Remarkably Bright Creatures

by Shelby Van Pelt
Remarkably Bright Creatures cover
Good Books rating 4.6
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3014
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781526649676
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2023-07-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In the quiet town of Sowell Bay, Tova Sullivan finds solace in her nightly cleaning shifts at the local aquarium, where she forms an extraordinary bond with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. Marcellus, with his keen intelligence and observant nature, becomes determined to help Tova uncover the truth about her son's mysterious disappearance decades ago. /n/nAs their friendship deepens, Marcellus uses his unique abilities to piece together clues from the past, leading to a heartfelt journey of healing and discovery. This touching debut novel explores themes of loss, love, and the unexpected connections that can change our lives.

Reviews
Chick Who Reads Everything · 2024-11-11
heartwarming 4.50

The novel is praised for its memorable characters and heartwarming themes. It is seen as a unique and touching story that leaves a lasting impression.

This reviewer found the novel to be incredibly touching and memorable, highlighting the way it weaves together the lives of its characters in a unique and heartwarming way. The story is not just about the relationship between a woman and an octopus, but also explores deeper themes of love, loss, and the connections that bind us together. They appreciated the emotional depth and the way the author brings the setting to life, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a remarkable novel (yes, I finally had to say that word).

    It contains one of the memorable characters I've encountered in a long time.

    The story is so much more than what it initially appears to be.

One Reading Nurse · 2024-05-25
charming 4.50

The novel is charming and witty, offering a compelling exploration of friendship and hope. The connection between the characters is both unlikely and deeply moving.

This reviewer found the novel to be a delightful and engaging read, with a charming and witty narrative that explores themes of friendship, reckoning, and hope. They appreciated the unique connection between the characters, which is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The story is compelling and the characters are well-developed, making it a memorable and enjoyable read. They particularly liked the way the author balances humor and emotion, creating a story that is both lighthearted and deeply moving.

Quick quotes

    A charming, witty and compulsively listenable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope.

    The unlikely connection between the characters is both heartwarming and deeply moving.

    The story is compelling and the characters are well-developed, making it a memorable and enjoyable read.

Books, Bones, Buffy · Tammy · 2024-01-25
original 5.00

The book is more than just a story about a woman and an octopus; it is a deeply moving and original tale. The characters are unforgettable and the narrative is engaging.

Tammy was initially drawn to the book by its unique premise, but quickly found that it offered so much more. They were captivated by the depth of the characters and the way the story unfolds, revealing layers of emotion and connection. The narrative is both charming and thought-provoking, making it a standout read. They particularly appreciated the way the author handles themes of loss and redemption, creating a story that resonates long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    I thought Remarkably Bright Creatures was a story about a woman and an octopus, but it turned out to be so much more than that.

    This is Shelby Van Pelt's debut novel, and it's a stunning one at that.

    The characters are unforgettable, and the story is one that will stay with you.

Goodreads · 2022-05-03
enjoyable 4.40

The story is engaging and holds the reader's interest throughout, despite a predictable plot. The narrative is well-told and never boring.

This reviewer found the novel to be very engaging, with a narrative that keeps the reader interested from start to finish. They acknowledged that the plot might be somewhat predictable, but the way the story is told makes up for it. The characters and their interactions are likely what kept them hooked, making it a enjoyable read overall. The reviewer appreciated the lack of dull moments, which is a testament to the author's ability to maintain a compelling story.

Quick quotes

    Though the plot is somewhat predictable, the story is very well told and nowhere in the narrative do you lose interest or experience boredom.

    The characters and their interactions are likely what kept them hooked, making it a enjoyable read overall.

    The way the story is told makes up for the predictable plot.

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