I found Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby van Pelt a delightful read, which, at its essence, is about the healing powers of connection – however peculiar or unlikely that link may be. In this case, it is a lonely widow’s improbable bond with a giant Pacific octopus that drives Van Pelt’s debut novel and kept me spellbound throughout.
After Tova Sullivan’s husband dies, she begins 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 from his boat more than thirty years ago.
When Tova saves the octopus’s life one night on one of its routine escapes from its tank, an unlikely friendship develops between her and the grumpy octopus, Marcellus, which would change both their lives. Narrated by Marcellus, who is wise, emotionally intelligent, picks locks, regularly squeezes out of his tank on nightly jaunts around the aquarium and, to top it off, is a master detective, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a feel-good but deceptively sensitive novel about grief, loss and finding love in unexpected places.
Apart from 70-year-old Tova and Marcellus, a 60-pound Pacific octopus nearing the end of his life – and their magical inter-species relationship – van Pelt’s well-developed cast includes many other endearing characters and heart-warming interconnections.
Despite some over-the-top coincidences steering the plot, I allowed myself to relax into it and enjoy the author’s take on how grief can often be overcome in the most unlikely manner and by the most improbable friendships, giving us a new lease on life.
This story, set on the coast of Washington north of Seattle, fits into many categories, including modern fiction, magical realism and coming-of-age drama, and is one of those reads that I would recommend for readers of all ages. And although it might be described as corny by some and beyond farfetched by others, I enjoyed every moment of this delightful debut.
If you’re looking for something light, fun, and heart-warming, I’d recommend kicking back with a copy of Remarkably Bright Creatures.
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