My Friend the Octopus
Lindsay Galvin’s second middle-grade adventure, set in 1893, introduces talented artist, twelve-year-old Lavinia (Vinnie), as she helps in her aunt’s Brighton tearoom, awaiting the return of her milliner mother from a mysterious Paris trip.
Brighton’s Aquarium attracts crowds to see its latest exhibit, the devil fish. Vinnie and this giant octopus communicate through their mutual understanding of colour, which inspires Vinnie’s drawings of it. Vinnie’s initial hesitancy and despair at being abandoned by her mother lifts as her life soon changes in mysterious ways. She blossoms with new friendships, the sea air, and a very natural intuitive ability to learn and grow. Soon a set of mysteries unfold concerning her mother’s sudden disappearance.
This is a beautiful book through and through, from the attractive flapped-cover and inner illustrations to the fast-paced story inside. It is historical fiction at its best, packed with captivating characters, fascinating detail of the period and social history. Yet, despite all we learn around the story nothing slows up the pace of the mysteries that drive the intricate plot forward.
The octopus becomes a character and the special bond with the protagonist is touchingly credible. I was also touched by the way the two maternal figures contrast, and their impact on young Vinnie. Social issues are highlighted, such as the plight of poor children in a world where profit ruled over their welfare, trapping them into a system; however, attitudes were slowly changing.
Vinnie and her two friends are very appealing as their loyalty is tested and mysteries are resolved. I enjoyed following their adventures which never failed to deliver surprises right to the very satisfying ending. Highly recommended for 9+ to adult.
