Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures is a moving, quietly profound debut that explores loss, connection, and the small ways we find our way back to life. Blending realism with a touch of whimsy, the novel follows a grieving widow, an aimless young man, and an unexpectedly wise giant Pacific octopus whose voice turns an ordinary story into something truly unforgettable.
Story Overview
Tova Sullivan has spent decades coping with grief. Her husband has passed away, and her only son, Erik, disappeared mysteriously over thirty years ago in Puget Sound. To fill her quiet nights, she works as a cleaner at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, where she befriends the most unusual of confidants: Marcellus, a curmudgeonly octopus nearing the end of his life.
Marcellus, who narrates several chapters in his sharp, witty voice, knows more than anyone suspects about what happened to Tova’s son. Determined to help her before his time runs out, he becomes the heart of a story that ties together human frailty, redemption, and the power of unlikely friendships.
Writing and Style
Van Pelt’s prose is elegant and unpretentious, perfectly suited to the novel’s themes of quiet resilience. The writing balances humor, tenderness, and melancholy in a way that feels effortless. Marcellus’s sections sparkle with intelligence and dry wit, while Tova’s perspective grounds the story in emotional truth. The author also brings the coastal town of Sowell Bay to life with vivid atmosphere and gentle pacing, creating a setting that feels both intimate and timeless.
Characters and Themes
At its core, Remarkably Bright Creatures is about connection between people, between species, and between past and present. Tova’s loneliness and stoic strength make her deeply relatable, while Marcellus, with his sardonic humor and surprising empathy, steals the reader’s heart.
Cameron, a younger man whose life has been marked by abandonment and poor decisions, provides a contrasting thread. While some readers may find him frustrating or immature, his presence underscores one of the book’s central ideas: that healing and growth can come from the most unexpected places.
Van Pelt explores grief, forgiveness, and the meaning of home with subtlety and warmth. The story’s emotional payoff feels earned, reminding us that even in the depths of loss, life continues to offer second chances.
Highlights
- A deeply original narrative voice through Marcellus the octopus
- Thoughtful reflections on grief, aging, and resilience
- Gentle humor that softens heavy themes
- A beautiful balance of heartbreak and hope
Final Thoughts
Remarkably Bright Creatures is a tender, intelligent novel that lingers long after the last page. It’s one of those rare books that can make you cry, smile, and quietly rethink what it means to be alive. Whether you read it for the emotional storytelling, the unique animal perspective, or simply to feel something genuine, this debut more than delivers.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
A heartfelt, life-affirming story about love, loss, and the unexpected bonds that make us whole.
Get your copy of Remarkably Bright Creatures on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nZImL7
