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54 pages 1 hour read

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Shelby Van Pelt

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

358

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Washington State • Contemporary

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt tells the story of an elderly cleaning woman, Tova Sullivan, who befriends an intelligent octopus named Marcellus at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. As Tova searches for answers about her son's mysterious death, her path crosses with Cameron Cassmore, a man seeking his estranged father. Their lives intertwine, revealing deep truths about grief, family, and connection. This novel prominently concerns a death by suicide.

Heartwarming

Emotional

Serene

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

816,601 ratings

89%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Shelby Van Pelt's Remarkably Bright Creatures blends charm and emotional depth, with a quirky octopus adding unique appeal. Critics praise its heartfelt storytelling and well-drawn characters, though some find the plot meandering. Overall, it's a compelling read that balances humor and poignancy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Remarkably Bright Creatures?

A reader who enjoys heartwarming, character-driven stories about unexpected friendships and personal growth will love Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Fans of A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple will find Van Pelt’s debut equally enchanting and emotionally resonant.

4.5

816,601 ratings

89%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Tova Sullivan

Tova is the central protagonist of *Remarkably Bright Creatures*, an elderly woman who works as the nighttime cleaner at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She deals with grief from the loss of her husband and teenaged son. Tova is intelligent and independent but recognizes the limitations of old age. Throughout the novel, she forms meaningful relationships with various characters, including her aquarium companion Marcellus, and learns to accept love and recognize her own value.

Cameron is a 30-year-old man who appears younger than his age. He initially struggles with blaming others for his problems but experiences significant personal growth throughout the novel. He arrives at Sowell Bay seeking to exploit a business scheme but instead finds an unexpected family network with Tova, Ethan, and others. Cameron's journey involves overcoming his flaws and ultimately becoming a more responsible and self-aware individual.

Marcellus is an octopus and one of the novel's narrators in *Remarkably Bright Creatures*. He is wise yet lonely, constrained by his life in the aquarium. Marcellus develops a unique friendship with Tova, recognizing their shared experiences of loneliness and the end of life. His interactions with Tova bring a sense of purpose to his life as he helps to connect her with others and add depth to the storyline.

Ethan is a relatively static character in the novel who plays an integral role in the lives of both Cameron and Tova. Originally from Scotland, his experiences of change, loss, and renewal contribute to his careful approach to love and friendship. Known for his inclination to involve himself in others' lives, he offers support and friendship to both Cameron and Tova, solidifying his place in their found community.

Book Details
Pages

358

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Washington State • Contemporary

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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