I really wanted to love this book, set in Scotland, but felt it was a bit pretentious at times. The main character, Pen, is a Canadian woman attending college in Scotland and hoping to uncover more about her father’s time there to understand the reason her parents’ marriage fell apart. At times the novel centered on Pen and her emerging feelings towards relationships, but was muddied by some of the other characters and their stories, which could have been left out. The Lennox family did provide the interesting characters, and kept me engaged in the story. The title was not really integral to the story except for being applicable to one character, Margot. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a maddeningly long book and yet I finished it, so that says something. Nevertheless I was conscious throughout that there was something very green about it, an awkwardness and an oldfashionedness. There’s nothing subtle here, or sly or funny. Just a romance with a lot of sideswipes at heritage, choice, truth, long-term commitments and so on. I’m.not sure if it’s a first work. It certainly could have used some editing, and some tightening of the central character whose failure to address the elephant in the room became very frustrating. Also the choice to switch points of view from time to time was jarring and inadvisable.
All in all, though, it was a pleasant read and you can’t go wrong with posh boy falling for quiet girl. Jane Austen knew this.

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus was a bit of a slow build for me. I wasn't sure what to expect, probably something along the lines of Remarkably Bright Creatures, so there was a bit of a disappointment, but this was an enjoyable read in its own right. A different take on a coming of age story. Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for the eArc. 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pen was a believable character that stayed in character throughout the book. She was a strong minded thoughtful friend. The story is about friendship, family dynamics, and coming of age. Takes place in Canada and Wales tying the cultures together. Readable and thought provoking.

A highly enjoyable read. When I realized it was a coming of age tale I was somewhat disappointed however, this is no ordinary tale of that genre. With many twists and turns, some improbable family secrets you’re left wondering what happens to everyone later. In life. A most enjoyable read. Definite recommend.

I was lucky enough to win a copy of THE LIFE CYCLE OF A COMMON OCTOPUS by Emma Knight in a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thank you for the early look, and have a safe holiday season!

You will be 85% into this book before you understand the title? Why the secret? Who knows? But Emma Knight's novel purpots to be about friendship, motherhood, love and family secrets. The novel ia probably longer than it needs to be. I felt as if I had lived the entire first year along with Penelope and her friend Alice, (and also Jo, though why she was in it I don't know.) I suppose it was necessary to have a lesbian character.

Penelope has the middle name, Lenox, of her father's friend. a Lord and a successful mystery writer. He best friend Alice is a budding actor How Pen meets the Lenox family, falls in love, loses her virginity, gets embroiled in revenge on a tutor who preys on female students, and describes lots of Scottish scenery and landmarks. The book was interesting, though a bit too long. The family "secret" is easy to guess long before it is revealed. There is some fine writing, but the characters were not memorable.

Thank you to Net Galley and Pamela Dorman books for offering me an ARC copy to read.

I stopped after chapter 1 (4%). I loved "Remarkably Bright Creatures" and I think I was hoping for more of that. Unfortunately, this story was a bit inconsistent in tone, and it didn't quite feel like it knew what it wanted to be to kick off.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC.

The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight is a fascinating and layered coming-of-age story. Pen’s journey from her sheltered life in Canada to uncovering her family’s secrets in Scotland is filled with suspense, emotional depth, and personal discovery. The setting at the University of Edinburgh and Lord Lennox’s ancient estate adds a rich, atmospheric backdrop that draws you in. The novel explores big themes like independence, family, and identity compellingly, and Pen’s growth feels authentic as she navigates the complexities of adulthood.

While the pacing can be slow in parts, the novel’s focus on self-reliance and the different forms of motherhood adds a unique dimension. The mix of campus life, personal awakening, and unraveling family mysteries makes it a rewarding read. Knight seamlessly weaves Pen’s inner journey with the external mystery, leaving the reader both satisfied and reflective.