The premise of this book was intriguing to me, and it may appeal to those with a specific interest in coming-of-age and/or campus life stories. However, the pacing was a bit on the slow side to me, and I found some of the choices about point of view to be odd.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read a digital copy of this book in advance of publication.

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight promises to explore themes of family, motherhood, and friendship, and while it touches on these topics, the execution is lacking. At its core, there’s a compelling story waiting to unfold, but the writing reads more like a rough draft than a polished novel. The plot jumps around without smooth transitions, making it difficult to keep me engaged.

Alice’s character seems to serve no real purpose in the story. It's disappointing because the book includes several other well-developed characters who deserve more depth. There’s a great twist near the end that could have been a standout moment, but it ultimately fell flat. Overall, I feel like the book needs significant reworking and strong editing. Emma Knight clearly has talent, but a more experienced editor could help unlock the full potential of the story.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing early access to this digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

The catching cover and unique title drew me to this one, and I’m sad to say that’s still its largest draw.

This book promised an insightful look at family, motherhood and friendship, it does have all these things but it’s a huge mess. This book has a great story at its core but this read like a first draft, the plot was a mess, we jump around a lot with no smooth transitions. Alice’s character what was the point? There’s an excellent twist near the end that just fell flat. The romance was the most interesting part yet the book should have been about more than that. Great characters but not well drawn yet. The list unfortunately goes on.

The entire book needs a rework and development and strong edit, the author is talented but I’d suggest a more experienced editor is in store, this has loads of potential.

All opinions are my own and I appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for granting me early access to the digital arc.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. While the story was strong, i do think this ARC could use a little tightening up. I found it a little scattered at times. Having said that I thought the characters were interesting and well developed and for the most part sympathetic . Through the writing I was made to feel the struggles and emotions of the characters. The issues were believable and the questions had decent resolutions. I would recommend it to others. Thank you to the Author, Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the copy

The novel follows the protagonist, Pen, from home in Toronto, Ontario, to university in Edinburgh Scotland. Penelope’s middle name is Elliott, named after a friend of her father, a famous writer, Lord Lennox, who Pen visits his estate only to discover answers to questions that plagued her through her parent’s seemingly loveless marriage.

The novel reminded me at times of The Sex Lives of College Girls meets Saltburn, though is unique in its own, for the sleuthing of buried family secrets to open Pen’s eyes.

I enjoyed the book! I liked the historical connection to a family name that I share: Lennox, and the intrigue of our ingenue obsessed with uncovering the truth, discovering herself and the humanity beneath the flaws or missteps of her family.
4 out of 5 stars!

If you enjoy classic novels this might be for you. Unfortunately it was definitely not my style. I found it very drawn out the characters were all over the place some I felt weren’t really needed. More of a new adult love story than anything else.

December 8, 2024
I got the ARC from NetGalley and found it to be an easy enough read if not a bit messy. Character view points were a bit confusing since Alice chapters had Penelope's thoughts in them and that was kind of off-putting. I liked that it had ties to Canada and Scotland because my grandmother was a Scottish immigrant to Canada but didn't like the Canadian stereotypes contained here and there. No reason to reference the sensitive issue of Québec politics and I think that's what did it for me. I quit at 90% because I didn't care about the book anymore. And I'm not really sure I cared at all to begin with. I felt let down that the book was supposed to be about friendship and motherhood when it just seemed like a New Adult romance and that felt like a super betrayal 😔 So not at all what I was led to believe this was when I requested the ARC.

A witty account of the bonds between females be it mothers and daughters and friends very insightful and fun with it. Characters are well developed and strong. Loved the Edinburgh uni setting and I found the "family" mystery was well paced and held your interest. Really good book doesn't read like a debut as it's soooo good!!!