Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel

Okay, I know so many people who read this book and have recommended it but honestly, I just didn't get it. A book where the main character is an octopus? A book with a huge number of improbabilities. Nope, I didn't understand the fascination. But more and more reader friends were recommending it so... I decided to listen to it. Best decision ever! The story is sweet and charming, and yes, a lot of improbabilities but, it's worth it. It is worth listening to if for no other reason, to hear the voice of Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus. I loved listening to his countdown, his accounting, to his mischievous nocturnal adventures, and to his well thought out and thoughtful endeavors. I love the character of Tova, she and her friends are a hoot. Also, if you don't listen to the book, you're going to miss Ethan's accent and it is worth listening to! A bit of drama, mystery, trauma, romance, adventure, and more. And what Tova helps Marcellus do at the end.. beautiful, perfect 🥰 Listen to your friends, read this one! Better yet, listen to it! Listening to it made it five stars, if I had only read it, it still would have been four, four and a half but listening makes a difference 😁

Great read. My book club chose this as our favorite book of the year. Unique story and well-written. The characters are relatable and flawed. I understand that this will be a movie for release this year and I'm excited to see how they bring this octopus and his emotions to the big screen. A touching story. 👍🏻👍🏻

I stumbled on Remarkably Bright Creatures among my recommendations. As often happens, the premise intrigued me enough to read it even though I didn't know the author. Well, if Shelby Van Pelt often writes like this, I definitely want more of her books. The friendship between Tova the aquarium cleaning lady and Marcellus the giant Pacific octopus is a definite selling point in this book. It's a great twist on the "A Kid and Their X" trope (the kind of thing you see in stuff like Where the Red Fern Grows, Old Yeller, Free Willy, and so forth). This one, I am pleased to report, is far less cheesy and saccharine. Tova is a multifaceted character whose life may seem small in her estimation, and probably is if we go by what is a "normal" life in a small seaside town. Yet that life has been stuffed with complex emotions, unanswered questions, and a longing for "more" that I think everybody can relate to. At least, I certainly could. As for Marcellus, he's multifaceted, too. A part of me did stick with his point of view, and story, because it is a story of a "remarkably bright," underestimated creature trapped and controlled in a world he doesn't understand. I have cerebral palsy and was diagnosed as level 1 autistic this spring; I'm still looking back and trying to heal from a lot of the latter's implications. So in a visceral way, yeah. I'm not a captive animal or mistreated, but I understood how Marcellus felt. What I liked even better about his story though, is that Marcellus' story doesn't stop there. Marcellus actually has a life and a history that Shelby Van Pelt, Tova, Cameron, and other characters dig into. He's not just a captive yearning for freedom and mourning lost opportunities, as often happens with similar stories. He makes wry, witty, yet quiet, non-snarky observations about humans. He cares deeply for Tova because she took time to know him as a "person," but also because she's the only human who has ever stopped long enough for Marcellus to know as a real "person." Marcellus gets to be the conduit of real revelation and change for people inside and outside his world. That's amazing, and frankly, it's a lot more than many human characters get. Remarkably Bright Creatures couldn't succeed with just Tova or Marcellus though, or at least not as well as it did, I think. The other characters pop off the page as well. Cameron is my favorite, precisely because I didn't expect to like him at first. By his own admission, he comes off as a burnout and a loser, and I admit, that's how I saw him to begin with. But as with Tova and Marcellus, Cameron is hiding a lot of layers, a lot of depth. He's got a great heart, but he's still a typical, kinda clueless 30-year-old guy (and I'm still a 30-something so I say that tongue in cheek). He's vulnerable but not pitiful; he plays the victim sometimes, but then he gets mad at being called out on that and wants to do better. He struggles and is a burnout, but he's got good, solid friends and some real interests and potential. In other words, I got really into his arc, especially once Tova, Marcellus, and even Ethan got involved. As for Ethan, he's unexpectedly cool, as well. I admit some brownie points with him, as I love all things Scottish or Irish and he is of Scottish descent. But I also didn't expect a shopkeeper in his '70s with a gruff edge to be a Grateful Dead fan or to get along so well with a neat and tidy, tiny Swedish aquarium cleaner, so brownie points on plot and character there. In fact, Ethan's role in the story, in particular, went all kinds of unexpected places, so without spoiling anything, I'll tell you to keep an eye on it. Finally, Shelby wins some extra brownie points for a lot of the "little" things that "pop" out at me when reading a book like this one. For instance, I love cats and love the reluctant yet affectionate relationship Tova develops with a stray cat. I love Marcellus' Collection and the pride and care he takes in it. I love and felt some heartbreak over Tova's reminiscing about the attic playroom that never got to be a playroom. But I think the thing I loved most about Remarkably Bright Creatures is how remarkable Shelby showed readers humans--and creatures--can be, without getting heavy-handed or cheesy. There are some romances here, so to speak, but this is a relationship novel, and those are, have been for the past several years, some of my favorite ones. There is some language here, so caveat emptor if that's not your thing. From a writer's perspective, I also wondered how much some threads or characters were actually needed. For instance, looking back, I understand why Tova had a brother, but I'm unsure how much he furthered the plot. Similarly, I understand the roles of Avery and Marco but again, am unsure how much they furthered the plot. Also, I almost hate to say it, and I could be wrong about this. After all, I know about as much concerning octopi as the average person who watches Jeopardy (which I do). But while Marcellus' plot thread is great, and while I definitely understand suspension of disbelief, I did wonder along with Cameron how much those boundaries were pushed. I mean, I buy Marcellus getting out of his tank, and with the right Collection items, I guess Tova and Cameron could've figured out whatever they needed to know. But...there's a logical shard of me that isn't quite sure she buys how everything lined up, I guess. All that aside though, Remarkably Bright Creatures is still a remarkable book. As often happens, I'm now eager to find more like it. And yes, it does get a hearty recommendation. At the very least, I'll want to take closer looks next time I go to an aquarium.

What a wonderful surprise this was! I thought Remarkably Bright Creatures was a story about a woman and an octopus, but it turned out to be so much more than that. This is Shelby Van Pelt’s first book, and I don’t think a debut has affected me like this since I read Hollow Kingdom, another story that unfolds through the eyes of an animal. The story has a bit of magical realism to it, in the sense that parts of it are told from the octopus’s point of view, but otherwise it’s simply a delightful tale about family and connections that had me ugly crying by the end of the book. In the first chapter we meet Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus on display in the Sowell Bay Aquarium near Puget Sound. Marcellus has been in captivity for 1,299 days, and based on his life expectancy of about four years, he believes he only has a handful of days left to live. His dreary days in a small glass enclosure are broken up by secret nighttime excursions, as Marcellus is extremely smart and has found a way out of his tank. Tova Sullivan is a seventy-year-old woman who has been working nights at the aquarium as a cleaning lady for the past two years. Tova knows how to remove the hundreds of fingerprints on the tank walls and can polish the floors to a brilliant shine. She’s also quite fond of the sea creatures she encounters each night, especially Marcellus, and the two have formed an unusual bond since Tova saved Marcellus one night after he escaped and became entangled in a bunch of electrical cords. Next, we meet Cameron Cassmore, a thirty-year-old man who is drifting through life with no real purpose. Cameron lives in California, and one day his aunt gives him a box of his estranged mother’s things. Inside the box he finds a photo and an old class ring, clues that could lead to the identity of his father, a man he never knew. Cameron hops on a plane to Washington state, convinced the man he thinks is his father—a rich real estate tycoon—will be so distraught over abandoning his son, he’ll shower Cam with money. At least that’s the plan. Finally, Ethan Mack is the owner of Sowell Bay’s Shop-Way, the local grocery store. Ethan has known Tova for years and secretly has a crush on her, but Tova is much too distant to notice his interest. When Cameron shows up at the Shop-Way looking for a job, Ethan directs him to his friend who manages the aquarium, which is how Cameron and Tova meet. Tying all these characters together is Marcellus, a remarkably bright octopus with a penchant for stealing and hoarding the treasures he finds after hours on the aquarium floor, and who just might be able to bring two people together who need each other—but don’t yet realize it. Van Pelt’s chapters alternate among all these characters and introduce a slew of side characters as well, each one vitally important to the story. At first, we don’t realize how each character is connected to the next, but slowly the author reveals her secrets until the stunned reader begins to understand the depth of these connections. Each character is given a detailed backstory that becomes very important to the plot. Tova’s story in particular was heart wrenching, as she has experienced quite a bit of loss in her life and finds herself mostly alone in her twilight years. Luckily she belongs to a group of women who call themselves the Knit-Wits, and the four of them meet weekly to eat, drink, gossip and support each other. Tova came to America from Sweden as a little girl, so the story is filled with details about growing up with her Swedish mother and father. Even the Dala horses her mother collected play a part in the story, and I found these little details added so much richness. At first I couldn’t figure out how Cameron fit it, but once he arrives in Sowell Bay and meets Ethan and Tova, his story takes on new meaning. Cameron meets a woman named Avery who also plays a vital part in filling in some of the missing pieces about Cameron’s father, and I loved the way the author gave even the most insignificant side characters meaning and purpose. Van Pelt infuses her story with so many emotional moments and themes. We see how the Knit-Wits are going through the aging process, as their numbers have dwindled over the last few years. Tova is facing being alone in her old age, with no children or husband to take care of her, and so she makes the rash decision to sell her beloved house and move into a retirement community. I don’t want to give too many details about Tova’s past and her losses, because I think it’s better to discover those revelations for yourself. Let’s just say that I felt Tova’s pain and wanted nothing more than for her to be happy. And Van Pelt includes so many funny moments in her story that kept the tone light, despite some of the more heavy themes. There’s an ongoing bit about Cameron’s lost luggage that was hysterically funny, and Tova inherits a stray cat at one point, which was a delightful side plot. I also loved the story about the t-shirt that Tova uses to clean Ethan’s kitchen—you’ll just have to read the book so you can experience the hilarity too! And of course, I can’t forget the star of the story, Marcellus the octopus. As the days tick by—each of his chapters starts with a marker (“Day 1,299 of my captivity”, etc)---the tension builds as Marcellus gets closer to his impending death (at least that’s what he thinks). Marcellus understands human nature more than most humans, and I loved the way he wisely intuits each character’s needs. Ultimately, this is a story about creatures—both human and animal—saving each other. The way Marcellus’s story plays out was absolutely perfect—heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. This is a very special book, and I’m so glad I was able to finally read it. Highly recommended!

emarkably Bright Creatures is one of those rare novels that effortlessly sneaks into your heart and makes itself at home. It centers on Tova Sullivan, a seventy‑year‑old widow quietly trying to fill the empty spaces left by loss, and Marcellus, a brilliantly observant giant Pacific octopus at the Sowell Bay Aquarium whose voice is as wise as it is wry. Their unlikely friendship is at once funny, tender, and deeply affecting, gently guiding the story through themes of grief, hope, aging, and connection. The book also weaves in Cameron, a young man adrift in life, and slowly threads all three characters’ paths together into a quietly powerful emotional journey. What I loved most was how the narrative balances genuine humour and surprising warmth with profound reflections on family, forgiveness, and new beginnings — all without ever feeling forced or overly sentimental. Shelby Van Pelt’s debut is beautifully written, full of subtle moments that stick with you long after the final page. Whether it’s Marcellus’s clever asides, Tova’s resilient heart, or the way the story reminds you that healing can come from the most unexpected places, this book is a joy to read. Rating: ★★★★★ — a truly special read I’ll remember for a long time.

Some books don’t need to be complicated to be great. Remarkably Bright Creatures is one of those stories that feels simple on the surface but carries a surprising amount of heart underneath. This is a quiet, character driven story that leans into connection, grief, and second chances without ever feeling heavy handed. It reminded me a lot of the emotional tone found in books like A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. The story is straightforward, but it’s the warmth behind it that makes it work. Tova is the kind of character that sticks with you. If Ove represents one side of aging and loneliness, she represents another. Softer, kinder, and deeply human. She feels like the grandmother everyone wishes they had. And then there’s Marcellus, who shouldn’t work as well as he does, but absolutely does. He brings a sense of personality and perspective that adds something unique without feeling gimmicky. The pacing is exactly what it needs to be. Nothing feels rushed, nothing overstays its welcome. The story unfolds naturally, with reveals that come at the right time and never feel forced. The writing itself isn’t trying to reinvent anything, and that’s part of why it works. It’s clean, approachable, and quietly effective. Sometimes that’s exactly what a story like this needs. ⭐ Category Breakdown ⭐ Storytelling: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A simple, heartwarming story that delivers exactly what it sets out to do. It pulls you in and keeps you there. Character Work: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tova stands alongside characters like Ove in terms of emotional impact, but for completely different reasons. Marcellus is a standout and adds a surprising amount of charm. Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spot on. Everything unfolds at the right time with no wasted moments. Prose & Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not groundbreaking, but exactly what it needs to be. A refreshing, easy read that fits the tone perfectly. Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a book worth recommending to everyone. It leaves a lasting impression in the best way. ⭐ Final Rating ⭐ Average: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Final Thoughts This is the kind of book that reminds you why you read in the first place. It’s warm, sincere, and quietly impactful without ever trying too hard. Not every book needs to be complex to matter. This one just needs to be felt.

★★★★☆ (4/5) Remarkably Bright Creatures flowed easily and kept me reading, even with its delightfully odd choice to tell part of the story through an octopus. The novel thoughtfully explores how grief shapes people in very different ways—Tova coping through routine and responsibility, Cameron through avoidance and drift. While I enjoyed the journey, Cameron’s sudden improvement in work ethic after arriving in Sowell Bay felt unrealistic to me. Was it the job, the place, or something else? The ending suggested otherwise, which made that shift harder to believe. Still, the story was warm, engaging, and ultimately an enjoyable read.

It's absolutely an amazing story that makes you think about life! Loved the octopus's character!