"Remarkably Bright Creatures" | Reviewed by Chris Stuckenschneider

When “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” by Shelby Van Pelt, was released in 2022 I passed it by. Though the book had great reviews and friends recommended it, I balked. I didn’t think I could suspend reality enough to read a novel narrated by an octopus. Several weeks ago, I caved when a Harper Collins rep (the company that published the novel) left a copy of the new paperback release at Neighborhood Reads, urging me to dig into a book that was one of her favorites.

For starters the paperback is eye candy, visually stunning, the cover rendered in vibrant colors, coordinating with pages edged to match. When the book is closed, the stacked pages depict aquatic animals and plants—as if you’re in an aquarium, the setting for a book you’re into from first paragraph to last. Themes abound in this lovely read, at once a love story, and a tale of hope, love, family, and mortality.

Right off the bat we meet Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, a rescued octopus that longs to be freed from captivity in the fictional, coastal town of Sowell Bay, located in the Pacific Northwest. Marcellus is a Houdini, able to escape his enclosure by fiddling around until he gets free at night when the aquarium’s supervisor isn’t around. Tova is the cleaning lady who keeps things neat and tidy in the aquarium. She truly cares for all of the creatures, but takes a special interest in Marcellus. He comes to care about her just as dearly and proves instrumental in her future happiness.

Tova, age 70, is lonely, her husband having passed, yet her greatest loss is the death of her son, Erik, her only child, who drowned at 18, the answer to his demise unanswered. Was his death a suicide or the result of a tragic boat accident—not having answers to her son’s untimely death weighs heavy on Tova’s mind and she throws herself into her job as a distraction. She’s important there, necessary. It’s good to be needed.

The other major story arc centers on Cameron, an irresponsible, misguided 30-year-old who just can’t get it together. Deserted as a kid by his user-mom, and with no idea who his father is, Cameron is raised by his aunt, his mother’s sister. He goes from job to job, drinks too much, and can’t be counted on until his girlfriend boots him out of the house. This while his other friends are marrying and having children.

Broke, jobless and dejected, Cameron discovers clues that might lead to his real father, a man who appears to be monied, successful and lives not far from Sowell Bay. When Tova takes a fall and can’t fulfill her duties at the aquarium, the timing is perfect for Cameron, who has moved to Sowell Bay, near a friend of his. Cameron applies for the aquarium gig and is hired to fill in until Tova returns. The move throws the three main character, Marcellus, Cameron and Tova together, and marvelous, magical connections are made that provide answers for Tova and Cameron, all thanks to an octopus with a kind heart.

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a rare treasure, a wholly creative story that’s touching and amazingly believable. My friends and the Harper rep couldn’t have been more spot-on. I remain grateful to all who encouraged me to read this fan favorite which is now a favorite of mine too.

Buy the Book.