Remarkably Bright Creatures

The originality of this remarkably lovely novel struck me immediately and kept me turning pages. I've recommended it several times since and have bought a paperback copy to gift to friends at Christmas. This is a unique and very touching book with a touch of mystery.

An octopus that would solve a mystery?? A snarky octopus and a quiet widow form a kind of friendship. And yes, the octopus "solves" a mystery for the widow

This book was fresh and original. The plot revolves around an aquarium, the characters are well-developed, and the plot moves at a good pace. It was recommended by one of the people in my "Books that make you smile" group and it lived up to that recommendation. You'll finish with a great feeling!

This delightful book transported me to the northwest coast with its atmospheric language and well-drawn characters (including of the octopus!). I loved the sense of time and place that the story invoked, the sense of belonging to that time and place, and the visceral sense of the ongoing journey through that time and place. There is just enough mystery to keep me engaged in wanting to find out what happened in the past to bring the characters to this point, and a deep sense of rooting for the characters that they can figure that mystery out and heal their lives… show more.

The amazing narrator was a giant octopus!

I loved the absurd premise of the book, which involves the relationship between an older woman and an octopus, and Van Pelt pulled it off beautifully. I am drawn to books about older women and how they navigate changes in life.

Tova, the main character, is strong, self-assured, and accepting of her simple and solitary life but discovers one night that life can change quickly. The story is heartwarming, delightful, and somehow believable, with a twist at the end, which always makes me end up wanting more.

I’m on a mission to dispel the notion that nature-loving books are dark and depressing. This is my favorite example of a delightful novel that seriously celebrates the planet and gives us a compelling story.

The novel takes place in an aquarium, and although the main characters are humans, parts of the book are narrated by a giant Pacific octopus living there. Not only is he hilarious and an escape artist, but he also forms a deep friendship with the protagonist, ultimately changing her life.

After reading this book, I think readers will love the octopi (and all sea life)… show more.

After her husband's death, Tova Sullivan starts working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, where she forms a remarkable friendship with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. Marcellus, who is more knowledgeable than anyone can imagine, figures out what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared over thirty years before. The relationship between Marcellus and Tova ends up transforming Tova’s life.

I found this book to be an unexpected delight. I didn’t know that octopi are intelligent. After reading it, I found myself plunging down the rabbit hole of googling about octopi and watching YouTube videos of them escaping aquariums.… show more.

After this book received accolades from reviewers, I ordered it on a whim because I was intrigued by the description of a novel about an older woman who works as a night shift custodian at an aquarium, where she becomes friendly with one of its occupants, a clever octopus named Marcellus.

Both woman and octopus are keen observers, and they narrate their experiences and thoughts while reflecting on their pasts, presents, and futures. I will put this on the list for my book club.