apart from the villainous ones!) with great descriptions - loved the bakery / tea room element
🐙 Strong female characters
🐙 A couple of good villains thrown in for good measure
🐙 Good historical facts woven into the story - I learned something new about Paris Green
🐙 A good plot that has a few storylines threaded throughout.
🐙 Best thing of all - Vinny’s relationship with Ghost. It was magical and I’m not ashamed to say I shed a tear or two at a certain point.
I had wanted to read this book over the summer but didn’t manage the time so was thrilled to see it as part of my Longlisting books for the Sparks! Book awards. Loved it 🥰🐙🥰
January 1, 2023
I found this book on a table at Waterstones in London and it just jumped out at me. The cover and illustrations are just gorgeous, and so is the story. You are following a sheltered 12 year old girl who is unexpectedly dropped off to stay with an aunt she’s never met in Brighton in 1893. She loves to draw, makes new friends, finds her independence, solves a mystery, and befriends a Giant Pacific Octopus at the aquarium. I loved every minute of it. I’m looking forward to reading Darwin’s Dragons by this author as well. It’s already purchased and waiting to me read. It’s equally stunning.
July 28, 2022
I would love to see this as a fully illustrated book. Beautiful.
Vinnie is a fantastic artist always designing hats for her mother, but this changes when she is rushed off to live with her aunt.
Here she makes some friends, not all human and she explores her artistic abilities. Vinnie's growth throughout the book is perfect as she matures and discovers more about herself.
Not only this but the gem of the show must be the giant octopus and everything we learn about them.
Vinnie is a fantastic artist always designing hats for her mother, but this changes when she is rushed off to live with her aunt.
Here she makes some friends, not all human and she explores her artistic abilities. Vinnie's growth throughout the book is perfect as she matures and discovers more about herself.
Not only this but the gem of the show must be the giant octopus and everything we learn about them.
April 9, 2024
I loved it!! It took me a 3 days to read and I picked it up in all my spare time! For me it had my favourite combination of genre: mystery, fiction, history! In the end, I read it twice because I wanted to re-live it!!
Main plot:
🐙A girl and her mother, a mysterious leave
🐙A cafe and an aquarium, with a wonder of a creature
🐙An upcoming journalist
🐙A gripping fight
In three words:
🐙Gripping
🐙Historical
🐙Mystery
Age: Y6 and upwards
Lindsay Galvin is an amazing writer!
Main plot:
🐙A girl and her mother, a mysterious leave
🐙A cafe and an aquarium, with a wonder of a creature
🐙An upcoming journalist
🐙A gripping fight
In three words:
🐙Gripping
🐙Historical
🐙Mystery
Age: Y6 and upwards
Lindsay Galvin is an amazing writer!
June 22, 2024
Quaint Victorian styled book. Reminded me very much of Enola Holmes.
December 30, 2022
This was a really charming and touching read for my final book of the year.
January 25, 2023
This book is heart-warming! 🐙
April 24, 2024
Very much a book I judged by its (extremely lovely) cover.
A joyful and quick little read, this is a work of fiction based on several factual people and occurrences. Very much a commentary on Victorian social history, I found it enlightening and the descriptions of marine life, in particular, well written and beautifully visual.
A joyful and quick little read, this is a work of fiction based on several factual people and occurrences. Very much a commentary on Victorian social history, I found it enlightening and the descriptions of marine life, in particular, well written and beautifully visual.
July 26, 2022
4.5- this was such a fun middle grade. I loved the octopus of course, and the mystery/adventure reminded me of a non-fantasy Bronte Mettlestone. I love all things Victorian England!
July 24, 2022
I haven't read Darwin's Dragons but it has now been added to the TBR pile.
This book was donated to our school by Julia, at the new local bookshop Ottie and the Bea in Framlingham. I kept it to read first!
Lavinia Fyfe is the 12 year child of a fashion milliner. She draws the artistic designs. But then a visit from Mr Jeddars, her mother's employee turns her life upside down. She is taken by her mother to her aunt's house in Brighton. Her Aunt runs a small cafe in the aquarium and her mother just leaves her there saying she is going to Paris and Vinnie can't go with her.
Vinnie's clothes aren't really suitable for cooking, riding her Aunt's bicycle or wandering around an aquarium and her mother certainly wouldn't approve of swimming. She makes friends with Charlie (wannabe reporter) and Temitayo (the ward of an English gent who lives with a lady in Brighton).
Then, the arrival of a giant Octopod gives her something to draw. The octopus, she calls it Ghost, seems to like her.
But she isn't hearing anything from her Mother, then a letter arrives, but so does Mr Jeddars. Who is he really? Why is he looking for her Mother?
Vinnie is drawn into a world revolving around cloth that she finds out is not so nice and genteel. However, a mysterious person posts reports in the papers with her drawings before Charlie can. Reports that no one else should know about, pictures no one else can have seen. Who is the mysterious writer?
Where is her mother and how much does she know about the secrets Mr Jeddars has?
This book is brilliant and draws you in very quickly. Aunt Bets is lovely and is the kind of mother that Vinnie should have rather than one who simply wants to show her off. Vinnie, Charlie and Temitayo are formidable in their determination to out the truth.
This book was donated to our school by Julia, at the new local bookshop Ottie and the Bea in Framlingham. I kept it to read first!
Lavinia Fyfe is the 12 year child of a fashion milliner. She draws the artistic designs. But then a visit from Mr Jeddars, her mother's employee turns her life upside down. She is taken by her mother to her aunt's house in Brighton. Her Aunt runs a small cafe in the aquarium and her mother just leaves her there saying she is going to Paris and Vinnie can't go with her.
Vinnie's clothes aren't really suitable for cooking, riding her Aunt's bicycle or wandering around an aquarium and her mother certainly wouldn't approve of swimming. She makes friends with Charlie (wannabe reporter) and Temitayo (the ward of an English gent who lives with a lady in Brighton).
Then, the arrival of a giant Octopod gives her something to draw. The octopus, she calls it Ghost, seems to like her.
But she isn't hearing anything from her Mother, then a letter arrives, but so does Mr Jeddars. Who is he really? Why is he looking for her Mother?
Vinnie is drawn into a world revolving around cloth that she finds out is not so nice and genteel. However, a mysterious person posts reports in the papers with her drawings before Charlie can. Reports that no one else should know about, pictures no one else can have seen. Who is the mysterious writer?
Where is her mother and how much does she know about the secrets Mr Jeddars has?
This book is brilliant and draws you in very quickly. Aunt Bets is lovely and is the kind of mother that Vinnie should have rather than one who simply wants to show her off. Vinnie, Charlie and Temitayo are formidable in their determination to out the truth.
July 9, 2023
Galvin's second outing is another historical fiction novel this time transporting us to Victorian Brighton. Set against the backdrop of the arrival of a giant octopus at the seafront aquarium, the story follows 12-year-old Vinnie, who finds herself staying with her aunt in Brighton while her mother attends to business in Paris. Having already enjoyed Darwin's Dragons, I was really impressed to find that I enjoyed this second outing even more.
Beyond the captivating setting, the novel sheds light on the harsh working conditions of industrial Victorian Britain, particularly regarding child labour. The author highlights the disparity between the privileged and the less fortunate. At its core, the book celebrates the power of friendship through the bond between Vinnie, Charlie, and Temitayo. Each character is endearing in their resourcefulness, loyalty, and unwavering sense of justice. Temitayo's determination to forge her own path and reject the predetermined future set by others adds an empowering element to the narrative.
The incredible octopus, Ghost, serves as a central character, revealing its astonishing capabilities and emotional depth: it helped that I had read several octopus non-fiction texts prior to this. I felt like I already knew Ghost. The bond between Vinnie and Ghost is particularly heartwarming, drawing readers even closer to this fascinating animal.
A carefully plotted novel that combines historical accuracy, captivating storytelling, and memorable characters. Vivid descriptions and attention to detail create an immersive reading experience that both educates and entertains. Highly recommended KS2+
Beyond the captivating setting, the novel sheds light on the harsh working conditions of industrial Victorian Britain, particularly regarding child labour. The author highlights the disparity between the privileged and the less fortunate. At its core, the book celebrates the power of friendship through the bond between Vinnie, Charlie, and Temitayo. Each character is endearing in their resourcefulness, loyalty, and unwavering sense of justice. Temitayo's determination to forge her own path and reject the predetermined future set by others adds an empowering element to the narrative.
The incredible octopus, Ghost, serves as a central character, revealing its astonishing capabilities and emotional depth: it helped that I had read several octopus non-fiction texts prior to this. I felt like I already knew Ghost. The bond between Vinnie and Ghost is particularly heartwarming, drawing readers even closer to this fascinating animal.
A carefully plotted novel that combines historical accuracy, captivating storytelling, and memorable characters. Vivid descriptions and attention to detail create an immersive reading experience that both educates and entertains. Highly recommended KS2+
June 22, 2023
I had given this to my 9 yo having not read it myself, & she has read it & kept it in her backpack to reread as opportunity strikes. If she one day claims she was/is a reader, I think this book would be a stepping stone. She let me read it when I had an unscheduled waiting hour in a park & she knows how I hate being outside with nothing to read. I am very happy I had gotten her this book. The good adults in there know what’s right & act appropriately (though I find this a little unbelievable). The language is conservatively close to the time period - without accidental modern vocabulary that I could see, though also missing anachronisms of the period that may confuse budding readers of our day. Leave that to the pieces actually written in that period! The subject matter was interesting. It flowed well so was not tiring to read & for myself it was quick. I also find the plot of the ambiguous maternal love a good, nuanced take delivered with little need to resort to garish stories of direct abuse & a useful antidote to the fantasy of the perfect mother who was forever supportive, intuitive & right. The girl knew to turn to her aunt who was truly an adult to be trusted & did care for her properly, with little further resentment towards her mother. Children in the story were expected to help out & acquire competent skills in a natural way. I find this quite a healthy take on a period piece and hope hear of more such stories for children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2023
12 year old Vinnie Fyfe works in the tea-shop at Brighton aquarium, and waits for her milliner mother to return from Paris.
The arrival of a giant octopus changes her life for ever.
She soon realises she can communicate with the octopus through colour and – as a gripping mystery begins to unfold – discovers what true courage really means ...
Review:
A well researched book with beautiful illustrations. You feel transported to the Victorian times through the eloquently written descriptions. There are themes of friendship, love and the difficulties in the Victorian times. The writing keeps you gripped throughout and is a great combination of mystery and adventure. There are a number of plot line running alongside each other during the story, they are all equally as important so don’t cause distraction or confusion.
The characters are full of depth – such as Vinnie, a budding illustrator and Charlie, a hopeful journalist. All the characters show a lot of growth through the book, which is lovely to read. The detail in the story really captures the essence of Victorian England and it is full of wonderful octopus facts! I may be biased but Ghost is my favourite character for sure!
This was such a wonderfully written book I will have to add Darwin’s Dragons to my never-ending TBR pile!
The arrival of a giant octopus changes her life for ever.
She soon realises she can communicate with the octopus through colour and – as a gripping mystery begins to unfold – discovers what true courage really means ...
Review:
A well researched book with beautiful illustrations. You feel transported to the Victorian times through the eloquently written descriptions. There are themes of friendship, love and the difficulties in the Victorian times. The writing keeps you gripped throughout and is a great combination of mystery and adventure. There are a number of plot line running alongside each other during the story, they are all equally as important so don’t cause distraction or confusion.
The characters are full of depth – such as Vinnie, a budding illustrator and Charlie, a hopeful journalist. All the characters show a lot of growth through the book, which is lovely to read. The detail in the story really captures the essence of Victorian England and it is full of wonderful octopus facts! I may be biased but Ghost is my favourite character for sure!
This was such a wonderfully written book I will have to add Darwin’s Dragons to my never-ending TBR pile!
June 24, 2022
This book completely took me by surprise! My son purchased it because he really liked the illustration on the cover. However, this book ended up being Just an incredible read. It has quite a mature and complex storyline then I initially thought.
This historical fiction novel is incredibly well researched. The author has backed up certain artistic choices that she made for the story to work at the end of the book. Set in Victorian times and told through a twisty mystery story, the book touches on victorian working conditions, child labor and gender norms.
What really made this book great for me is that the protagonist had to deal with the really mature choice of figuring out who is the real antagonist at the end and how to move past it and do the right thing. What a complex situation to put a child in and it was dealt with so brilliantly!
This historical fiction novel is incredibly well researched. The author has backed up certain artistic choices that she made for the story to work at the end of the book. Set in Victorian times and told through a twisty mystery story, the book touches on victorian working conditions, child labor and gender norms.
What really made this book great for me is that the protagonist had to deal with the really mature choice of figuring out who is the real antagonist at the end and how to move past it and do the right thing. What a complex situation to put a child in and it was dealt with so brilliantly!
December 2, 2022
What seems at first a straightforward coming of age story becomes a layered tale with a surprising octopus, a peculiar mother and a Victorian sweatshop. Vinnie is convincingly in awe and wonder when introduced to a number of firsts: going to a shop alone, seeing the see, swimming, choosing her own clothes. You feel her gradual growth one small step at a time, with all the confusion it brings along. Despite it being set in the Victorian age it is told from a contemporary perspective with its relevance for today's readers. Not all the author tells about octopuses was known in the day, but it helps you to connect more to Ghost the octopus. By connecting two major issues - care for animals, and care for children in unhealthy working conditions - it hopefully will ring through with all readers.
July 3, 2025
This was actually a library book that my husband got out. He enjoyed it and said I would too. I loved it. It is historical fiction but is based on some true facts. It is a fascinating story, really well written with wonderful Characters. A nice, easy read. I can recommend it.
*********************************
England, 1877, and aquarium fever is at its height.
Twelve-year-old Vinnie Fyfe works in the tea-shop at Brighton aquarium, and waits for her milliner mother to return from Paris.
The arrival of a giant octopus changes her life for ever. Discovering a talent for art, Vinnie begins to draw the extraordinary beast.
She soon realises she can communicate with the octopus through colour and – as a gripping mystery begins to unfold – discovers what true courage really means …
*********************************
England, 1877, and aquarium fever is at its height.
Twelve-year-old Vinnie Fyfe works in the tea-shop at Brighton aquarium, and waits for her milliner mother to return from Paris.
The arrival of a giant octopus changes her life for ever. Discovering a talent for art, Vinnie begins to draw the extraordinary beast.
She soon realises she can communicate with the octopus through colour and – as a gripping mystery begins to unfold – discovers what true courage really means …
October 19, 2022
content warnings: racism, children in danger, off-page child death, knife violence, poverty, off-page animal cannibalism, child abuse, animal death, body horror from poisoning
One of the most beautifully designed books ever!!
Sadly, the storytelling is clunky and the plot promised in the title, synopsis, and cover doesn't start till over halfway through. And the ending kind of came out of nowhere.
All the stuff with Temitayo, the aquarium, and explaining Victorian sweatshops is good, though.
One of the most beautifully designed books ever!!
Sadly, the storytelling is clunky and the plot promised in the title, synopsis, and cover doesn't start till over halfway through. And the ending kind of came out of nowhere.
All the stuff with Temitayo, the aquarium, and explaining Victorian sweatshops is good, though.
March 14, 2023
A very enjoyable read! Based on historical accounts written by Henry Lee, aquarium director at Brighton, it describes the arrival of a giant octopus to the aquarium. it is written through the eyes of a young girl and her friends. Unlikely villains, surprise twists, love and friendship, and the wonder of the octopus make this a fun book. I read it in close proximity to watching the Netflix documentary, "My Octopus Teacher" - I would highly recommend doing that!
May 28, 2023
Köpt på impuls på Waterstones i London för att jag älskade omslaget och de fina illustrationerna. Min tolvåring var dock inte jättenöjd med att det var så stort fokus på mamma-dotter-relationen i boken; hon ville kort sagt ha mer äventyr och mer bläckfisk. Jag kan hålla med om detta samt även att de delar som skulle vara mer spännande inte förvaltades så bra, utan blev onödigt långdragna. En mycket fin paketering, som dessvärre inte levde upp till förväntningarna.
March 10, 2024
I enjoyed this book so much. I know it's aimed at kids but adults can definitely enjoy kidlit.
The characters are fabulous. In particular, loved getting to know Vinnie and seeing her develop more confidence. The octopus also stole the show every now and again.
The mystery is intriguing and includes excellent period details (which are further explained at the back of the book).
One of the best kid's books I've read!
The characters are fabulous. In particular, loved getting to know Vinnie and seeing her develop more confidence. The octopus also stole the show every now and again.
The mystery is intriguing and includes excellent period details (which are further explained at the back of the book).
One of the best kid's books I've read!
June 5, 2025
As I started to read this book, I soon knew I would enjoy it. The well-written characters, and well-researched setting are woven beautifully into a plot-line that seems light and airy, and makes for easy reading. This writing style also left me fully disarmed for the depth of social issues it seamlessly (pun-intended) dives (this-pun-is-also-intended) into. Consider reading the last third of this novel on a good day(s). Let this story pull you into its world; you won't regret it.
June 18, 2022
I loved Darwin’s Dragons so I had to preorder this as soon as I saw it and it has not disappointed! It’s so absolutely beautiful I was lost for words when I finished it. It’s full of heart (quite literally!) and so inspiring as well. I very rarely cry at books but this one got me, that’s how special it is.
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