As everyday lives overlap, the reader wonders if crushes will be requited, if families will find each other and if estrangements will end. Locations such as the aquarium, a grocery store, a camper and the Sowell Bay area bring people together, providing spaces to foster conversation, gossip and curiosity. While the individual characters-human and cephalopod alike-are charming and complex, Remarkably Bright Creatures also emphasizes the importance of community. It’s a delight to piece the many stories together.

The chapters are short, making it easy for readers to dive into each subsequent voice, wondering what secrets will be uncovered. Remarkably Bright Creatures introduces other narrators and perspectives that are seemingly disconnected from Tova and Marcellus, albeit still engaging enough to propel the story forward. As Marcellus and Tova become increasingly attuned to and curious about each other, he notices details and secrets that help her find a new direction and purpose. Tova begins to form a cautious bond with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who lives in the aquarium and sneaks out to explore the other tanks and corners of the building. Staying active sustains her, as she is still reeling from her son’s mysterious disappearance many years ago, when he was 18.

Imagine an octopus, trapped in an aquarium: What might he notice, share, taunt and attempt? In Remarkably Bright Creatures, first-time author Shelby Van Pelt asks such questions about life in a tank-and outside of it.Įach evening, recently widowed Tova Sullivan methodically and meticulously works as a cleaner at the Sowell Bay Aquarium.

Remarkably bright creatures goodreads