Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Published by Ecco on May 3, 2022

Genres:  Contemporary Fiction, Mystery, Magical Realism, Animals, Book Club Picks, Women's Fiction

Pages:  360

Format:  Audiobook

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★★★★★

Remarkably Bright Creatures, an exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope, tracing 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.

Well I didn't expect to BALL MY EYES OUT at a book that's narrated by an OCTOPUS.... but here we are...

We are introduced to three VERY different characters - Tova, an elderly lady who works at an aquarium; Cameron, a young adult struggling to find his place; and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who is, as the book states, a remarkably bright creature.

As the story weaves it's way through these characters lives and eventually connects them all, we see what each of them are struggling with and how their relationships blossom. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale, the narration of the audiobook and the way this story is written.

I quickly became involved in all of their lives and knew where the book was headed but the suspense of waiting out the big reveal kept me captivated. The friendships and found family vibes are so strong in this one and I think this is one of those books that are impossible to hate.

The ending had me balling my eyes out with the perfect ending Van Pelt gave us. I look forward to seeing more of her future works!

I know I am late to the game with this book since it has been out for a while but if you haven't read this one - go find a copy! This was easily a 5-star read for me and I highly recommend the audio version.