Maddy ✨ ~The Verse Vixen's Reviews > The Octopus Museum

⭐⭐⭐☆☆

~ Plot Overview:

The Octopus Museum is a highly creative collection of poems that imagines a world where octopuses have taken over after humanity’s self-inflicted environmental ruin.The collection presents a dystopian vision, exploring themes like environmental collapse, human arrogance, and the social injustices that have contributed to this grim reality. Through the eyes of cephalopods, the poems examine how humans have hurt the planet and each other, while offering a sharp critique of societal issues such as sexism, racism, and violence. but at times, the collection can feel overwhelming and distant due to its abstract style.


~ Some Standout Poems:


"Bakamonotako" – A fable that explores identity struggles, reflecting on the consequences of losing one’s true self.

"Are Women People?" – This poem examines the status of women through the lens of cephalopod analysis, asking difficult questions about how humans categorize each other.

"Letters from Elders" – A reflective and poignant letter from the older generation, expressing regret about the future shaped by past mistakes.

"No Traveler Returns" – Contemplates the unspoken, existential thoughts that many keep hidden.

"Gift Planet" – A warning from Time itself about humanity’s irreversible actions.


~ Final Thoughts:

While the collection is intellectually engaging and full of deep themes, The poems are intellectually stimulating, yet emotionally complex, making them both thought-provoking and deeply human. While the collection’s dystopian tone can feel bleak at times, it is ultimately a call to attention—warning us to take stock of the world we’ve created before it’s too late. The creative concept of octopuses reflecting on human society is unique, but the overall tone can be difficult to digest. It's a thought-provoking read, but may not resonate with everyone. For fans of abstract poetry and social commentary, it’s worth exploring, but not without its challenges.