cooloolat's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you very much Allen and Unwin for sending me an uncorrected proof of this book to review. Erin Hortle I want to thank you for writing The Octopus and I, it is a remarkable debut, wonderful to see the emergence of another talented Australian writer.
There is skillful descriptive writing in this book; the beauty of the landscape that surrounds Eaglehawk Neck and Pirates Bay falls off the pages as Erin describes the coast, the surf and the fauna and flora. This area of Tasmania is stunning; the writing certainly does it justice.
There are multiple narrators throughout the story, not all are human which makes the experience of reading this incredibly unique. Each narration intertwines with the others in shifting time frames. The story is at times very dark, there is comment here on the treatment of non-humans by humans, of cruelty and the consciousness of other species.
I found great humour in the story, the Australian colloquialisms and psyche; readers who are not familiar with the Australian vernacular may need to research some words. There’s an incident with a cow and a surfer that made me chuckle loudly, its pure slapstick. I’m sad for the cow, I really like cows. The characters are mostly likeable, I could identify with Lucy, the leading protagonist through her empowerment from positive self-worth and self-image. Several male characters are toxic, appalling, and not likeable at all.
I enjoyed the change in writing style to reflect the mood or the substance taken. Clever writing with great Octopus research, the next time I encounter an Octopus when I’m diving, I’ll take the time to say g’day. I’ll definitely read any further novels by Erin and absolutely recommend this one.
There is skillful descriptive writing in this book; the beauty of the landscape that surrounds Eaglehawk Neck and Pirates Bay falls off the pages as Erin describes the coast, the surf and the fauna and flora. This area of Tasmania is stunning; the writing certainly does it justice.
There are multiple narrators throughout the story, not all are human which makes the experience of reading this incredibly unique. Each narration intertwines with the others in shifting time frames. The story is at times very dark, there is comment here on the treatment of non-humans by humans, of cruelty and the consciousness of other species.
I found great humour in the story, the Australian colloquialisms and psyche; readers who are not familiar with the Australian vernacular may need to research some words. There’s an incident with a cow and a surfer that made me chuckle loudly, its pure slapstick. I’m sad for the cow, I really like cows. The characters are mostly likeable, I could identify with Lucy, the leading protagonist through her empowerment from positive self-worth and self-image. Several male characters are toxic, appalling, and not likeable at all.
I enjoyed the change in writing style to reflect the mood or the substance taken. Clever writing with great Octopus research, the next time I encounter an Octopus when I’m diving, I’ll take the time to say g’day. I’ll definitely read any further novels by Erin and absolutely recommend this one.
livvy1999's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rodhunt's review against another edition
4.0
An amazing novel. Contemporary and timeless. Insight into what it means to be human - and not! Captures Eaglehawk Neck perfectly - wild and tamed (but not for long). Tasmanian and world ecological and sustainability and species “hierarchy” issues. Highly recommended!!
bundy23's review against another edition
3.0
Recieved from U&A for free in return for an honest review so here goes...
Very up & down, at times beautifully written, at times just awful. She seems to have the more intelligent characters down pat but the bogans are, well, not great. Maybe she should've spent a bit less time watching Alf Stewart and more time in places like Smithton. The romance is also pretty laughable at times, I've never read a mills & boon but I imagine they are a lot like this gets towards the end.
Also, what is it with modern feminist writers and their lead characters being so obsessed with their looks, tits, waistline & how hot their boyfriends are?
Very up & down, at times beautifully written, at times just awful. She seems to have the more intelligent characters down pat but the bogans are, well, not great. Maybe she should've spent a bit less time watching Alf Stewart and more time in places like Smithton. The romance is also pretty laughable at times, I've never read a mills & boon but I imagine they are a lot like this gets towards the end.
Also, what is it with modern feminist writers and their lead characters being so obsessed with their looks, tits, waistline & how hot their boyfriends are?
jones_lauramay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rosannajhunt's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully written story about a woman’s relationship to her body and the world around her, and the way both change after she recovers from cancer. I loved this book for its down-to-earth characters, nuanced exploration of ideas, and its thoughtful depiction of Tassie and its inhabitants.
delena_mae's review against another edition
5.0
Such a beautiful story of the complexity of womanhood both human and animal alike
brookesbookstagram's review against another edition
DNF, unfortunately struggled to connect with this book. Hopefully will be able to try again later in the year.
steph_84's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely interesting and unexpected. It had me dreaming about octopuses! I enjoyed the Tasmanian setting and exploration of the relationship between people and marine animals.