You might be surprised to learn that Emma Knight’s new book, The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus, isn’t about marine life at all. The novel follows two Canadian students finding their way in Scotland as they navigate family secrets and first love. Emma joins Mattea Roach to talk about coming of age abroad, the freedom of the pre-smartphone age, and her interest in imperfect mothers. 

If you enjoyed this conversation, check out these episodes:

• Fawn Parker: Blending her own grief with fiction in new novel Hi, It’s Me
• Alan Hollinghurst: Coming of age in Britain and writing through the gay gaze