“Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt is a debut novel that blends humor, emotion, and a bit of mystery. Released in 2023, the book centers around the unlikely relationship between a widowed woman named Tova Sullivan and a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus. Tova, who works the night shift at a small aquarium in a coastal town, finds herself forming an unusual bond with Marcellus, who is highly intelligent and observant.
Plot Summary:
The novel is set in the small town of Sowell Bay and follows Tova, who is grappling with the loss of her husband and a sense of loneliness. She spends her nights cleaning the aquarium, where she has a close connection with Marcellus, a captive octopus who has been in the aquarium for years.
Marcellus is no ordinary octopus—he is deeply aware of his surroundings and has developed a strong, almost human-like intelligence. Through his observations, he forms an understanding of Tova’s life, and through Tova’s care, the bond between them deepens.
Meanwhile, the story also touches on Tova’s son’s disappearance years ago, which still haunts her. Marcellus, in his quiet and intelligent way, starts to unravel parts of the mystery surrounding her son’s fate. Alongside the poignant narrative of Tova’s journey, there is a rich theme of second chances, healing, and unexpected connections.
- Audible Audiobook
- Shelby Van Pelt (Author) - Marin Ireland, Michael Urie (Narrators)
- English (Publication Language)
- 05/03/2022 (Publication Date) - HarperAudio (Publisher)
- Van Pelt, Shelby (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 384 Pages - 04/29/2025 (Publication Date) - Ecco (Publisher)
- CHREG, YAMI (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 85 Pages - 02/14/2023 (Publication Date) - Independently published...
- Pelt, Shelby Van (Author)
- Chinese (Publication Language)
- 400 Pages - 02/01/2024 (Publication Date) - Ji Mou (Publisher)
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- Fjord Warren (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 55 Pages - 03/14/2023 (Publication Date) - Warren Fjord (Publisher)
Themes:
- Loneliness and Connection: The novel explores how people (and animals) find companionship in unexpected places, such as the deep emotional bond between Tova and Marcellus.
- Intelligence and Perspective: Marcellus’s unique perspective as an octopus gives the reader an unusual lens through which to view human emotions and relationships.
- Grief and Healing: Tova’s journey of dealing with her son’s disappearance and the loss of her husband is a central emotional thread in the novel.
- Nature and the Ocean: The octopus, as an intelligent and complex creature, serves as a symbol of the mysteries and beauty of the natural world.
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
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Style and Reception:
Shelby Van Pelt’s writing is praised for its charm, emotional depth, and clever character development. The way she gives Marcellus, the octopus, a voice, and personality is considered a standout feature of the novel. The book combines elements of humor, heartache, and suspense in a way that resonates with readers.
“Remarkably Bright Creatures” has received positive reviews for its imaginative storytelling and poignant themes. It’s been described as a heartwarming and emotionally engaging read, perfect for those who enjoy quirky, character-driven stories.
If you like novels with a touch of magic and a strong emotional core, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a compelling choice.
What is the book “Remarkably Bright Creatures” about?
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a heartwarming and deeply emotional debut novel that explores themes of loneliness, loss, and unexpected connections. The story centers on Tova Sullivan, a widowed woman in her 70s who works the night shift at a small aquarium in a coastal town. There, she forms an unlikely bond with Marcellus, a highly intelligent and perceptive octopus who resides in the aquarium.
The plot follows Tova’s journey as she navigates her grief over the death of her husband and the mysterious disappearance of her son, which has haunted her for years. Marcellus, the octopus, is not just a passive animal—he observes the world around him with keen insight and starts unraveling pieces of Tova’s past, especially the mystery of her missing son. As Tova and Marcellus bond, the novel explores their intertwined paths of healing, redemption, and the surprising ways that connections can form, even between a woman and an octopus.
What is the trigger warning for “Remarkably Bright Creatures”?
Remarkably Bright Creatures contains a few potential triggers, primarily around the themes of grief, loss, and disappearance:
- Grief and the loss of loved ones: Tova is grieving the death of her husband and the disappearance of her son, and much of the novel revolves around her dealing with this pain.
- Death: The loss of family members plays a major role in the narrative.
- Emotional distress related to unresolved family trauma: The novel touches on the emotional struggles and trauma caused by Tova’s son’s disappearance.
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
These elements might be difficult for readers dealing with their own experiences of grief or loss.
Is “Remarkably Bright Creatures” worth reading?
Yes, Remarkably Bright Creatures is worth reading, especially for fans of character-driven stories that mix humor, heart, and emotional depth. The book’s charm lies in its ability to draw readers into the lives of its unique characters, particularly Tova and Marcellus. The relationship between an elderly woman and an octopus is both quirky and heartwarming, and the story’s mix of mystery and heartfelt moments will likely resonate with many readers.
The writing is both engaging and thoughtful, and the novel has received positive reviews for its imaginative premise, rich emotional themes, and unique perspective (especially through Marcellus’s observations).
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Will “Remarkably Bright Creatures” make me cry?
It’s possible! While Remarkably Bright Creatures balances humor with poignant moments, the exploration of loss, grief, and the search for connection is deeply emotional. Tova’s journey of healing, as well as the mystery surrounding her missing son, can be tear-jerking. The novel has a lot of heart and tender moments that may evoke strong emotional reactions from readers, especially those who are sensitive to stories about loss and personal growth.
Overall, the book’s emotional depth and heartwarming resolution have moved many readers, so it could very well bring out tears, but it also leaves a sense of hope and redemption.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt