Remarkably Bright Creatures

by Shelby Van Pelt
Remarkably Bright Creatures cover
Good Books rating 4.69
Contemporary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£14.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3014
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780063204157
  • Publisher: Ecco
  • Published: 2022-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

In the small town of Sowell Bay, a widow named Marcie finds solace in her daily visits to the local aquarium, where she forms an unexpected bond with an intelligent octopus named Marigold. Their unique friendship becomes the catalyst for Marcie to confront her past and uncover the truth about her son's disappearance thirty years ago. /n/nRemarkably Bright Creatures is a debut novel that blends humor, heart, and a touch of magic, exploring themes of love, loss, and the connections that transcend species. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including that of Marigold the octopus, offering a fresh and captivating narrative style.

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.

Greenish Bookshelf · 2023-07-29
beautiful 4.75

The writing is stunning and compelling, with a storytelling approach that is both beautiful and engaging. The themes of friendship and self-discovery are explored in a heartwarming manner.

This reviewer was struck by the beauty of the writing, finding it absolutely stunning and compelling. The way the story is told is described as gorgeous, with words that paint vivid pictures. The themes of friendship and self-discovery are explored in a heartwarming way, making the journey of the characters both emotionally resonant and deeply moving. The reviewer appreciated the unique perspective and the way the narrative unfolds, creating a reading experience that is both engaging and memorable.

Quick quotes

    The writing is absolutely stunning and so compelling.

    The way Van Pelt tells her story is so gorgeous. The words paint beautiful pictures and ...

    The writing is absolutely stunning and so compelling.

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