The life cycle of a common octopus, Emma knight

Viking Imprint, 2025

Emma Knight’s The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus is a beautiful debut novel about friendship, first love, and family. While the atmospheric settings on the misty Scottish moors and the drafty halls of the University of Edinburgh might at first seem chilling, the prose itself is full of warmth and wit. The story examines female friendships and motherhood in a way that is both raw and comforting, and every character feels grounded in their worlds. Much like the title suggests, The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus observes the cycles we all fall into—of love, life, and growth.

––Quin Braden, Saskatoon