Literary Fiction
A widowed night cleaner at an aquarium befriends a clever giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus, who narrates parts of the story with witty observations.
Owned
Owned
A widowed night cleaner at an aquarium befriends a clever giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus, who narrates parts of the story with witty observations.
About
Details
After Tova Sullivan's husband died, she began working the night cleaner shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Ever since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat over thirty years ago keeping busy has helped her cope. One night she meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium who sees everything, but wouldn't dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors – until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus dedu...
What Readers Think
4.5
If you need a wholesome book about family and the things we often lose, and find in the midst of that journey, pick up this book stat. I loved…
2.5
This book was so, SO boring. 😅 I knew from chapter one this was just not something I’d be interested in. The concept of the sentient octopus drew me…
2.5
What's Inside
will contain mild spoilers
Sexual content
AI
Strong sexual content and themes, including some on-page encounters and references. References to sexual assault or rape.
Violence & gore
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Brief references to drowning and minor scariness; no graphic gore.
Profanity
AI
Moderate use of strong language throughout.
Substance use
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Off-page drug use and references to drug trafficking or dealing; cautionary portrayal.
LGBTQ+ Rep.
AI
No LGBTQIA+ representation.
Religious content
AI
No religious themes present.
Magic & witchcraft
AI
No witchcraft or occult elements.
Occult / demonology
AI
No evidence found in available sources.
Political content
AI
No political or ideological messaging.
Self-harm / suicide
AI
No self-harm or suicide depicted.
Abuse & suffering
AI
Themes of parental abandonment, death of a child by drowning, and grief from loss of spouse to cancer. References to sexual assault or rape.
Other
AI
No information found