Shelby Van Pelt’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures” has received widespread notice and acclaim, and it has been on several lists, including Glamour’s Best Books of 2022 and Good Housekeeping’s Best Books of 2022. It was also picked for the BBC Radio 2 Book Club and is now Amazon’s #1 best-seller for 2022.
Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old widow, finds peace and camaraderie in her contacts with Marcellus at the local public aquarium in the fictitious town of Sowell Bay, near Puget Sound. Tova spends her evenings cleaning at the aquarium, coping with the death of her husband and the strange abduction of her son Erik 30 years ago. Here, she has in-depth chats with Marcellus, an octopus with extraordinary intelligence and emotional depth. The addition of many first-person chapters recounted by Marcellus adds to the story’s richness, providing a distinct viewpoint on the events occurring around him.
Through Tova’s experiences, the novel addresses issues of loneliness, bereavement, and aging. She is dealing with her estranged brother’s recent death, her husband’s death, and the unsolved agony of her son’s absence. Tova, who the police believe committed suicide, is unconvinced and seeks closure. Her days are filled with exchanges with her Knit-Wits pals, and her evenings are spent with chats with Marcellus, who is particularly anxious about his perilous adventures outside his tank.
Despite its consideration of important subjects such as loss and grief, the story retains a pleasant and frequently amusing tone. Tova’s desire to learn the truth about her son’s destiny takes her back into other people’s lives and occasionally into Marcellus’ tentacles. Marcellus’ point of view and interactions with Tova provide an element of magical realism to the plot, combining the everyday with the exceptional.
Van Pelt’s writing style has been described as snappy and entertaining, enticing readers to cheer for the characters, each of whom is a distinct human being with foibles and peculiarities. Tova and Marcellus’ relationship is a highlight, bringing excitement and brightness into their lives. The novel is regarded as a lovely story about friendship and family, with a distinct voice.
The work has been hailed by critics and readers for its ability to represent critical periods in life and the necessity to adjust to change. The blend of reality with supernatural elements, notably Marcellus’ capacity to influence in human events, provides complexity to the story. The underlying themes of loss, loneliness, and transformation are crucial to the plot’s development.
Overall, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a tale that will strike a chord with readers on several levels. It delves into the human condition, the intricacies of relationships, and the unexpected locations where we might discover love and understanding. The depiction of Tova’s life, her challenges with age, and her path towards self-discovery and acceptance is very moving. The friendship she makes with Marcellus, which crosses species boundaries, exemplifies the novel’s theme about the universality of experience and the strength of connection.
Sources: Kirkus Reviews, BookBrowse
