This book gave me Saltburn vibes at times! I think it was the old British Estate and the family with the secrets. I've always been intrigued by the Scottish countryside so it felt like a bit of an escape for me. The story is set in the early 2000's which is when I was in university and being a Canadian myself, I was drawn to the main character Pen.

That being said, I had such a hard time remembering who was who throughout the book! Some chapters were told through Alice's point of view which felt a bit disjointed. I found myself having to stop often to bring my brain back around to the characters.

Overall, I liked the story and the twist at the end. I definitely didn't see that coming.

2.5 stars

I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately it fell flat for me. I heard it compared to Pineapple Street which I adored, but I wouldn't say it had many similarities (other than a beautiful cover). It was interesting enough that I kept reading, and there were parts I enjoyed. The parts that focused on campus life I preferred over the parts with the Lennox family. It felt quite disjointed and like I was reading two different books.

I'm still not really sure what the point of this book was. I didn't really care about any of the characters, and the 'big reveal' was so strange. The other issue I had was that I kept forgetting the time period it was set it. It read like it should have been set 50+ years ago, but was set in the early 2000's. I found this especially hard when trying to follow what was going on.

Going into this book, I expected a bit more mystery and drama surrounding the secret alluded to in the summary. Instead, what I found was a thoughtful exploration of friendships, relationships, and that pivotal transition from adolescence to adulthood—when you begin to see your parents as people, not just parents, and your friendships take on new depth and complexity. The narrative meanders between perspectives, offering beautiful insights on growing up and connection, and that’s what kept me reading.

That said, I found the plot itself to be quite minimal. While the novel touches on heavier themes and has moments of intensity, the ‘big secret’ didn’t feel as shocking or revelatory as I had anticipated—though perhaps that was my own misinterpretation of the setup. The book’s pacing is slow and introspective, which suited the themes but wasn’t what I had expected. The cover, with its bright, colorful imagery, suggested something more vibrant, but the tone is far moodier—think rainy London, Edinburgh, and the countryside rather than a sun-drenched table of flowers.

Overall, it was a lovely and reflective read, rich in atmosphere and emotion. It just wasn’t quite what I had imagined it would be.

This book first caught my attention when I read that the story took place in Edinburgh, Scotland and that our female main character is Canadian like me. I am a proud University of Edinburgh alumni and recently traveled to Edinburgh for my MSc graduation ceremony in November. My trip was still fresh in my head and in my heart (it still is!) and so I knew right away that this book would top my to-be-read list!

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus did not disappoint. This is a coming-of-age story that will bring you right back to your young adult years, when your parents have just dropped you off to uni, where the possibilities and the freedom seems endless, yet overwhelming. The descriptions of emotions, of the confusing feelings the characters experience throughout one year of university felt visceral, like I could feel their loneliness, their pain. This book explores the complicatedness of young love and friendships: the desire to love and to be loved, and to belong -- But also of family secrets, of the things about your family that you never quite understood as a child and the need to uncover what was once hidden from you as you navigate into adulthood.

As side note: this book may give you a strong urge to impulsively purchase a flight ticket to Edinburgh... don't say I didn't warn you!

🙏Thank you Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for a gifted advanced electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

⚠️ Potential Trigger Warnings (may not be an exhaustive list): miscarriage, infidelity, sexual assault, divorce.

I had high expectations for The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus, given its selection for Read with Jenna and Barnes & Noble’s book club. The novel is beautifully written, with a lyrical and literary style that showcases the author’s talent. However, despite its strong prose, I found it lacking in narrative momentum.

At 350 pages, the book feels long, especially when very little actually happens. I kept anticipating a turning point, a moment where the story would take off, but it never truly did. By the halfway mark, I had lost interest. While I can appreciate quiet, introspective novels, this one left me feeling underwhelmed.

Additionally, the novel focuses on adolescents and college students, which made it less engaging for me as a reader in my fifties. The themes and character experiences didn’t resonate as much as I had hoped. Perhaps a younger audience would connect with it more.

Overall, while I admire the writing, The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus ultimately didn’t meet my expectations. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a slow, meditative pace, it might be worth a read. But if you’re looking for a novel with a compelling plot, you may find yourself, like me, waiting for something that never quite arrives.

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus is a beautifully written debut that pulled me in with its wit and emotional depth. Pen’s journey from Canada to Scotland for university felt so real, as she navigates not only the complexities of growing up but also the mysteries surrounding her family’s past. The narrative masterfully blends the themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, all while keeping me hooked with its intriguing family secrets.

Pen’s evolving relationship with her best friend, Alice, adds another layer of richness to the story. Alice’s storyline, with her flirtation with power and the consequences of her actions, kept things interesting and thought-provoking. And as Pen slowly unravels the truth about her parents, I found myself rooting for her growth and independence.

The setting in Edinburgh, the lush family dynamics, and the sense of impending change made for a compelling read. While some parts of the plot felt a bit predictable, I still found myself deeply connected to the characters and their personal journeys. This is a story about the messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful process of coming into your own—and I loved every minute of it.

Big thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for giving me early access to this title in return for an honest review.

About 3/4 of the way through this book I was wondering when the title would come in to play and it did in the most wonderful way. The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus follows Pen, a Canadian in her first year at the University of Edinburgh, who is intent on solving her families mysteries that she believes started here, in Edinburgh, when her father was a student. This is a beautiful coming-of-age story that follows Pen and several of her friends as they navigate the world of new-adulthood, family secrets, and tutors who prey on their students.

I really loved the writing in this book. It was very lush. There was so many great references to Canada and Canadian Literature throughout the book which made my heart smile. Pen is such a great character and I felt a real kinship with her. She has a delicious tenacity and despite some anxiety is unapologetically herself.

The mystery underlying this book was really well done. There was enough clues throughout the novel and a good amount of misdirection which was perfect. I also found the answer very satisfying.

This was a really excellent book and I'd highly recommend it.

3.5 stars. I loved the plot and overarching themes. A beautiful coming of age story that really reminded me a lot of my own experiences in young adulthood. I found there to be a lot of characters to keep straight sometimes but isn’t that kind of the point?! In university you meet so many people and have different depths of experiences among them. Some become main characters in your life and other merely names or faces. Overall, good read!

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus is a nostalgic coming-of-age novel set in the early 2000s in Scotland where the main character, Canadian student Penelope, has gone for University. While in Scotland Penelope reaches out to a university friend of her father's, going to shed light on what happened to their friendship. This novel is an exploration of that time in a young adult's life when they're on their own for the first time and trying to understand the adults on their life...they're falling in love and developing close adult friendships. I thought it was an accurate and deeply felt story.

Emma Knight’s debut novel, The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus, is a captivating coming-of-age story that beautifully explores themes of friendship, love, sexuality, and motherhood, while also delving into the societal norms and expectations placed on women. Set primarily in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, the narrative follows Toronto friends Penelope and Alice as they embark on their first year at university.

The novel spans a year in the lives of Pen and Alice, allowing readers to witness their growth both together and apart as they navigate new friendships, romantic relationships, and the complexities of their own identities. Pen, in particular, is determined to uncover the secrets behind her parents' divorce, leading her on a journey to track down one of her father’s best friends from his university days in the 1980s. This quest adds a layer of intrigue to the story, intertwining Pen’s personal growth with her family’s history.

The author's writing is both engaging and evocative, immersing readers in the rich atmosphere of Edinburgh. As Pen and Alice navigate the ups and downs of young adulthood, the book explores various significant issues, including sexual misconduct, infidelity, and the challenges of single motherhood. The depth of the character study shines through, as both Pen and Alice are relatable and flawed, each embodying the struggles and triumphs of young women in the early 2000s.

The book also features a unique structure, beginning and ending in the future, with Pen, now 31, and a mother herself, reflecting on her journey. This framing device adds a nostalgic touch, making the story feel full circle and allowing readers to appreciate Pen’s growth.

Overall, The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus is a well-crafted debut that promises great things for Emma Knight's future as an author. It’s a heartfelt exploration of female friendship, empowerment, and the complexities of family dynamics, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a poignant and engaging story set against the backdrop of Scotland. This book is a must-read, and I’m excited to see what Knight will create next!

Pen goes to university in Edinburgh with her best friend Alice. This is a coming of age, story of friendship and motherhood. Pen is trying to understand what split up her parents years ago. This is a quiet book, beautifully written. Not a lot happens but I enjoyed it. More of a literary fiction book.

Saltburn meets Bridget Jones Diary in this cross continental, who’s your daddy love story slash mystery.

This was a slow burn that turned into a fully fledged inferno.

I was immediately intrigued by the blurb for this book. I did find the first 15% a tad slow as the many characters and locations are introduced, but then it grabbed me by the lapels and gave me a shake. Once the Lennox's entered the picture I knew I was done for and I simply could no longer put the book down, I had to unravel the mystery of Pen's parents past in relation to the Lennox's, while simultaneously diving deeper into her budding romance with a cute Scottish boy.

This book is so many things in one, a romance, mystery, and coming of age, tied up with explorations into lasting friendships, marriage, and motherhood.

If you find the start a tad slow like my mother and I both did, I implore you to keep going, it is truly worth it. We both thought it was an excellent read!

This book was interesting, I really enjoyed how the author wrote it and the fun title. It has been awhile since I read a literary fiction, this one did not disappoint.

Book Review: The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight (debut 🇨🇦) publishes today!
Thank you so much @vikingbooks @penguinrandomca for the e-book via @netgalley !!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ From me!

I first heard about this book when Carley Fortune recommended it to hundreds of us in Calgary at Wordfest last June. Going into it, I didn't know much about what it was about (but just FYI it is not really at *all* about octopi 🤣) but I think it's important to know that it is literary fiction with new adult characters with some ❤️🤔

I started this on Saturday morning and proceeded to make it my entire personality for 2 days til I finished it last night. It consumed my thoughts in a way a book hasn't for months. By this I mean I lost a bit of sleep reading it, I told my entire family about it, I overbaked some muffins while reading it, and completely ignored an acquaintance who pulled up next to me in her car. Oops. That about sums up my delightful time with the book.

I can see how this one won't be everyone's cup of tea (maybe you prefer coffee like our main character, Pen?) but there were a bunch of little things I just loved here. The Canadians in their first year of university in Edinburgh made it so fun because of the setting and their background. I adored Pen and Alice's lifelong friendship. I was utterly gripped by the plot, especially in the second half. I loved the romance aspects and the wider friend group and the intellectual comments and thoughts from all of our very smart and witty characters. I loved the motherhood parts. It reminded me a bit of Normal People by Sally Rooney but with a much more satisfying ending and I also got some vibes from other British friend group stories like The Royal We. Somehow parts of it were relatable to me and that was fun.

I also really enjoyed the family "mystery" component that propelled this book forward at a great pace for me. In short, this one will stay with me for quite some time and I encourage you to try it! @readwithjenna picked it for her book club this month and the amazing Saskia Maarleveld narrates the audiobook so I expect that will be great too.

This was a beautifully written book; however, for me it felt like it had two very strong plot points and themes and it felt like it could have been 2 distinctive books. This didn't really explore motherhood for me and that was the connection to the title. It was a good story about a few young girls going to college and discovering themselves, love and family concerns, but the other side just did connection for me!

Longtime friends Penelope and Alice are in Edinburgh studying English and French, and acting, respectively. They are young, away from home, and trying to figure themselves out through meeting new people.

Pen's parents have split, and Pen is eager to understand why her father is reluctant to speak about the man (and friend and writer) whose name became her middle name. Pen contacts the author, Lord Eliot Lenox, once she's in Edinburgh, and travels to his country home to meet him and his family. She's fascinated by them, and attracted to Sasha, one of Eliot's sons.

Alice is attractive, smart, and knows her effect on others, and begins an affair with a course tutor.

We follow the two young friends as they explore new relationships, and recalibrate their perceptions of their families, and themselves.


Despite the quality of the writing, I never really connected with Pen or Alice, and their various travails as they mature. I also had a hard time caring how the theme of motherhood connected to the main characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) for this ARC in exchange for my review.

A slow realization of motherhood, sacrifice, wealth, and the ever-enticing politics of upper-class English society. The charming, pining love story between Pen and Sasha was an excellent added flair, and its importance did not eclipse Pen’s investigation into her family and its connection to the Lennoxes. It felt as though Pen and Alice were figuring out the grand schemes they had been exiting within alongside the audience; we knew something was awry but couldn’t quite put our finger on it.

Reviews among my book friends have really varied for this one, so I lowered my expectations going in, and I ended up liking it!
While I love the cover, it does not particularly fit the vibe of the book, and the title really doesn't either. The octopus metaphor represents motherhood, and I didn't find that was even the overarching theme of the book. In fact, it seemed like there were numerous sub-plots at play.
This book takes place in Edinburgh, and actually is about two Canadian friends living abroad during university. I liked experiencing university through their perspective and did feel transported there.
3.5 stars rounded up.

I just finished The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight and here are my musings.

Pen is in her first term at Edinburgh university... She is hoping to uncover the secrets her parents back in Canada are hiding from her and the place she wants to start... With an old friend of her Fathers, the reclusive Lord Lennox.. She doesn't know what she expects to find but love really wasn't one of them. When her best friend Alice succumbs to the advances of a professor, it's up to Pen to try and right the scales of justice.

My biggest issue with this book. The title. I think it wasn't a strong representation of the book even though I understand why the author picked it, it didn't work for me.

Phew now that's out of the way let's talk about the plot... I loved it. We get the book from both Pen and Alice's perspectives and they were both done with grace and gravitas. What was happening to Alice was done with real care and I really appreciated that. I really enjoyed Pen and her journey to discover the secrets of her parents and watching her not just learn about them, but she kinda finds herself too. It was quite beautiful. Pen was such a beautiful character. She was like a balm for wild Alice. Unlikely friendship between two women coming into themselves.

I loved the different social structures the book introduces us too and we are shown the beauty in them all.

I thought the book was beautifully written and a great debut for this author

4 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouseca for my gifted copy.