Book Review: Remarkably Bright Creatures

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt has been on my tbr for a very long time and I just didn’t get around to it. Then, I wanted to try to read it before the movie came out, but that didn’t happen. But I have read it now!

The novel has three POVs – Tova Sulivan, Cameron Cassmore, and Marcellus – a giant Pacific octopus.

Tova is a 70 year old widow who works at the local aquarium at night as a cleaner in Sowell Bay, WA. Her husband passed away a few years ago and tragically her son went missing and was presumed dead 30 years ago at the age of 18. She passes the time seeing her friends – a group of ladies she’s been friends with for decades – and working. Cameron is a struggling 30 year old man from Modesto, California. Raised by his aunt after his mom dropped him off one day at 9 years old and never returned. Cameron is smart, but hasn’t been able to keep a job and has been floating along for years not really knowing what to do with his life. And finally, Marcellus, is a giant Pacific octopus at the aquarium where Tova works. He is brilliant and knows everything going on in the aquarium. He also escapes each night to roam around and treat himself to more food before slinking back into his tank. His days are also numbered. The lifespan of a giant Pacific octopus 4 years and he is nearing that mark.

One day Cameron gets a lead on who he thinks could possibly be his father and makes his way to Sowell Bay. There he finds work as he tries to get in touch with his potential father and befriends Tova. Their unlikely friendship grows and their lives become intertwined. Cameron grows into himself and figures out how to move forward in life. Tova learns that she has a lot more life to live and works towards closure over her son. And Marcellus knows all and does everything he can before his time is up to help his friends, Tova and Cameron.

I really liked this book, but I think because it was so hyped up my expectations were a bit too high. I also think this is one of those books that the longer you sit with it after reading, the more and more you appreciate it. I loved the story and the writing was beautiful. I did think the first half was a little slow. It’s not that the second half was much faster paced by any means, but by that time I was invested in the characters and wanted to know how it would all unfold. The book is bittersweet and sad at moments, but ultimately has a happy and fulfilling ending so if you’re like me and don’t want to read a book that doesn’t have a happy ending, don’t worry.

I haven’t watched the movie yet, but I definitely pictured the stars – Sally Field and Lewis Pullman – in my head as Tova and Cameron. I plan to watch the movie soon!

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