Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
What's It About?
"Truly original and touching ... Prepare to fall in love with a most exceptional octopus." — Helen Hoang, author of The Heart Principle“Truly original and touching … Prepare to fall in love with a most exceptional octopus.” — Helen Hoang, author of The Heart Principle
“A perfect story with imperfect characters, that is so heartwarming, so mysterious, and so completely absorbing … ” — Jamie Ford, author of The Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
—∞—
I never expected it, but I fell in love with an octopus! In Remarkably Bright Creatures (Ecco), author Shelby Van Pelt writes something fresh and beautiful: a friendship between Tova, an older woman heading to a retirement facility, and Marcellus, an octopus nearing the end of his lifespan living in a tank at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Tova’s teenage son went missing many years ago, and recently, she lost her husband. Now around 70 and thinking about her future, she has taken a night job cleaning at the aquarium. Here is where she develops an unusual relationship with the aging cephalopod. But Tova gets injured at work and has to take some time off to heal.
Cameron, a young man abandoned by his single mother when he was a child, has not had much success in his life. In his 20s and with plans to start fresh, he ventures to the town where his absent mother grew up to look for his father. This search for a man he has never met brings him to Sowell Bay where he takes a temporary job at the aquarium. Here is where he begins to create a new life, uncover his potential, make friends and discover family.
I was surprised at how much I adored this book! I shed tears over the relationships that were discovered and lost, and delighted in the connections between the humans and one special octopus. Tova, Cameron and Marcellus each have meaningful personal journeys and their lives come together at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, intertwining in a magical way. Remarkably Bright Creatures not only has that unique imagined animal perspective developed by the author but brilliant storytelling that evokes emotion — from tears to laughter. This was a Read With Jenna pick and I highly recommend it, as well! My new favorite recommendation!
