The Soul of an Octopus

by Sy Montgomery
The Soul of an Octopus cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Nonfiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 6629
  • Added: 2025-11-27
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781451697728
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2016-04-05
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In The Soul of an Octopus, Sy Montgomery takes readers on a journey into the fascinating world of octopuses, revealing their complex and intelligent nature. Through her immersive experiences with these creatures, Montgomery introduces us to octopuses with distinct personalities, showcasing their problem-solving skills and color-changing techniques that scientists are only beginning to understand. Montgomery's engaging narrative not only highlights the remarkable abilities of octopuses but also delves into the emotional bonds she forms with them. Her personal encounters and the growing scientific appreciation for these mollusks make this book a profound exploration of the meeting of two very different minds.

Reviews
Notes of Oak · 2018-10-01
critical 2.50

The book is a fascinating exploration into the wonder of consciousness, but it is marred by human hubris and a lack of scientific rigor. The emotional and personal aspects are well-documented, but the book's claims about octopus consciousness are not sufficiently supported by scientific evidence.

Notes of Oak's review of The Soul of an Octopus praises the book for its fascinating exploration into the wonder of consciousness. However, the reviewer notes that the book is marred by human hubris and a lack of scientific rigor. The emotional and personal aspects of the author's experiences with octopuses are well-documented, but the reviewer feels that the book's claims about octopus consciousness are not sufficiently supported by scientific evidence. Despite these criticisms, the book is still seen as a valuable read for those interested in the emotional and personal aspects of human-animal relationships.

Quick quotes

    A book review of Sy Montgomery's nonfiction text – The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness.

    The book is marred by human hubris and a lack of scientific rigor.

    The emotional and personal aspects of the author's experiences with octopuses are well-documented, but the book's claims about octopus consciousness are not sufficiently supported by scientific evidence.

The Guardian · 2016-06-05
insightful 4.00

The book provides a fascinating look into the complex and often misunderstood world of octopuses, challenging common perceptions and offering a deeper understanding of their intelligence and consciousness. The emotional and compassionate approach makes it a moving story of friendship and discovery.

The Guardian's review highlights how Sy Montgomery's account of octopuses does much to rehabilitate the creature's often maligned and mythologized reputation. The book is praised for its emotional and compassionate approach, which makes it a moving story of friendship and discovery. The reviewer appreciates the way Montgomery challenges common perceptions and offers a deeper understanding of octopuses' intelligence and consciousness. The pacing and emotional depth of the book are particularly noted, making it a compelling read for those interested in marine life and animal behavior.

Quick quotes

    Sy Montgomery's account of octopuses will do much to rehabilitate the much maligned and mythologised creature.

    The book is praised for its emotional and compassionate approach, which makes it a moving story of friendship and discovery.

    The pacing and emotional depth of the book are particularly noted, making it a compelling read for those interested in marine life and animal behavior.

Kam Martinez · Kam Martinez · 2015-07-10
mixed 3.00

The book is a good chronicle of one woman's friendship with four octopuses, but it is far too long and could have benefited from more scientific depth. The emotional connections and enthusiasm of the people involved are well-documented, but the book falls short in providing a comprehensive scientific perspective.

Kam Martinez's review of The Soul of an Octopus highlights the book's strengths in chronicling the emotional connections and friendships between the author and four octopuses. However, Martinez notes that the book is far too long and could have benefited from more scientific depth. The enthusiasm of the people involved is well-documented, but the reviewer feels that the book falls short in providing a comprehensive scientific perspective. Despite these criticisms, the book is still seen as a valuable read for those interested in the emotional and personal aspects of human-animal relationships.

Quick quotes

    This book is a good chronicle of one woman's friendship with four octopuses and the people who look after them and are enthusiastic about them.

    It is far too long and could have benefited from more scientific depth.

    The enthusiasm of the people involved is well-documented, but the book falls short in providing a comprehensive scientific perspective.

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