Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Remarkably Bright Creatures

by Shelby Van Pelt

📚Genre: Literary Fiction | Pages: 360 | ⭐ Overall: ★★★★★ (5/5)

“By the end, I felt a swirl of emotions — sadness, joy, and the kind of contentment that lingers long after you close the book.”

After losing her husband, Tova Sullivan finds quiet purpose cleaning the Sowell Bay Aquarium—under the watchful eyes of its sea creatures, including a clever octopus named Marcellus. When this unlikely duo forms a bond, Marcellus uncovers secrets about Tova’s past that could finally bring her peace. Remarkably Bright Creatures is a tender, luminous story about healing, hope, and how friendship can surface in the most unexpected places.

Some books feel like sunshine in story form — Remarkably Bright Creatures is one of them. From the very first chapter, I was hooked by its unusual charm: a fast-paced, heartfelt story told through multiple points of view, including that of Marcellus, a wise and witty octopus living in a small-town aquarium. His perspective is clever, funny, and unexpectedly profound, showing us what humans look like from the outside and what compassion looks like from the inside.

The story centers around Tova, an elderly woman quietly coping with loss, and how her nightly cleaning job at the aquarium leads to a friendship that changes everything. It’s part mystery, part emotional journey, and completely original. The writing flows effortlessly, poetic yet easy to read, and paints each scene with warmth and life.

By the end, I felt a swirl of emotions — sadness, joy, and the kind of contentment that lingers long after you close the book. Shelby Van Pelt creates a world that feels both magical and real, reminding readers that connection can come from the most unexpected places.

☀️ Best read on: a quiet summer afternoon or anytime you need a feel-good escape
📍 For readers who love: stories about second chances, found family, and unlikely friendships

⭐ Ratings

📖 Story: ★★★★★ (5/5)
👩‍🦰 Characters: ★★★★★ (5/5)
🪶 Writing: ★★★★★ (5/5)
💭 Enjoyment: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Claire - My Sister My Books

Amazon Book Description

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.