Have you ever read a book that took you on an emotional journey, one where the characters, including unexpected ones, stay with you long after you’ve finished the last page? How do we deal with grief, loss, and connection in our own lives? Could an octopus become the key to unlocking healing in the most unusual way? These are some of the questions that Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt explores in this heartwarming and thought-provoking novel.
What is Remarkably Bright Creatures About?
At its core, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a story about unlikely friendships, healing, and discovery. The novel follows Tova Sullivan, a widow in her 70s, who works the night shift at a local aquarium. Her job is to keep the tanks clean, and it’s a solitary role that mirrors her personal life—she is still grappling with the disappearance of her son decades ago.
Enter Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, one of the most remarkably bright creatures in the aquarium. Though confined to his tank, Marcellus is highly observant and has a unique perspective on human life. When Tova befriends Marcellus, their relationship becomes central to the novel’s exploration of loneliness, healing, and the mysteries that still haunt us.
How Remarkably Bright Creatures Explores Grief and Healing
One of the most compelling aspects of Remarkably Bright Creatures is how it handles the themes of grief and healing. Tova’s life is shaped by the loss of her son, Erik, who vanished when he was just 18 years old. Decades later, the mystery surrounding his disappearance continues to weigh heavily on her. Her loneliness is palpable, yet she finds solace in her routine and the quiet companionship of the aquarium’s inhabitants, particularly Marcellus.
Marcellus, on the other hand, is no ordinary octopus. His intelligence, often highlighted through his wry internal monologues, provides both a unique narrative voice and a sense of depth to the story. He recognizes Tova’s pain and, despite being an animal, feels compelled to help her unravel the mystery of her son’s disappearance. The relationship between Tova and Marcellus becomes a metaphor for finding connection in unexpected places and learning to move forward after great loss.
The Unlikely Hero: Marcellus the Octopus
Marcellus is truly one of the most remarkably bright creatures in literature. Through his character, the novel brings attention to the intelligence and emotional complexity of octopuses. In the wild, octopuses are known for their problem-solving abilities, keen observations, and even their capacity for short-term and long-term memory.
In the novel, Marcellus becomes more than just an aquarium animal; he is a key player in Tova’s journey. His wit, wisdom, and surprising insights make him an unlikely hero. As Marcellus nears the end of his life (octopuses have short life spans), he becomes determined to help Tova solve the mystery of her son’s disappearance before his time runs out. His role in the novel serves as a reminder of the intelligence and emotional depth that animals can possess, and how they can touch our lives in profound ways.
Themes of Connection, Mystery, and Redemption
Remarkably Bright Creatures is not only a story about grief but also about the connections we form—whether with fellow humans or with the natural world. As Tova navigates her relationships with those around her, including a younger man named Cameron who is searching for his own identity, the novel weaves a narrative that is rich with mystery, redemption, and personal growth.
The novel’s central mystery—what really happened to Tova’s son Erik—unfolds gradually, keeping readers invested. The clues scattered throughout the story, many of them observed by Marcellus, lead to an unexpected yet satisfying resolution that ties together the themes of loss, love, and forgiveness.
Van Pelt’s writing is tender and reflective, offering readers a story that is both deeply emotional and uplifting. The book challenges us to think about the bonds we create, both seen and unseen, and the unexpected ways in which they can shape our lives.
Why Remarkably Bright Creatures Resonates with Readers
Remarkably Bright Creatures resonates because it tackles universal themes in a way that feels both fresh and poignant. Tova’s journey is one of self-discovery and healing, but it is the surprising friendship between her and Marcellus that gives the novel its heart. The way Shelby Van Pelt masterfully combines an emotional human narrative with the whimsical yet profound voice of an octopus creates a story that is both touching and unique.
The novel also sheds light on how we cope with the unresolved grief of losing a loved one. Tova’s relentless need for closure, even after so many years, will feel familiar to anyone who has experienced loss. The book offers no easy answers, but it provides hope that healing can come from the most unexpected places—and in the most unexpected forms.
A Literary Exploration of Animal Intelligence
Beyond the emotional and human aspects of the story, Remarkably Bright Creatures also serves as a literary exploration of animal intelligence. By giving Marcellus a voice, Van Pelt highlights how much we still have to learn about the natural world and the animals that inhabit it. Recent scientific research shows that octopuses are indeed some of the most intelligent animals, capable of solving puzzles, using tools, and showing an awareness of their surroundings.
In the novel, Marcellus’ intelligence is almost magical, but it also mirrors real-life studies on octopus behavior. Readers are left with a sense of wonder about the capabilities of these remarkable animals and the connections they can form with humans.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a novel that is both emotionally rich and thought-provoking, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a must-read. Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a beautiful exploration of friendship, loss, and the power of unexpected connections. Whether you’re drawn in by the mystery of Tova’s past or the unique voice of Marcellus the octopus, this book will leave you reflecting on the relationships in your own life and the surprising ways in which healing can occur.
For those who love stories that delve into human emotions, while offering a touch of whimsy and wonder, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a truly remarkable read.