Remarkably Bright Creatures

I requested this book from my public library without reading the blurb, relying only on its buzz on Bookstagram. When I finally read the back of the book, I learned it was about a friendship between a widow, a young man, and a Giant Pacific Octopus. Naturally. 😉

This is a heartwarming, unconventional story about three lonely beings whose lives intersect and the bonds they find between them. We have Tova, a semi-retired widow; Cameron, a down on his luck 30-year-old man; and Marcellus, a Giant Pacific Octopus. Marcellus was easily my favourite character. I loved his chapters as he shares his humorous thoughts and observations about the humans around him. He is charming and, quite frankly, a remarkably bright creature who left me hoping I'd meet my very own cephalopod bestie.

I also enjoyed Tova's POV but felt Cameron came off as much younger than 30 years old. It's through her cast of characters that Van Pelt incorporates themes of family, life's hardships, loneliness, and the long-term effects of grief. The story is well-paced (I loved the short chapters!) and includes a few satisfying coincidences, some twists, a chuckle or two (Marcellus, you mirthful marine mollusk!!) -- and if you're an old softie, you may want to keep a Kleenex at the ready.

This impressive debut is a quirky, inspiring read and its delightful cephalopod stole the show for me. Remarkably Bright Creatures is a story that reminds us of the importance of connection, friendship, and family ... and will have you craving friendship with your very own cephalopod. 

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Shelby Van Pelt

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Type and Source: Hardcover from public library

Publisher: Ecco

First Published: May 3, 2022

Book Description from GoodReads: A novel 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.