Name: smile's review of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Item: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Rating: 3.5
Author: smile

Shelby Van Pelt

For fans of A Man Called Ove, a luminous debut novel about a widow's unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus reluctantly residing at the local aquarium--and the truths she finally uncovers about her son's disappearance thirty years ago. 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 the Puget Sound over thirty years ago. As she works, 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 tentacles for his human captors--until he forms an unlikely friendship with Tova. Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova's son disappeared. As his affection for Tova grows, Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it's too late. Charming, compulsively readable, and full of wit, Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel is a beautiful exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope--a reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

A Novel

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Baylea Fancher

Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures. 

I am not like you and Mary Ann and Barbara. I don’t have children who will come stay with me when I've had a fall. I don’t have grandchildren who will stop by to unclog my drain or make sure I’m taking my pills. And I won't put that burden on my friends and neighbors.

"There's your problem," says Janice softly. "Assuming it’s a burden.”

Here, in the kingdom of animals, ignorance is dangerous. The poor herring dropped into the tank lacks any awareness of the shark lurking below. Ask the herring whether what he doesn't know can hurt him.

Much of human parlance is nonsense, but perhaps most ludicrous among the rubbish they spew is their tendency to glorify their own foolishness. By this, I mean absurd statements such as: What he doesn't know won't hurt him! Or, worse: Ignorance is bliss!

Elizabeth

“How did you, like, go on?” He looks down at her and swallows hard. “I mean, he was here one day and gone the next. How do you recover from something like that?” 

Tova hesitates. “You don’t recovery. Not all the way. But you do move on. You have to.” 

karina

“I miss you. Both of you.” She taps her heart. 

“You don’t recover. Not all the way. But you move on. You have to.”

Lynn

Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.

Genesis (@whisperingchapters)

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel Remarkably Bright Creatures is an adorable tale covering the perspectives of an old lady (Tova) working at an aquarium, a California raised manchild (Cameron), and an octopus named Marcellus. Marcellus is reaching the end of his lifespan, and Tova’s still strangled with grief over losing her son, but ah!, here comes all the comfort and answers you need in the 350 page package. This novel is like the literary equivalent of freshly baked cookies from your Grandma after running home in the rain.

As cute as the premise is, however, I did think the execution fell flat for me at several points. Cameron, the aforementioned manchild, was quite difficult to stomach as a character. He’s a 30 year old orphan who (since he didn’t have much of a paternal figure growing up... i guess..?) acts like an immature teenager: he runs around asking his friends for favors that they know he won’t repay, he procrastinates and whines about fundamental adult responsibilities, and the first impression of his romantic interest is him staring at her chest. And the way the story pans out, we’re supposed to feel bad for him..? It’s a hard selling point.

Tova and Marcellus were the main point of interest for me, and they were really wonderful. However, Cameron really was the protagonist of the book; he took up the larger percentage of the page count, and most of the action in the novel revolved around his story. This is why it’s difficult for me to say I enjoyed the novel itself, but rather the smaller pieces. Marcellus and Tova’s struggles with death, grief, and slowly finding a path to something better were beautiful, and I really wished that was what Shelby Van Pelt put the spotlight on here.  

smile

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel Remarkably Bright Creatures is an adorable tale covering the perspectives of an old lady (Tova) working at an aquarium, a California raised manchild (Cameron), and an octopus named Marcellus. Marcellus is reaching the end of his lifespan, and Tova’s still strangled with grief over losing her son, but ah!, here comes all the comfort and answers you need in the 350 page package. This novel is like the literary equivalent of freshly baked cookies from your Grandma after running home in the rain.

As cute as the premise is, however, I did think the execution fell flat for me at several points. Cameron, the aforementioned manchild, was quite difficult to stomach as a character. He’s a 30 year old orphan who (since he didn’t have much of a paternal figure growing up... i guess..?) acts like an immature teenager: he runs around asking his friends for favors that they know he won’t repay, he procrastinates and whines about fundamental adult responsibilities, and the first impression of his romantic interest is him staring at her chest. And the way the story pans out, we’re supposed to feel bad for him..? It’s a hard selling point.

Tova and Marcellus were the main point of interest for me, and they were really wonderful. However, Cameron really was the protagonist of the book; he took up the larger percentage of the page count, and most of the action in the novel revolved around his story. This is why it’s difficult for me to say I enjoyed the novel itself, but rather the smaller pieces. Marcellus and Tova’s struggles with death, grief, and slowly finding a path to something better were beautiful, and I really wished that was what Shelby Van Pelt put the spotlight on here.  

7.5/10

hilarious and beautiful and perfectly heart wrenching 

Ralie Sutton

Cute! Loved the octopus, wish I heard more from him but whatever. Kinda boring

Allysen

It was a bit slow at first, but I ended up really enjoying it

Brenna Rutherford

Margo Koss

Cute beach read. I love Marcellus the octopus 🐙 just enough family drama and quirky small town shenanigans to keep this book interesting — it was the perfect palate cleanser after a darker read.

Katelyn Caillouet

If you're looking for a slow, cozy read that tugs at your heart in the best way, this book might be just what you need. Part of the story is told through the perspective of Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, and honestly, I'm a sucker for animal narrators. Marcellus is sassy, witty, and has a knack of observing human behavior—his chapters were some of my favorites.

What stuck with me most was the book's message about resilience and how life can throw curveballs, but there's always hope for something better if you keep going. I especially loved how it shows that sometimes all it takes is one person (or octopus) to give you a break or show you kindness to help you find your footing again. This book left me feeling hopeful about life's unexpected second chances. 

Cynthia

If you're looking for a slow, cozy read that tugs at your heart in the best way, this book might be just what you need. Part of the story is told through the perspective of Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, and honestly, I'm a sucker for animal narrators. Marcellus is sassy, witty, and has a knack of observing human behavior—his chapters were some of my favorites.

What stuck with me most was the book's message about resilience and how life can throw curveballs, but there's always hope for something better if you keep going. I especially loved how it shows that sometimes all it takes is one person (or octopus) to give you a break or show you kindness to help you find your footing again. This book left me feeling hopeful about life's unexpected second chances. 

kait

This book really makes you view life and death in a very interesting and unique way. The audiobooks was amazing and I loved the writing style and lastly, the mystery itself was really captivating

Sofia B

this book was so unique and beautiful. i can't wait to see what this author does next!

Keira

This was a very sweet, heartwarming book that kept me engaged with the characters. I want to know Tova and Marcellus in real life. 

Coley T

This book started out a little slow but I actually really enjoyed it. The character development was great.

At first I personally felt like Cameron had zero redeeming qualities, and hated reading his chapters, but by the end I had started to change my mind. 

I LOVED Marcellus’s POV’s and I adored Tova’s character.

This book started out a little slow but I actually really enjoyed it. The character development was great.

At first I personally felt like Cameron had zero redeeming qualities, and hated reading his chapters, but by the end I had started to change my mind. 

I LOVED Marcellus’s POV’s and I adored Tova’s character.

Overall, it was a very sweet read. 

This wholesome and heartfelt story lifted my spirits during the gloomy days I've been experiencing lately. I would have loved this book if I had read it when I was young, but it's not strictly a children's book; I believe readers of all ages will appreciate its charm. Van Pelt skilfully weaves together the intertwined lives of her human characters and one exceptionally intelligent octopus. The book hooks you with an intriguing start, keeps you eagerly turning pages through the captivating middle, and concludes with a beautifully satisfying resolution. It's an impressive accomplishment, especially for a debut novel.

Heartwarming, creative, unique, and addicting - absolutely loved this book! Has been on my shelf for some time after hearing wonderful reviews and so happy I finally gave it a chance. 10/10

Sarah Wilson

lovely story about family (especially those who are found) — a bit predictable and slow at times — but heartwarming all the same

petrina

I absolutely loved this book! Everything I thought it would be and more. 

Rodney Crawford

Very much a character driven book, good story. It truly deserves a higher ranking but character driven books such as these are typically not my style. I would definitely recommend to someone who likes these types of books

Tabitha T

this book was a really wholesome story about family and intelligence, and at the center of it was one of my favourite animals: an octopus !

i really enjoyed how this book explored three different perspectives and it was a really kind and warm world to escape to in  the busy last few weeks. it didn't require a lot of brainpower to follow, and the characters were likable and kind.

i would recommend it to anyone looking for a chill lit fiction read, potentially someone younger as the themes aren't incredibly complex.

to conclude, even if i enjoyed it i found it didn't challenge my thinking, was just a nice book to pass the time and feel the fuzzy thinking. this is why its a 3 stars! solid, but not mind blowing

Ashna Nirula

this book was a really wholesome story about family and intelligence, and at the center of it was one of my favourite animals: an octopus !

i really enjoyed how this book explored three different perspectives and it was a really kind and warm world to escape to in  the busy last few weeks. it didn't require a lot of brainpower to follow, and the characters were likable and kind.

i would recommend it to anyone looking for a chill lit fiction read, potentially someone younger as the themes aren't incredibly complex.

to conclude, even if i enjoyed it i found it didn't challenge my thinking, was just a nice book to pass the time and feel the fuzzy thinking. this is why its a 3 stars! solid, but not mind blowing

One of the most moving books I’ve ever read

Isabella

Really beautiful. Makes me think so much about legacy and family and the relationships we make on our way to the end. I also just want to say: if one of my girlfriends told me she made a close friend in the octopus at the local aquarium, I’d 100% believe and respect her.  

Emma

✨sometimes she still feels as if she’s a mistaken jigsaw piece who found her way into the wrong puzzle.

✨But you would do well to believe me when I tell you this: the young male who has recently taken over sanitation duties is a direct descendant of the cleaning woman with the injured foot.

✨But I do not like the hole in her heart. She only has one, not three, like me. Tova’s heart. I will do everything I can to help her fill it.

✨“How did you, like, go on?” He looks down at her and swallows hard. “I mean, he was here one day and gone the next. How do you recover from something like that?” Tova hesitates. “You don’t recover. Not all the way. But you do move on. You have to.”

✨Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.

Mariaaa

✨sometimes she still feels as if she’s a mistaken jigsaw piece who found her way into the wrong puzzle.

✨But you would do well to believe me when I tell you this: the young male who has recently taken over sanitation duties is a direct descendant of the cleaning woman with the injured foot.

✨But I do not like the hole in her heart. She only has one, not three, like me. Tova’s heart. I will do everything I can to help her fill it.

✨“How did you, like, go on?” He looks down at her and swallows hard. “I mean, he was here one day and gone the next. How do you recover from something like that?” Tova hesitates. “You don’t recover. Not all the way. But you do move on. You have to.”

✨Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.

a cute read, but nothing life-changing. which y'know... maybe it's not supposed to be. but it's a read that makes me feel warm and i really enjoyed marcellus hehe

big ab

i enjoyed this book. i didn’t love this book. i think the author has two strong character POVs.. the other two are eh. also felt like there was a lot of buildup and very little payoff. but it was a cute read. not mind blowing or life changing.

Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

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Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

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Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt