‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ Book Review: A Touching Story of Grief & an Octopus Narrator

Book Title: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Author: Shelby Van Pelt
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Number of Pages: 360
ISBN: 0063204150
Date Published: May 26, 2022

Book Review

Shelby Van Pelt’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a gentle and unusual novel about grief, loneliness, friendship, and the unexpected ways people can find hope. Its most distinctive character is Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living in an aquarium. Through his intelligent, sarcastic, and observant voice, the novel offers a fresh perspective on human behaviour. Marcellus notices things that the other characters miss, and his chapters are often the funniest and most memorable parts of the book.

The story mainly follows Tova Sullivan, an older woman still carrying the pain of her son’s disappearance and her husband’s death. While working as a cleaner at the aquarium, she develops a quiet friendship with Marcellus. Their relationship gives the novel much of its emotional strength. It also supports the book’s central idea: sometimes healing begins through connections that appear unlikely or even impossible.

The novel’s themes are meaningful, and its characters are generally easy to care about. Cameron, a young man searching for answers about his past, adds another perspective on abandonment and belonging. The book also suggests that family is not always created by biology, but by loyalty, understanding, and kindness.

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However, the story is not always convincing. Some of its coincidences feel too convenient, and several emotional revelations are easy to predict. The plot sometimes seems determined to create a touching moment, even when the situation might have benefited from more subtlety. Because of this, the novel can feel sentimental rather than genuinely moving. The human characters’ storylines also occasionally become repetitive, especially when compared with the freshness of Marcellus’s chapters.

Despite these weaknesses, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” remains a charming and readable novel. Its message is hopeful without being entirely shallow, and Marcellus is a truly unforgettable narrator. The book may not appeal to readers who prefer restrained drama, but those looking for a comforting story about second chances will likely appreciate it. Overall, it is an imaginative novel with plenty of heart, though its predictable emotional drama prevents it from becoming truly remarkable.

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