Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt tells the unlikely but heartwarming story of an octopus named Marcellus and a human, Tova Sullivan, forming an extraordinary friendship. I had the pleasure of reading it as part of my book club’s September discussion, and it quickly became a story I couldn’t stop thinking about.
To be honest, I really didn't have any interest in reading this book despite hearing rave reviews about it on Facebook. There was so much hype about it, and I'm usually disappointed in books that are over-hyped.
Additionally, I just couldn't get past knowing that part of it was told from the perspective of an octopus ... I don't know why it bothered me since Charlotte's Web by E.B. White was told from a pig's perspective, and I loved that book as a child. However, I had my own preconceived ideas about the book, and I am so glad that I put those ideas aside and gave it a chance.
Told from three different perspectives, the author does a phenomenal job of crafting a story centered on an inconceivable and deeply compelling friendship. Despite the multiple viewpoints and timelines, the narrative is never confusing or hard to follow.
At first, I wasn’t entirely sure how all three storylines were going to connect, but when they finally came together, I was left in complete awe at how seamlessly and thoughtfully the author wove everything into a cohesive whole. Each of the three main characters is given an intricate and well-developed backstory, adding depth and emotional weight to the novel, and all three characters are absolutely delightful in their own unique ways.
The author does a fabulous job of making you genuinely care about all three characters: Marcellus, Tova, and Cameron. Even though Marcellus’s fate is hinted at from the very beginning, I didn’t quite expect his death to unfold the way it did. It was heartbreakingly bittersweet, and just thinking about it now brings up all the emotions. I know it’s just a book, but I have to admit, I really struggle when an animal dies in a story. Does anyone else feel the same way?
Even though I finished this story a few days ago, I’m still at a loss for words. There’s just so much to process. All I can really say is that I’m so glad I gave it a chance. Don’t make the same mistake I almost did. Set aside any preconceived notions about the story and just dive in. You might be surprised at how quickly it captures your heart, just like it did mine. I gave Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt a full five out of five stars. It’s truly unforgettable.
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