The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery
The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery explores octopus intelligence, behaviour and consciousness through the author's encounters with the animals. It combines natural science with personal storytelling, making it a fit for readers who want an accessible, emotionally engaging account rather than a technical reference.
At a glance
- Follows octopuses in aquarium settings and in the wild, including New England, French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico.
- Discusses reported problem-solving, escape behaviour, play and colour-changing camouflage.
- Pairs accounts of octopus intelligence with the author's personal connection to the animals.
Reference price: €9.36
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Brings science and first-person storytelling together for an accessible introduction to octopus behaviour and consciousness.
- The 272-page print length gives space for both animal encounters and scientific context.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Simon & Schuster UK |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 7 April 2016 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 272 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1471146756 |
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.96 x 0.57 x 7.72 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in marine life, animal intelligence and consciousness.
- People who prefer natural-science writing with personal narrative and emotional themes.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a purely technical textbook or a concise field guide.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
82% 82% - 4 stars
11% 11% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the book as fascinating, informative and easy to read, with the conversational writing and engaging, novel-like quality among the reported strengths. Readers who want accessible science alongside an emotional connection to animal life may value that approach, while those seeking a strictly technical treatment may prefer a specialist reference. The supplied rating distribution is strongly weighted towards five-star ratings, though ratings alone do not explain individual readers' reasons.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the engaging, readable style and informative content.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Soul of an Octopus about?
It follows Sy Montgomery's encounters with octopuses and considers their intelligence, behaviour and possible forms of consciousness.
Is this a technical marine biology textbook?
The listing presents it as a mix of natural science and personal storytelling, so it may suit general readers more than those looking for a technical reference.
How long is the listed edition?
The product details list 272 pages.
