The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus

by Emma Knight

I fell for the title before I opened this novel. Both a love story and a mystery, the book is a breezy smart romp through the awkward chaotic universe of university life. Set between Edinburgh and Toronto, the story harks back to an era when students actually lived in halls, gathered in cramped common rooms, and forged friendships in real life rather than through pixelated screens. Knight’s prose has a light, intelligent touch and the dialogue is full of flirtatious banter and moments of honesty that capture the messy thrill of youth. It’s like evesdropping as the characters share their secrets, hopes, excitements and anxieties. The only parts of the novel that I am not keen on are the reported dreams, which for me are a needless detour that fail to add to the narrative. But ultimately, this book is a lively, humorous read, and a gentle reminder that not all stories need to be profound to be utterly enjoyable.