What a read! Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a heartwarming, unique novel that blends mystery, drama, and humor into a story about grief, connection, and unlikely friendship.
That mix of emotions is exactly what drew me to this New York Times Bestseller. Books like this have a way of getting right into my heart.
Remarkably Bright Creatures was actually the only novel I managed to read in September. Life’s been pretty hectic with all the projects I’ve been juggling lately, and I’ve spent more time with non-fiction, which is just as important to me. I squeezed in audiobooks when I could, but fiction definitely took a back seat. So, here we are with just this one review for September 2024. But I’ve missed diving headfirst into love stories and all kinds of narratives—I’m hopeful October will open up more space for my passion for novels.
For now, let’s dive into my book reflections for September 2024, shall we?
REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt
(first published: May 3, 2022; Publisher: Bloomsbury; 368 pages, Paperback)
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
(read book: September 20, 2024)
You’ll be intrigued as well!
The plot revolves around three main characters: Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old widow working at a local aquarium; Cameron Cassmore, a troubled young man searching for his identity; and Marcellus, an octopus who lives in the aquarium and, unbeknownst to the human characters, possesses remarkable intelligence and wit.
I love this type of magical realism.
The novel explores the threads that connect people—and in this case, also creatures—in surprising ways, all while touching on deep, emotional themes like grief, isolation, and redemption. Van Pelt does this through a charming narrative that alternates between human and octopus perspectives, with Marcellus’s observations offering a fresh, humorous, and almost philosophical commentary on the human world.
Let’s Dig Into The Plot
Tova Sullivan’s life is shaped by her grief. She lost her husband years ago and is still haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her son, Erik, who went missing when he was just 18. Tova spends her nights working at the Sowell Bay Aquarium in Washington State, cleaning floors and maintaining the exhibits. It’s here that she forms an unlikely bond with Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus who lives in one of the tanks. Marcellus, who is nearing the end of his life, observes everything around him with a sharp intelligence, and as we come to learn, he knows more about the people in Tova’s life than they realize.
Cameron, on the other hand, is a young man adrift in life. Raised by his aunt after his mother abandoned him as a child, he’s never quite found his footing. It’s very tragic and quite heartbreaking.
Jobless and frustrated, he stumbles upon information that leads him to believe that his father, whom he never knew, may be connected to Tova’s town. This revelation sets Cameron on a path to uncover the truth about his parentage, a journey that eventually brings him to Sowell Bay and into Tova’s life.
These two storylines—Tova’s quiet life of grief and routine, and Cameron’s chaotic quest for answers—converge slowly but surely, with Marcellus playing an unexpected but crucial role in bringing everything together.
My Reading Experience: A Slow Start
I have to admit, my initial experience with Remarkably Bright Creatures wasn’t entirely positive. The first 100 pages felt slow, almost like the story wasn’t sure where it was going. I was about to let it go and put the book aside. But something in me told me to continue.
The narrative meanders through different perspectives, with multiple side stories that don’t seem immediately relevant—at least to me. It felt a bit cluttered, and for a while, I found myself honestly wondering why the book was so hyped. The pace is slow, and the plot took its time to unfold, which made it difficult to stay fully engaged.
At first, I found myself asking: ‘Why all the side stories?‘ Tova’s quiet, methodical life is endearing, but slow-moving—just like her. We learn a lot about her love for cleaning, her dedication to the aquarium, and her close-knit group of friends. While these details are essential for character development, they also slow the pacing considerably. Cameron’s introduction doesn’t immediately add a spark either, as his aimlessness and self-pity make him hard to root for at first.
However, things started to shift for me around the middle of the book—after about 170 pages. The plot begins to take shape, and I could finally see where everything was going—although, to be honest, much of it felt predictable from the start. That’s why all the tiny details about every character and side character felt a bit unnecessary at times.
But as the various threads that seemed scattered early on began to converge, the change in momentum helped me stay engaged. Even though some of the twists were foreseeable, the characters’ development drew me in. I began to appreciate their journeys more and felt more connected to them.
While I still believe the novel could have been condensed—200 pages would have sufficed to tell the core story—the character-driven narrative eventually worked its charm on me. By the time I reached the final third of the book, I found myself emotionally invested, which made the slower beginning feel more justified. That said, if you’re someone who prefers a fast-paced read, this novel might test your patience—a lot! 😉
The Magic of Marcellus
What ultimately made this book memorable for me was Marcellus, the octopus. Of course! These creatures have completely captivated my heart. Have you seen the heartwarming documentary on Netflix, My Octopus Teacher? I highly recommend it. Watching it gives you a whole new understanding of these highly intelligent—and I’d argue, highly emotionally intelligent—creatures of the sea.
His chapters are the standout parts of the novel, offering a mix of wit, wisdom, and unexpected humor. Van Pelt gives Marcellus a distinct voice—one that’s sarcastic, sharp, and filled with disdain for the humans who surround him. At the same time, there’s an underlying affection in his observations. He may act like he’s above it all, but it’s clear that he cares for Tova in his own way.
One of the quotes from Marcellus that really struck me was:
“Ah, to be a human, for whom bliss can be achieved by mere ignorance! Here, in the kingdom of animals, ignorance is dangerous. […] But humans can be wounded by their own oblivion, too. They do not see it, but I do. It happens all the time.”
Isn’t that just so profound? It captures this mix of wit and wisdom that Marcellus embodies. I love how it touches on one of the novel’s core themes—that we humans are often so blind to our own emotional wounds, yet we have this incredible resilience. Marcellus sees it all so clearly, and through his reflections, he invites us to look at our own lives from a fresh perspective. I found his chapters to be some of the most enjoyable parts of the book—short, sweet, and packed with insight. Honestly, I would’ve appreciated more chapters with his voice.
Marcellus plays a critical role in solving the mystery of Erik’s disappearance, and that is what makes it both heartwarming and bittersweet. We, as the readers, can learn a lot from him.
It’s through Marcellus’s actions that the human characters come together and find the answers they’ve been searching for. His eventual release back into the ocean is a poignant moment of freedom and closure, both for him and for the humans he’s helped.
Now, Let’s Meet The Characters
Cameron: The Lost Soul in Search of Identity
Let’s talk about Cameron. At first, I wasn’t sure if I liked him. He’s this 30-something guy who’s still kind of floundering in life. And I guess that Van Shelby did a billiant job in portraying him that way.
He’s jobless, broke, and pretty much blaming everyone and everything for where he’s at. He thinks he got dealt a “shitty hand” (his words), and yes, he did have a rough and heartbreaking upbringing, but who hasn’t had their share of challenges, right? It’s not what should define how we live our lives.
But here’s the thing—there’s this amazing conversation between him and his aunt Jeanne that totally flipped things for me. Cameron’s all, “It’s not my fault, I was dealt a shitty hand,” and Jeanne hits him with this gem: “No, the deal is never anyone’s fault. But you control the way you play.” Ugh, chef’s kiss. I loved her for that! And it really clicked for Cameron, too. From that point on, you see him start to grow up, little by little. By the end, he’s still a work in progress (aren’t we all?), but I actually started rooting for him.
He feels more grounded and self-aware. His relationship with Tova and the resolution of his search for his father allow him to finally start shedding the weight of his past. His arc is one of slow but satisfying growth, as he learns to stop blaming life for his circumstances and start taking responsibility for his choices. Love, love, love that!!! We all can learn from that!
Tova: The Grieving Mother on a Journey of Healing
Tova Sullivan is the emotional heart of Remarkably Bright Creatures. She is just such a quietly strong character. At 70 years old, Tova’s life has been defined by loss—first the death of her husband, and then the disappearance of her son, Erik, nearly thirty years prior. Her grief over Erik’s disappearance is something she carries silently, channeling it into her methodical routines and quiet existence. Tova’s character is emblematic of the many ways we try to cope with unresolved grief, and her journey throughout the novel is one of gradual healing and acceptance.
Van Pelt crafts Tova as a character who is deeply independent, yet lonely. Her decision to work at the aquarium isn’t just a way to keep herself busy; it’s a way for her to maintain control over something in a life where so much feels out of her hands. Tova’s bond with Marcellus, the octopus, becomes one of the novel’s most charming and surprising elements. Through her interactions with him, Tova begins to confront the emotions she’s been keeping at bay for decades.
The mystery of Erik’s disappearance looms large over Tova’s life, and it’s clear that she’s never been able to fully move on without knowing the truth. As the novel progresses, we see Tova slowly open herself up to new relationships—particularly with Cameron—and come to terms with her past. Her growth is subtle but profound, and by the end of the novel, Tova feels like a character who has found some semblance of peace. The resolution of Erik’s story, while not explosive, brings a sense of closure that is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
Marcellus: The Observant Outsider with a Heart of Gold
Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus, is the novel’s most delightful and original character. I honestly wish we would’ve read more from him. His chapters, written from his first-person perspective, are full of wit, sarcasm, and keen observations about the humans around him. Despite his aloof demeanor, it becomes clear that Marcellus has a deep affection for Tova and a curiosity about human nature. His intelligence is his defining trait, and his sharp mind allows him to see connections and truths that the human characters miss.
What makes Marcellus so compelling is his blend of world-weariness and underlying affection for the humans he interacts with. He may act aloof, but it’s clear that he cares deeply about Tova, and his final act of helping her solve the mystery of Erik’s disappearance is a testament to the bond they’ve formed. His release back into the ocean is a bittersweet moment, as it signifies both his freedom and the end of his time with Tova. Marcellus is a character who lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished the book, and his chapters add a layer of magic and wonder to the novel.
In The End, It’s All About Connection
When it all comes together, Remarkably Bright Creatures is about connection in the most unexpected places. Tova, Cameron, and Marcellus are all a little lost in their own way, but they end up finding what they need through each other—whether they realize it or not. The book is so gentle in how it handles big themes like grief and healing. I appreciate that a lot.
There’s no big, dramatic resolution; it’s more about small, quiet moments that lead to healing. Integration! And honestly, those are the ones that feel the most real, right?
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, something that’ll make you laugh, tear up, and think about the people (and creatures!) you’re connected to, give this one a try. Just know it’s a slow burn—but a burn that’s worth it, in my opinion.
Book Picks for October 2024
- Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
- You, Again by Kate Goldbeck
- After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Other Book Recommendations
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
- The Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho
All Lost In Pages Posts
- LOST IN PAGES: BOOK REFLECTIONS AUGUST 2024 – FOREVER, INTERRUPTED
- LOST IN PAGES: BOOK REFLECTIONS JULY 2024 – SUMMER, VACATION, LOVE
- LOST IN PAGES: BOOK REFLECTIONS JUNE 2024 – THE MAGIC OF LOVE
- LOST IN PAGES: BOOK REFLECTIONS MAY 2024 – SECOND CHANCES AND PARALLEL LIVES
- LOST IN PAGES: BOOK REFLECTIONS, APRIL 2024 – THE HEROINE’S JOURNEY
- LOST IN PAGES: BOOK REFLECTIONS MARCH 2024 – JOURNEYING THROUGH LOSS, GRIEF, AND NEWFOUND JOY
