Who Would Like This Book:
This is a warm, uplifting novel that will tug at your heartstrings. Fans of character-driven stories will be enchanted by Tova, a stoic yet lovable widow, and her unexpected friendship with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus (who, yes, gets his own hilarious and wise point of view). If you adore tales of found families, quirky small towns, touching reflections on grief and healing, or just want a book that makes you both laugh and cry, this one’s a winner. Bonus points if you like a light touch of magical realism and appreciate unique animal perspectives! Perfect for fans of "A Man Called Ove" or "The House in the Cerulean Sea."
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers weren’t charmed by the octopus narrator or the sprinkle of magical realism - it’s just not everyone’s thing! Others found the plot a bit predictable, slow in its pacing (especially the second half), or felt that some characters fell into cliché territory. If you want fast-paced action, a tightly wound mystery, or just can’t suspend disbelief for an animal’s POV, this book might not be your cup of tea.
About:
'Remarkably Bright Creatures' by Shelby Van Pelt is a heartwarming novel that weaves together the stories of a mother's undying love for her lost son, a group of knit wit friends, a small town known for its strong sense of community, an out of towner, and an octopus. The unique combination of characters and themes creates a story filled with love, loss, hope, friendship, and new beginnings. The book is narrated from multiple viewpoints, including that of an elderly human woman and a 5-year-old octopus, exploring themes of near end-of-life reflections and unrealized potential in a captivating and emotional way.
The author, Shelby Van Pelt, skillfully uses different voices and storytelling techniques to engage readers in a web of divergent strands that come together beautifully. The plot unfolds with surprising twists and turns, keeping readers invested in the characters and their journeys. Through the interlayered tale of lost souls finding solace and peace through each other's actions, the novel delves into the meaning of family, love, and the human experience, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after the final page is turned.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains themes of loss, grief, and child death which may be triggering for some readers.
From The Publisher:
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!
NAMED A BEST BOOK OF SUMMER by: Chicago Tribune * The View * Southern Living * USA Today
"Remarkably Bright Creatures [is] an ultimately feel-good but deceptively sensitive debut. . . . Memorable and tender." - Washington Post
For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus
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.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova's son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it's too late.
Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
Ratings (629)
Incredible (179) | |
Loved It (253) | |
Liked It (115) | |
It Was OK (66) | |
Did Not Like (15) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (1150):
Read It (649) | |
Currently Reading (11) | |
Want To Read (348) | |
Did Not Finish (26) | |
Not Interested (116) |
24 comment(s)
What a great story! Interesting view to ‘hear’ from the octopus and love how the main characters are so well written. Great debut from Shelby van Pelt, hope she continues to write!
Very cutesy. Kind of on the nose. I loved the cross species friendship aspect. But only 3.5 stars at most for me.
i don’t really get all the hate surrounding this book, it was cute and a super lighthearted read
Read this book for my dear friend and octopus-pal, Marcellus!
I loved this book. It was heartwarming and sad, but it also brought so much joy while reading. I struggled to pull myself away from the pages as the story progressed to its climax. I needed to get to the end to see the characters experience the joy they brought me.
However, while the humans in the story were great, I wanted nothing more than to read every word and hear all of Marcellus' thoughts. He was the star of the show and deserves everything.
Someone take me to an aquarium PRONTO!
Never thought an octopus could make me tear up </3
Feels like a heavy grief driven read at first but the end will leave you feeling warm with happy tears.
Super heartwarming. Kinda predictable. But sometimes you need that? Also who would’ve known I could cry over an octopus??
I absolutely adored this book. It is written well, I didn't want to stop reading it, the characters are well developed, and who doesn't love a happy ending? It was a little predictable, especially after about mid-way through the story, but I did not mind at all. I enjoy reading thinking, "will what I thought be true?". It doesn't make the story less wonderful. This is 100% a comfort read, and I think the insights are profoundly deep.
So good!
Loved this book - Tova, Cameron, and Ethan were such lovable characters. Their intertwining story with Marcellus was a joy to read, and made me cry at the end. Highly recommend!
This book was so wholesome. I loved every page. My heart was so full by the ending.
What can you read after
Remarkably Bright Creatures?
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