Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt

Remarkably Bright Creatures

By Shelby Van Pelt

  • Release Date: 2022-05-03
  • Genre: Literary Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 3,756 Ratings

Description

A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!

“Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful examination of how loneliness can be transformed, cracked open, with the slightest touch from another living thing.” -- Kevin Wilson, author of Nothing to See Here

For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces 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.

Reviews

  • Loved it

    5
    By AK5544
    Amazingly beautiful story. One of the best books I have read in a while
  • Best book of my reading year!!

    5
    By spartinreads
    A gem of a story with a motley crew of characters. Young, old, quirky and all so real. They could be your classmates, neighbors and cranky shopkeeper down the street. They all weave together to create a wonderful story that can’t help but take you back to your own childhood. Nostalgia carries through to the ending warming the heart.
  • Surprising twist to the title is eventually revealed

    5
    By mcclyons
    This story is one of those rare books that you don’t want to put it down, or sleep, until it’s finished. There are surprising twists and turns. Emotion evoking storytelling, like all good art. I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
  • My heart is full

    5
    By ClayVoy & Sea Designs
    In my long life I’ve never devoured a story so quickly. It was so beautifully written. I can’t wait for more books by this writer. A story with Such beauty and heart. Just Magical
  • DNF

    1
    By Meemur603
    The writing was juvenile. Read more as YA.
  • It was a wonderful life affirming story. Every reader will enjoy it immensely!

    5
    By maholover
    The storyline is very meaningful.
  • Remarkably Bright Creatures

    5
    By Kandle
    I loved this beautiful story. One I’ll never forget. ❤️
  • Favorite

    5
    By JoPrDe
    This is one of my favorite books I have ever read. The story, format, characters, and written are SO well done. Loved it!
  • very good

    5
    By Amt135
    Heartwarming and unique
  • Magical

    5
    By Katswobo
    Stumbled across this book quite by accident. And so glad I did.