Remarkably Bright Creatures A Novel
Description
From the Publisher
ASIN : B09BNH4TLW
Publisher : Ecco (May 3, 2022)
Publication date : May 3, 2022
Language : English
File size : 4998 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
X-Ray : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Sticky notes : On Kindle Scribe
Print length : 368 pages
Page numbers source ISBN : 0063415755
Best Sellers Rank: #2 in Animal Fiction (Books)
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Customer Reviews: 70,554 ratings
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Additional information
| ASIN : | B09BNH4TLW |
|---|---|
| Publisher : | Ecco (May 3, 2022) |
| Publication date : | May 3, 2022 |
| Language : | English |
| File size : | 4998 KB |
| Text-to-Speech : | Enabled |
| Screen Reader : | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting : | Enabled |
| X-Ray : | Enabled |
| Word Wise : | Enabled |
| Sticky notes : | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length : | 368 pages |
| Page numbers source ISBN : | 0063415755 |
| Best Sellers Rank: | #2 in Animal Fiction (Books) |
| Customer Reviews: | 70,554 ratings |
janine w. –
5.0 out of 5 stars
An enjoyable read!
This book reminded me of A Man Called Ove. It is wonderfully written; smart, endearing and humorous at times. Such likable characters! It was relaxing to read a book with a satisfying ending.
3 people found this helpful
Rain –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful, heartwarming, found family
This story begins with a 60 pound (27.2 kg) giant pacific octopus named Marcellus. He knows the average lifespan of his kind is four years (1,460 days). We meet him on day 1,299. He is a highly intelligent, smart cookie of an octopus.Tova (7o), is the overly proficient cleaner at the Sowell Bay aquarium where Marcellus lives. She takes great pride in her work, and it helps distract her from the loss of her husband, and the death of her 18-year-old son, Erik, 30 years ago.“Tova wonders sometimes if it’s better that way, to have one’s tragedies clustered together, to make good use of the existing rawness.”Marsellus and Tova strike up a sort of friendship in the evenings while she is cleaning. There is a bit of magical realism throughout, but it fits perfectly here.Found familyMysteryFriendships, of all kindsExcellent backstoriesPerfectly placed coincidencesI will concede that the story is a little schmaltzy at times. I didn’t care. I read this book in one afternoon, quietly inhaling these characters, their lives, wishing and hoping for the best futures for them.I simply adored this found family, these lost souls.There are a bevy of side characters, but trust me when I say that each one has importance to the story, even if it doesn’t seem so at the time.In Cameron (30), we see the perpetual victim mindset. He’s a hard character to like, but once he understands his own culpability to his repeated downfalls, he has wonderful character growth.Ethan (60s) the gentle giant Scotsman who crushes hard on Tova. He is a quasi father figure for Cameron.Pieces of the puzzle slowly come together in such a hallmark way, but again, this story was a delightful snapshot of human emotions, and how good things happen when we are able to be vulnerable. I just wish that Marcellus had more chapters. He was delightful.
34 people found this helpful
Crystal Cantrell –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Unique book written from different character perspectives.
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and I liked the characters. The element that made this book so unique is that you get one perspective of the story line from an octopus’ point of view. The plot also kept me guessing as to how all of the characters were going to tie in together. I would definitely recommend this one!
2 people found this helpful
T. Sparks –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A remarkable story
What a wonderful surprise this was! I thought Remarkably Bright Creatures was a story about a woman and an octopus, but it turned out to be so much more than that. This is Shelby Van Pelt’s first book, and I don’t think a debut has affected me like this since I read Hollow Kingdom, another story that unfolds through the eyes of an animal. The story has a bit of magical realism to it, in the sense that parts of it are told from the octopus’s point of view, but otherwise it’s simply a delightful tale about family and connections that had me ugly crying by the end of the book.In the first chapter we meet Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus on display in the Sowell Bay Aquarium near Puget Sound. Marcellus has been in captivity for 1,299 days, and based on his life expectancy of about four years, he believes he only has a handful of days left to live. His dreary days in a small glass enclosure are broken up by secret nighttime excursions, as Marcellus is extremely smart and has found a way out of his tank.Tova Sullivan is a seventy-year-old woman who has been working nights at the aquarium as a cleaning lady for the past two years. Tova knows how to remove the hundreds of fingerprints on the tank walls and can polish the floors to a brilliant shine. She’s also quite fond of the sea creatures she encounters each night, especially Marcellus, and the two have formed an unusual bond since Tova saved Marcellus one night after he escaped and became entangled in a bunch of electrical cords.Next, we meet Cameron Cassmore, a thirty-year-old man who is drifting through life with no real purpose. Cameron lives in California, and one day his aunt gives him a box of his estranged mother’s things. Inside the box he finds a photo and an old class ring, clues that could lead to the identity of his father, a man he never knew. Cameron hops on a plane to Washington state, convinced the man he thinks is his father—a rich real estate tycoon—will be so distraught over abandoning his son, he’ll shower Cam with money. At least that’s the plan.Finally, Ethan Mack is the owner of Sowell Bay’s Shop-Way, the local grocery store. Ethan has known Tova for years and secretly has a crush on her, but Tova is much too distant to notice his interest. When Cameron shows up at the Shop-Way looking for a job, Ethan directs him to his friend who manages the aquarium, which is how Cameron and Tova meet.Tying all these characters together is Marcellus, a remarkably bright octopus with a penchant for stealing and hoarding the treasures he finds after hours on the aquarium floor, and who just might be able to bring two people together who need each other—but don’t yet realize it.Van Pelt’s chapters alternate among all these characters and introduce a slew of side characters as well, each one vitally important to the story. At first, we don’t realize how each character is connected to the next, but slowly the author reveals her secrets until the stunned reader begins to understand the depth of these connections. Each character is given a detailed backstory that becomes very important to the plot. Tova’s story in particular was heart wrenching, as she has experienced quite a bit of loss in her life and finds herself mostly alone in her twilight years. Luckily she belongs to a group of women who call themselves the Knit-Wits, and the four of them meet weekly to eat, drink, gossip and support each other. Tova came to America from Sweden as a little girl, so the story is filled with details about growing up with her Swedish mother and father. Even the Dala horses her mother collected play a part in the story, and I found these little details added so much richness.At first I couldn’t figure out how Cameron fit it, but once he arrives in Sowell Bay and meets Ethan and Tova, his story takes on new meaning. Cameron meets a woman named Avery who also plays a vital part in filling in some of the missing pieces about Cameron’s father, and I loved the way the author gave even the most insignificant side characters meaning and purpose.Van Pelt infuses her story with so many emotional moments and themes. We see how the Knit-Wits are going through the aging process, as their numbers have dwindled over the last few years. Tova is facing being alone in her old age, with no children or husband to take care of her, and so she makes the rash decision to sell her beloved house and move into a retirement community. I don’t want to give too many details about Tova’s past and her losses, because I think it’s better to discover those revelations for yourself. Let’s just say that I felt Tova’s pain and wanted nothing more than for her to be happy.And Van Pelt includes so many funny moments in her story that kept the tone light, despite some of the more heavy themes. There’s an ongoing bit about Cameron’s lost luggage that was hysterically funny, and Tova inherits a stray cat at one point, which was a delightful side plot. I also loved the story about the t-shirt that Tova uses to clean Ethan’s kitchen—you’ll just have to read the book so you can experience the hilarity too!And of course, I can’t forget the star of the story, Marcellus the octopus. As the days tick by—each of his chapters starts with a marker (“Day 1,299 of my captivity”, etc)—the tension builds as Marcellus gets closer to his impending death (at least that’s what he thinks). Marcellus understands human nature more than most humans, and I loved the way he wisely intuits each character’s needs. Ultimately, this is a story about creatures—both human and animal—saving each other. The way Marcellus’s story plays out was absolutely perfect—heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.This is a very special book, and I’m so glad I was able to finally read it. Highly recommended!
180 people found this helpful
stalios –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Remarkably great book
I had seen this book recommended several times but refused to spend $20 for it. I caught it on sale for 2.99 during prime days. I’m so glad I did. There is a bit of a mystery and wonderful characters. So very human and of course one who is not. The story neatly wraps up every loose end and there is a happy ending for all. It’s almost a fairy tale. Remarkably bright creatures indeed. I am going to go look for other works by Shelby Van Pelt now. Such a satisfying read
Anne A. –
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best books I have ever read.
I had heard of this book and had it on my “to read” list when my book club picked it to read this past month. I knew I would like it because of the octopus, but I loved all the slightly quirky characters. Even the characters that are slightly flawed are sympathetic. They each are kind and good in their own way and through the book you see them grow and change. Each carries a grief or emptiness that makes you feel for them. I found it a book that ended on a hopeful note and most of us in the book club described the book as uplifting. Probably any reader from their 20’s to their 70’s and beyond will find a character they can identify with to some degree. And the octopus, Marcellus is humorous, smart, and engaging!
Booklover –
4.0 out of 5 stars
surprisingly good
If a friend hadn’t encouraged me, I would have missed reading this lovely heartwarming book. I loved Tova’s character; her quiet demeanor and strength. I was so glad that Cameron found what he was looking for.
Carole –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Remarkably Interesting Book!
My book club members all loved this book! It is the author’s first & she did a remarkable job with the plot, themes, conflicts, foreshadowing, & rich characters. It is very unusual, but it works. I highly recommend it!
jdietrich596 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
WONDERFUL BOOK
It took me a long time to finally read this book as i had no desire to read a book about an octopus. But let me tell you this is a wonderful book. While one of the characters IS an octopus, this book has warmth, drama, wonderful characters (besides the octopus) and is wonderfully written. I had a smile on my face when I finally finished it (after two days). If you are ready for a different feel good story, read this book.
Amy Shook –
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Unique tale of friendship and family
I am so glad my book club decided to read this one this month because It’s been on my TBR forever.Synopsis:Tova has kepy herself busy after husband died by working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, as a janitor. Working this menial job has helped her cope with the loss of her eighteen year old son who mysteriously vanished over three decades agao and her husband. Tova develops a special bond with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus that resides at the aquarium. Marcellus knows the answers to the questions Tova seeks and he will use all of his tricks to help her find peace before his own demise.My thoughts:When the book statted I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about having an octopus as a character. Marcellus’s chapter starts the book but quickly we are introduced to the human characters. I went into this blind so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was a beautifully told story and one that will stay with me for a while. It was cool to learn more about the abilities of these remarkable creatures but most of all I loved Tova’s story and how she discovers her grandson along the way. My only regret was that the book left me with a few unanswered questions but I felt like it was okay because if everything was tied up in a neat bow the story would be less belieavalbe. Thisi is a story of family, loss, and finding one’s path. I didn’t start out liking one of the main characters, Cameron, but he really grew on me in the end!
4 people found this helpful
GE –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful story, pristine book
The book came in excellent condition, the story was beguiling, with a delightful surpriseThis is one of those books from book club, one I never would have otherwise, which would have been too bad.
Kristen T –
5.0 out of 5 stars
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!
I just finished this book and I dragged it out because I REALLY did NOT want it to end! So touching, so innovative, so sweet, and so entirely believable! I have been on a recent quest to learn more about octopuses (it is NOT octopi I was astounded to find out) and this book popped up and I am SO very glad it did! What a fantastic read! PLEASE keep writing Shelby Van Pelt! You are a NATURAL! Thank you for sharing your story!!
DIY Guy –
5.0 out of 5 stars
heartfelt family connection with a twist
Loved this book and the unique way the author weaved in the octopus. I love happy endings and this didn’t disappoint.
Carlena –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Charmed
An adorable sweet story that is more about the remarkable nature of humans than animals. Wasn’t as much of a murder mystery as I thought, but maybe it was better that it wasn’t.
Sarah Borgman –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sentient Octopus?
Many people recommended this book to me. Knowing an octopus was a main character kept me from reading it, but I finally decided to delve in. Suspending disbelief this was a charming story. I also recommend this book.
Potatoe_Gladiator –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Remarkable we are
What a beautiful story. Its heart warming, sad, and beautiful all at once. Marcellus and Tova had one very special bond. Who rescued who!Made me tear up yet find peace for I to grieve my loss.
Kayla Burton –
5.0 out of 5 stars
cute heartwarming
I enjoyed this book! You can see the ending a mile away but it was still a cute fun read.
Marie Chmielewski –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Charming read
At first not sure if I was liking subjectStick with it very well writtenIt was a change from what I usually likehistorical fiction👍😊📖📘🐙🐙🐙
tt –
5.0 out of 5 stars
EXCELLENT!!!
Truly the Best book I have EVER read!!! And I have read thousands of books…Shelby, can’t WAIT to read “Pippa The Grippa”!!!
Ellen Gates –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome book
Recommend by a Facebook friend. Could not put it down. Thanks
Bp –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!!!
Love this book, everything about it. Bought another & my granddaughter is busy reading, and also loving it. My husband reading it now. Wow, definitely in my top 3, and am a big reader, since early childhood. Have over a 1000 books, having giving some away.. this 1 is so good. Will recommend and buy 4gifts. Every page is wonderful, u do not want2 set these characters down, at all. I started yesterday b4 noon & finished just a few mins ago, directly going2 review.
Christina Marioneaux –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic
This book is one of the best books I’ve ever read. The way these characters are woven together in a tapestry of love, hope, compassion, and destiny is artful. This was beautifully written.
Crystal74 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Touching, funny, excellent characters — everyone
What a wonderful book. I know there will be people who are skeptical of the sentient octopus part, but let it go. You can handle Winnie the Pooh and The Lion King, you can easily handle this.At the end, I realized how well written all of the characters were. Not only do the plot lines come together wonderfully, but the characters are full and likable and real. More, please.
3 people found this helpful
Rosemary K. Ravasio –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read. This. Amazing. Book.
This is a beautifully written and thoughtful story that fiction lovers will truly enjoy. It made me laugh out loud and sometimes even cry, but all for the best reasons. You’ll love Tova, Cameron and especially Marcellus. 🙂 Loved this book so very much!
S. Kennedy –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good, easy read.
The fact that much of the story is told by an octopus will make me never look at the one at an aquarium the same way again. They truly are Remarkably Bright Creatures.
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
good read
A predictable story but so beautifully written. Comparable to a Frederick Bachman novel. This is a debut novel which is even more impressive. Curious to see what she does next.
Judy Beaverton –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun and exciting
A great read. I had trouble putting the book down. It was fun, exciting, entertaining, emotional, and a mystery. Absolutely delightful. I can’t recommend it enough and will be using it in my next book group.
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
I did not want to read a sad book and the prologue made me hesitate.So thrilled I continued to read this extraordinary story
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved
This is delightful story of love, loss, and the magical life of creatures that live in the ocean. With the heaviness that exists in our world today, this was a perfect escape. Loved it an look forward to her next book.
One person found this helpful
Mark –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible, new perspective
All the characters of this story, including the octopus, are unique yet linked in important and unexpected ways. A truly original work, but one that touches many familiar and personal themes and emotions.
GeeTee –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful story
Loved this book. Such a lovely story – loved the character development and of course the Octopus.
Abigail –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must read!
Loved the book. Liked how she tied the characters together without making it cheesy or odd. Highly recommend.
Amanda Katz –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
One of my favorite books! Well written with a host of interesting characters throughout.
nan606 –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best I’ve read in a long time
So many books let me down in the end – this one didn’t disappoint! If you loved the character development of A Man in Moscow and Eleanor Oliphant and the human/animal connection in Lessons in Chemistry READ THIS BOOK. I’m sad I finished it but, even figuringout the end, I couldn’t put it down.My only quibble is that Tova isn’t that old yet author must not know a lot of people in their seventies. I mean, they hike, run, use computers etc. also her music was to “old” – people in their 70s grew up with the Stones, The Beatles, etc not dancing the fix trot
2 people found this helpful
E W –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing!
Deftly woven, bringing disparate lives together into a wonderful tapestry. I loved the whole book. It never once felt clunky as some first books do. Expertly done with engaging characters and dialog. Thank you!
Fifi Curtis –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unique story
Amusing, entertaining, educational, and moving novel.I enjoyed reading Marcellous’ tricks . The author accomplishes making this book endearing and memorable.
Shannon –
5.0 out of 5 stars
wonderful read
I guess I just have a weakness for books where the MC is an old woman. The writing is superb. The only fault I ascribe to it is that the last chapter is unnecessary.
JBL –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Friendship with an octopus! What?
A tale involving friendship with an octopus would not be a normal choice for me except a dear friend read it and loved it! Now I’ve read it and love it so much.There are beautifully sculpted characters here and quite a story…notwithstanding a remarkably bright octopus! Read it…you’ll love it too!
Davis –
5.0 out of 5 stars
I was skeptical
I was wrong to be skeptical. I really enjoyed the whole story. I have recommended it to several friends. Take a chance.
Chris –
5.0 out of 5 stars
absolutely wonderful
The perfect book club book. I wish I had read this with others so I could discuss it! The first page had me at jump and I was in. Marcellus the octopus was the most delicious character and narrator.
LindaS –
4.0 out of 5 stars
Mostly enjoyable. But…
I liked this story. It was different and had a happy ending. My only complaint is that this author (and sadly so many authors now) feels the need to use words other than said or asked in dialog. Why do we need “she hissed” “he muttered” “she warned” or “he advised?” We don’t. Readers aren’t stupid. We don’t need the author to tell us what the character is doing. For example: “You really should try and do better,” he advised. Authors, please just use “he said.” I know the character is giving advice.
Tonya B –
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a wonderful story
This book has a captivating storyline, well-developed characters, and just enough information about the Great Pacific Octopus to motivate interested persons to learn more. Keep tissues handy for the final 10% if you choose to read it, this ending a tear-jerker in a happy way. The narrative was not contrived at all, a simple story about the complex turns life can take.
Elizabeth –
4.0 out of 5 stars
4.5/5
The beginning honestly was so difficult to power through and I think particularly because I was having such an annoyance towards Cameron and the hot-mess express. However, as the story continued and plot thickened, you can’t help but resonate and fall in love with the characters. I really enjoyed and appreciated how all the minor details came together later for a grand reveal. And an exceptional ovation to Marcellus, who truly was such a dynamic octopus from the beginning.
MS –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved Marcellus!
I was sceptical at first whether I would like a book with an octopus narrator. Surprisingly, it seems so normal. The other characters were also enjoyable and the thread that bound them all together was heartwarming. This was a cozy book that I found entertaining, a little mysterious and a very satisfying.
Linda from PT –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly, fun fiction.About the octopus
I was afraid the novelist would take liberties. With the true nature of Octopuses.But I was very pleased with the description. And inner dialogueOf this octopus. Very funny and true to the Natural behavior of this invertebrate.
Jennifer D –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A bright spot on your next reading list!
I absolutely loved this book! The characters (human and mollusk) were lovingly developed and the story is very moving. There were some predictable plot elements, but that didn’t get in the way of of the enjoyment. This is the first book in two years that our whole book club fell in love with. Absolutely recommended!
chris wirtz –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Creative and joyous
This book was a can’t put down read. Even with the various characters the author wove this story with a finesse that is reminiscent of older more experienced writers. Thanks for an enjoyable read!
Jacqueline Thompson –
5.0 out of 5 stars
clever story
I love the separate threads and how they intertwine. Marcellus, the octopus, is an endearing character. The story is written in a way that you fall in love with almost every character.
Amazon Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A completely enchanting tale!
This book will make you believe in the wonder of the sea and the creatures living there that we understand so little. And that perhaps fate is a thing after all.
PetalinaPetalina –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Utterly fabulous
I loved this book. I could not put it down. I think I probably read it in three days. I cried. I laughed. It is so so fun to read and wonderful. Just an awesome book.
Lesley –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A feel good must read!
This is a great book with characters who you can’t help but love and feel a connection to. Each chapter tells the story thru each of the characters perspective until it all comes together at the end. A feel good read that leaves you bummed it ended!!!
B. A. Clair –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating Read!
I wasn’t sure about reading a n vel from the perspective of an octopus but it was my book club selection so I bought it and started to read it. Wow, this story captured my attention and I was sorry to come to the end! Extremely creative yet completely believable! Totally different than what I typically read but I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Highly Recommend!
One person found this helpful
Christie –
5.0 out of 5 stars
So cute
This book is so cute, definitely made my eyes misty a few times! I love octopus and it’s a great story.
Kindle Customer –
5.0 out of 5 stars
By the sea
Loved, loved , loved this book! Recommend it to many. Makes a wonderful book club pick and car trip choice.
CSD –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very interesting book
Hard to put down. Love the Octopus point of view interjected as the story progresses. Learned a lot about octopuses.
vicky –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Book Club Read
What a great read! The story was about relationship with an Octopus. And it is story about love, finding answers and friendship. I really enjoyed how the author tied all the characters together.
Sally –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting novel story line
Found no part of this book rambling or boring. Enjoyed it. The book is informative as well as entertaining
M. Hansen –
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful!!
Incredibly beautiful character description of both people and creatures. Beautifully touching right up to the last word. I will never look at octopuses the same way.
Bailey –
5.0 out of 5 stars
So good!
Highly recommend such a beautiful, sweet, heart-warming, funny, well-paced read! Honestly probably one of those books I’ll want to read again because I loved it that much.
Peach –
5.0 out of 5 stars
A delightful story and an exceptional octopus
What a sweet story. No real surprises in the end but a comfortably pleasant read and the octopus is a poignant protagonist.