Tova is a widow whose son mysteriously disappeared over thirty years ago in Puget Sound, Washington. She should have retired long ago, but she likes to keep busy. Cleaning is Tova's specialty, so she is a good fit for cleaning the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She likes the fish and is especially fond of Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus adept at escaping his tank.
Cameron, brought up by his aunt after his mother abandoned him, finds a clue to the father he never knew and moves to Sowell Bay to search for him. He gets a job at the aquarium, temporarily substituting for Tova when she is sidelined. Ever the busybody, Tova can't stay away from the aquarium, and the two strike up an unusual friendship. Tova mentors Cameron on proper cleaning techniques and introduces him to the remarkably bright Marcellus. Although he cannot communicate directly, Marcellus is adept at conveying information missing in Tova's and Cameron's lives.
This is a story about friendship and how it can take unusual paths. It cleverly walks that fine line between feeling good about the characters without getting sappy. The prose is light and witty, with an engaging plot and excellent characters. Although the ending is telegraphed well in advance, Van Pelt does a beautiful job of tying the pieces together.
4.5/5 stars.
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