Review: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (audio)
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie, weaves an entire ecosystem of creatures with broken links who are patching the cracks of their lives. Tova Sullivan is an older woman who cleans the Sowell Bay Aquarium at night as she “keeps busy” to avoid the all-consuming grief of her lost child and deceased husband. Alone, her one friend is a Pacific octopus, named Marcellus, who is his own wandering soul and treasure hunter.
Van Pelt has created a unique relationship between this octopus and Tova, and it is beautiful, if short. Like Marcellus, Tova is curious and observant. She’s meticulous in her job and in how she interacts with others, but she’s also incredibly blind to those around her who strive to connect with her. She doesn’t wish to be a burden as she ages, but she also is oblivious to those around her who are willing and able to help her.
Through a series of treasure hunts, Marcellus, ever the escape artist, begins to unravel the mystery of a lost son. Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures has woven an intricate quilt of sea life and families into a heartfelt story of healing and joy. Life can be more than just being busy. And sometimes, all you need is a tentacle to lift you up.
RATING: Cinquain
About the Author:
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES, was published by Ecco/HarperCollins (US) and Bloomsbury (UK) in Spring 2022.
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s now missing the mountains in the Chicago area with her husband and two children.