My Friend the Octopus is a natural history mystery by Lindsay Galvin set just after the boom of aquariums across the UK in the reign of Queen Victoria. The popularity of aquariums once high started to fade.
Vinnie Fyfe and her mother leave their house and milliners shop in the night to travel to stay with Aunt Bets in Brighton after the sinister Mr Jedders tries to follow then. Vinnie has always wanted to meet her Aunt Bets in person having written letters to her. However, when they arrive her mother announces that she will be immediately leaving Vinnie in her aunt’s care to travel to Paris. An incredibly close knit mother and daughter unit the last thing Vinnie feels ready for is to be left alone for the very first time without her mother.
Aunt Bets is delighted to have Vinnie to stay and wants to show her a whole range of brave new things to try. Riding on the back of her bicycle which terrifies her the first time and she has to close her eyes. Dipping into the sea. Vinnie has never even seen the sea before so she certainly doesn’t feel ready to get into it. Vinnie blossoms under Aunt Bets care and makes some wonderful new friends.
Charlie the future investigative journalist and his uncle Mr Lee who owns the aquarium below Aunt Bets tea shop. Temitayo the very talented ward of a rich man who brought her over from Africa as a very young child. The aquarium provides the perfect background for these budding friendships.
The descriptions of the aquarium are so atmospheric. I felt like I was down there in the dark amongst the tanks and looking at the fascinating sea creatures float past. The story starts with the capture of a giant octopus who as the title suggests will become Vinnie’s friend. The relationship between child and animal is so beautifully written. You can feel the connection they have and there’s an unspoken understanding between the two.
It’s a great book for children who enjoy the Victorian time period and animals. I enjoyed reading it as an adult. I did feel the start was a little slow. I was confused initially as it felt like there were two stories here which took a while to become one. A story about a girl’s relationship with her mother and a relocation to a new town is the predominant early theme before the mystery side of things kicks in. It felt like being shown a mystery was there, going off to do something else and then bringing it back. Once it all came together it really worked though.
From a publishing perspective and as a reader I absolutely loved the cover art for this book. It’s so beautiful. I had to pick the book up as soon as I saw it. It perfectly captures the feel of the book and the ocean and also the drawings Vinnie begins to create of her new ocean friends. The octopus on the front cover literally glitters and picks up the light as you move the book. Stunning.
A fun and charming read which will transport you back in time and let you experience Brighton without ever leaving your home. There are also some lovely octopus facts at the back of the book and many cropping up through the story itself. I feel a lot more knowledgeable now and was often amazed by these beautiful creatures. There is even a recipe for petit fours at the back of the book as well. I might just need to make some…
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