Dorothy is overwhelmed by her son’s death, a miscarriage, and the death of a dog that was supposed to have comforted her. Her marriage is unfulfilling since she and Fred, her husband, live separately under the same roof. Fred has been unfaithful. Dorothy is incredibly lonely and seeks companionship and love. My favorite quote from the novel is “I think we’re too unhappy to get divorced,” found on page 17.
After hearing warnings on the radio that a dangerous monster has escaped from an oceanographic institute, which may be figments of her imagination and unconscious, she allows Larry, the frogman monster, into her house and lets him stay in the guest room. She gives him food and finds that he is a good listener when she shares many of the depressing aspects of her life and her concerns about her only friend Estelle. Dorothy has both an emotional and sexual affair with Larry and begins to develop some self-esteem.
It doesn’t matter whether Larry is a live creature or something that Dorothy imagines to fill a void in her life. With either interpretation, we have an engaging novel with plot points and themes worth pondering. Dorothy refuses to believe that Larry is violent or dangerous. Based on Larry’s reports, she thinks it is much more likely that the researchers mistreated him. While reading this well-written and concise novel, the author gives us much to consider. Questions regarding the quality of relationships both in marriage and friendships provide subtext. Larry provides pertinent and poignant commentary about differences and sameness within and between species. Dorothy reconsiders many notions about finding one’s kindred spirit. The characters also give us much to consider about loyalty and betrayal among friends and spouses.
