She lost two parents on that day, as her grief-strcken father took off shortly after his wife’s death.
Pippi, broken and filled with anger, is left with Uncle Isaac, her last family member.
Isaac, worn by life, has become befuddled. But Pippi is always ready to fill his empty mind's thoughts and his mouth's forgotten words for him.
But for how long will she be able to do so?
When she falls off the bow of their fishing boat, she is saved by the giant octopus, Octavia.
Uncle Isaac decides that it is time to tell Pippi that with her mother’s death, she has inherited the burden of Keeper of the Octopus.
Pippi discovers her mother’s diary which holds the history of her ancestors, and now her own role as carer for Octavia.
With this responsibility, she is changed from a frightened child to a responsible caretaker of tradition.
Prompted by the lust for money and power, the Calamary brothers arrive in their deluxe fishing boat with intent to drag up every fish possible from the sea with their secret nets; their strongest focus being the giant octopus.
Without anyone to support her efforts, Pippi makes her own plans to stop them, knowing what they are planning will disturb the natural balance of the underwater world, and destroy life as they know it.This is a superb magical realism adventure with fantastic characters, many of which are animals, that play significant roles.
There is their home-help Ferg, a small hob goblin, Wally, her best friend, who was born with a crooked leg but would do anything for Pippi, the people of the tavern that look out for Isaac, and her surrounding community.
She is much-loved and also watched over by her albatross friend, Fairweather, her father’s old dog Mussels, and the boat’s cat, Buccaneer.
There are unexpected twists, turns, and lots of tension in this fascinating, imaginative and engrossing novel.
Nerida McMullin’s knowledge of octopi is impressive. This information is embroidered into the text with careful consideration. Her use of colour to portray emotions, works very well throughout the story.
A beautiful portrayal of the connection between humans and the underwater world, reminds us that we depend on all of Nature that surrounds us for survival, just as Nature depends on us.
Title: The Keeper of the Octopus
Author: Neridah McMullin
Publisher: Walker, $ 17.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760659479
For ages: 10+
Type: Fantasy