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Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
2 reviews
acsmallwood's review
I stopped at the end of chapter 6 when Kali dies. It is absolutely gut wrenching and didn’t need to happen. She spent her whole life cooped up and when she was moved to a tank that they hadn’t ensured was octopus proof, she escaped and died. The fact that they didn’t have a 24/7 watch on her despite knowing that it might not be secure is shockingly lax. The author does not do nearly enough exploration into what it means to hold such intelligent creatures in captivity, especially non-display animals. Really disappointing and I couldn’t keep reading even though I was almost done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Chronic illness, and Suicide
jourdanicus's review
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Great book. I learned a lot, not only about octopuses but other sea creatures and non human animals. Originally having heard about this book from the Currently Reading podcast, I heard it described as very emotionally moving and even life changing. I already knew non human animals were awe-some (in the literal sense of the word), so what I learned here may be more astounding to a reader who is new to the natural world. Regardless, it's worth a read; an excellent example of narrative non fiction that really breathes soul into an already interesting topic.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Death, Mental illness, and Suicide
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