Remarkably Bright Creatures Book Review
Check out my review of Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, soon to be translated to the screen by Netflix starring Sally Field.
When you read a book you love so much and then discover it's being made into a movie, there are very complicated feelings.
I loved every minute of listening to the audiobook of Remarkably Bright Creatures and it made such an imprint on my heart that I've carried it with me for years.
Now they are making it a Netflix movie starring the brilliant Sally Field as Tova and I cannot wait to watch!
Will they do this beautiful book justice? With Sally involved, I believe it has an excellent chance. Don't wait for the screen adaptation, be sure to read this one before the movie launches in May!
Curious if this book is for you? Check out my full review below.
If this is your first time reading one of my reviews, you may want to check out how I score my reads with this scale guide here.
Summary of Remarkably Bright Creatures
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.
Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.
Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.
What I Liked
Here's what I would tell my best friend about the book:
- Clever Construct: A book featuring a friendship between a human and an octopus could go terribly wrong and be cartoonish and childish but not in the hands of Shelby Van Pelt. This story was crafted with such care that the whimsical details feel utterly real. You'll find yourself rooting for both Tova and Marcellus right until the very end.
- Marcellus the Octopus: His dialogue was my absolute favorite part of the entire story and Michael Urie, the voice of Marcellus, had me laughing out loud time and again.
- Tova: Marin Ireland portrays the 70-year old Tova with tender affection, the perfect complement to Marcellus' wit.
- Heart Wrenching but So Beautiful: I don't often recommend books that make me cry, I read for relaxation and joy. However, this story arc is so wonderfully presented you cannot help but fall in love with the characters. When you're that emotionally invested, tears are a natural outcome as the story wraps up.
- True Meaning of Friendship: As I get older, I've had the chance to experience a lovely variety of friendships. Each one different but always special. Watching an octopus befriend a human illustrated wonderful things at the core of a true friendship.
What I Didn't Like
Every reader needs something different from a book. What I may not have preferred may be your favorite part.
I can't think of anything to mention that I did not like about this book, it was nearly perfect in every way.
Overall Score
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐
I give Remarkably Bright Creatures five solid stars. This is not my typical recommendation, the story has some sad and tender moments, but the overall message is one of hope and love. It is by far one of the very best audiobooks I've ever read and I strongly encourage you to give it a try.
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