Remarkably Bright Creatures : A Novel – Shelby Van Pelt

Tova Sullivan, a widowed night-shift cleaner at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, finds solace in her routine after losing her husband and son decades earlier. Her quiet life shifts when she bonds with Marcellus, a sharp-witted giant Pacific octopus with a knack for mischief and a secret talent for solving puzzles. As Marcellus uncovers clues about the mysterious disappearance of Tova’s son, Erik, their unlikely friendship becomes a bridge between grief and hope.
The story weaves in Cameron, a drifting twentysomething searching for his estranged father, and Ethan, a grocery store owner with a hidden crush on Tova. Each character carries quiet burdens, but their lives intersect in ways that unravel long-held secrets. Van Pelt’s prose balances humor and heartache, exploring themes of loneliness, resilience, and the unexpected connections that heal us.
Marcellus, with his dry wit and eight-armed curiosity, steals the spotlight. His perspective offers a fresh lens on human behavior, blending wisdom with playful antics. The aquarium setting comes alive through vivid details, from the hum of filtration systems to the glow of tanks at night.
Van Pelt crafts a narrative that feels both intimate and expansive. The pacing mirrors the rhythm of ocean tides—slow, steady, and deeply immersive. Themes of aging, identity, and second chances resonate without ever feeling heavy-handed.
The novel’s climax ties threads of mystery and emotion into a satisfying resolution. While some questions linger, the story leans into the beauty of ambiguity, leaving readers with a renewed faith in life’s small miracles.