Remarkably Bright Creatures
A New York Times Bestseller
Now a Netflix Film
A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!
“Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful examination of how loneliness can be transformed, cracked open, with the slightest touch from another living thing.” -- Kevin Wilson, author of Nothing to See Here
For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
- Pages
- 385
- First published
- January 1, 2022
- Language
- English
- Edition
- Ebook
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Reviews
Finished August 30, 2025
*“Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.”* What I loved: ✿ ideal cozy mystery ✿ took me by surprise ✿ beautiful story-telling ✿ emotionally driven ✿ found family I can be a bit of a skeptic when so many people say that they love a book, but this book is truly worth all of the praise it receives. I was a skeptic in regards to the cover, some of the characters, and even the outcome but the emotional wave that this story is swept me away each time. Books should change and humble you. This is one of those books. Trigger warnings: Grief, Child death, Abandonment, Death, Addiction, Drug abuse, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Cancer [✿ Connect with me on instagram ✿](https://www.instagram.com/bookbestie_storm?igsh=aTh6eTZ6dGwxMXpy&utm_source=qr)
Finished June 7, 2026
Started August 28, 2025 · Finished September 1, 2025
Beautiful debut novel from this author. There were a few moments I found a little slow but overall really enjoyed this heartwarming story. I especially appreciate an older fmc and Marcellus pov, i would read an entire book around him.
Started April 12, 2026 · Finished April 14, 2026
I am shocked to learn that this is Van Pelt’s debut. Her masterful command over perspective, tone, and characterization is incredible. And her prose is so binge-worthy. I quickly fell in love with the characters, feeling strongly for Tova’s journey through grief and Cameron’s gradual coming into his own. I loved Marcellus’ chapters—that funky lil’ octopus. His was such a fun point of view to read from. I thought the story came together beautifully, and it was ultimately a feel-good tale in spite of some of the heavier themes it touched upon. This truly was a “remarkably bright” read.
Started October 22, 2025 · Finished October 27, 2025
Finished May 3, 2026
I was quite disappointed. Fair warning, don’t read it for the octopus. He’s the best but also the smallest part of this book. I didn’t like the characters, and the overall plot is heavily about grief. I don’t want to write spoilers but know that the characters decisions are not helping you through the plot. I’ve skimmed the end because I wasn’t invested.
Finished August 17, 2023
Finished September 3, 2025