Review: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt might sound like a quirky animal tale – and in a way, it is – but this debut novel offers something far more surprising: a story about loss, connection, and second chances, told in part by a giant Pacific octopus with a gift for observation. If that sounds odd, just wait until you meet Marcellus. Beneath the unusual premise is a moving, hopeful novel that sneaks up on your heart and stays there.
Key Takeaways: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
What It’s About
After the death of her husband, 70-year-old Tova Sullivan keeps busy working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. It’s quiet, predictable work – just the way she likes it. But everything changes when she strikes up an unlikely bond with Marcellus, a highly intelligent (and highly cranky) giant Pacific octopus nearing the end of his life.
Marcellus, who has a few secrets of his own, becomes a sharp-eyed observer of the humans around him – and he knows something about the mystery of Tova’s missing son. Enter Cameron, a troubled 30-something searching for his father and stumbling through life, who arrives in town with little direction but a surprising connection to Tova’s past.
Told in alternating perspectives – including chapters narrated by the octopus himself—this is a story about grief, intergenerational friendship, and the surprising ways life offers second chances.
My Review Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars.
I gave this book 4.5 stars. It’s both whimsical and deeply emotional. While it leans into sentimentality, it does so with sincerity and grace. A charming and quietly powerful read.
What I Liked
The Setting
Sowell Bay may be fictional, but it captures the cozy, salty charm of a small Pacific Northwest town. The aquarium becomes a character in its own right – moody, mysterious, and oddly comforting. The marine atmosphere adds a cool, briny layer to the emotional core of the novel.
The Characters
Tova is a gem – stoic, stubborn, and heartbreakingly real. Cameron is flawed, but relatable. And Marcellus? He’s unforgettable. The octopus narrator could have been gimmicky, but instead, he’s insightful, witty, and sharply observant. He adds just the right touch of magic.
The Plot & Storylines
The plot is gentle but effective, unraveling a long-buried mystery at its center. The emotional arcs – grief, identity, forgiveness – are handled with a delicate touch. It’s less about twists and more about healing, connection, and seeing others clearly.
What I Disliked
There are a few sentimental stretches that might feel a bit too neat or coincidental, particularly toward the end. And Cameron, though well-developed, can be frustrating in his early chapters, but that makes his growth feel earned by the final pages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Remarkably Bright Creatures
Is this a good book for book clubs?
Absolutely. The themes of grief, aging, found family, and forgiveness offer plenty to discuss. And yes, there’s even a book club discussion post with a free printable!
Are octopuses really smart?
Yes. Octopuses are considered to be very smart beings.
Is Remarkably Bright Creatures based on a true story?
No, but the depiction of octopus intelligence is rooted in real science. Shelby Van Pelt has said she was inspired by true stories about octopus escapes and their problem-solving skills.
Conclusion: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Remarkably Bright Creatures is a tender, imaginative story that invites readers to slow down and observe the hidden lives around them, whether human or octopus. It’s not a book about high drama, but rather quiet revelations and second chances. Full of charm and unexpected insight, and also a Read With Jenna book pick, it’s one of those novels that proves a gentle story can still leave a deep impression.
