t.j.

The Gadfly is a tale of heroism, faith, and disillusionment, where love manifests in its religious, romantic, and family forms. The story follows the activities of Arthur Burton and his antagonist, Padre Montanelli. Arthur, a radical journalist who publishes satirical tracts under the pseudonym "the gadfly", is in love with Gemma. The narrative also explores the relationship between religious and revolutionary feelings.

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.