The Soul of an Octopus
“Sy Montgomery’s does for the creature what Helen Macdonald’s H Is for Hawk did for raptors" - New Statesman
“Charming and moving..with extraordinary scientific research" - Guardian
“An engaging work of natural science. There is clearly something about the octopus’s weird beauty that fires the imaginations of explorers, scientists, writers" - Daily Mail
In 2011, Sy Montgomery wrote a celebrated feature for Orion magazine titled "Deep Intellect," which chronicled her bond with Athena, a gentle and perceptive octopus. The piece went viral, igniting widespread curiosity about these fascinating and almost alien-like beings. Building on this intrigue, Montgomery delves deeper, practising true immersion journalism to capture the essence of octopuses across various settings.
Through her detailed observations, Montgomery showcases the distinct personalities and intelligence of octopuses. Their cleverness manifests in myriad ways: they escape from enclosures with ingenious tricks, playfully jet water to bounce objects like balls, and impressively evade caretakers by using creative methods such as trampoline-like scoop nets. Yet, the octopus remains full of paradoxes, possessing a beak like a parrot, venom like a snake, and a tongue bristling with teeth. How can such an unconventional being possess intelligence, and what kind of thoughts does it harbour?
The recognition of intelligence in animals such as dogs, birds, and chimpanzees has only been a recent development in scientific circles. Now, researchers are uncovering the intellectual capabilities of octopuses, observing their problem-solving skills and interpreting their colour-changing camouflage. Montgomery doesn't just present an overview of this evolving understanding; she immerses the reader in a heartfelt narrative. By turns funny, entertaining, touching, and profound, reveals what these remarkable creatures can teach us about consciousness and the intriguing connection between two vastly different minds.