“Humans. For the most part, you are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.”
― Shelby Van Pelt, Remarkably Bright Creatures

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a heartwarming and different novel that blends mystery, grief, and an unexpected friendship. The story follows Tova, a quiet widow who works nights at an aquarium, and Marcellus, a clever giant Pacific octopus who notices more than anyone realizes.

Set in a small coastal town, the book slowly brings together Tova’s search for answers about her past and Marcellus’s surprising role in helping her find the truth. It’s a story about loss, healing, and the strange ways we find connection. This first novel has touched many readers with its blend of emotion, humor, and charm, especially thanks to Marcellus’s thoughtful— and often humorous— point of view.

In this post, I’ll discuss the plot, characters, reviews, and more to help you decide whether this book belongs on your reading list.

Plot Summary

“Why can humans not use their millions of words to simply tell one another what they desire?” ― Shelby Van Pelt, Remarkably Bright Creatures

Tova Sullivan is a 70-year-old widow who works the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She lost her husband recently, but the grief that has shaped her most is the mystery of her son’s disappearance over thirty years ago. Tova is quiet, careful, and keeps her feelings to herself—but there’s still a lot she doesn’t understand about her past.

At the aquarium, she finds a strange but meaningful connection with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. Marcellus is extremely smart and secretly watches everything around him. He even shares his thoughts with the reader, adding humor, wisdom, and insight to the story.

Then we meet Cameron, a young man who has lost his way in life and is searching for answers about his identity. He travels to Sowell Bay hoping to find his father—and ends up working at the same aquarium. Slowly, his story begins to connect with Tova’s.

As the story unfolds, Marcellus begins to uncover the secrets that no one else can see. Through small acts and quiet observations, he helps bring Tova and Cameron together. By the end, long-kept secrets are revealed, and the characters begin to heal in ways they didn’t expect. It’s a quiet but strong story about grief, connection, and second chances—with a very smart octopus at the center of it all.

My Review

Remarkably Bright Creatures is a quiet, emotional story that gently draws me in and stays with me long after I finish it. It beautifully mixes feelings of grief, mystery, healing, and connection. One of the things that made this book stand out to me was Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus, who tells part of the story.

His chapters were some of the most memorable to me—he’s smart, funny, and full of sharp observations about the people around him. His playful but wise voice added a lighter touch to some of the deeper, more emotional moments.

The main character, Tova Sullivan, is a widow who spends her days cleaning the local aquarium. Her life has been shaped by sadness—the loss of her son and husband—but she faces each day with quiet strength. Watching Tova work through her loneliness and slowly open herself up to new connections felt both real and moving to me.

Cameron, a young man searching for his father and a sense of purpose, crosses paths with Tova. I loved seeing how their bond grew slowly over time, making it feel natural and believable. Their relationship isn’t perfect, but that’s what made it feel true to life for me.

The story moves at a calm, steady pace, which fits the mood and setting of the book—a small coastal town that feels both cozy and a little lonely. While a few of the side characters, like Ethan and Cameron’s friends, could have been more fully developed, I thought the main characters were strong enough to carry the story.

At its heart, Remarkably Bright Creatures is about unexpected friendships, second chances, and finding hope when you least expect it. It’s a warm, thoughtful, and touching read that left me feeling a little lighter and a little more hopeful.

Ratings and Reviews of Remarkably Bright Creatures

“Smart cookie. I am smart, but I am not a snack object dispensed from a packaged food machine. What a preposterous thing to say.” ― Shelby Van Pelt, Remarkably Bright Creatures

Goodreads Ratings

The book has an average score of 4.37 out of 5 stars, with about 926,000 ratings and over 110,000 reviews from readers.

Goodreads Reviews

• “This book was a delightful surprise. The characters are richly drawn, and Marcellus the Octopus is a standout. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendships.”
• “An interesting premise with charming moments. However, the pacing felt slow at times, and some plot points were predictable.”
• “While the Octopus’s perspective was unique, I struggled to connect with the human characters. The story didn’t grab me like I hoped it would.”

Amazon Reviews

• “A beautifully written story that tugs at the heartstrings. Marcellus’s thoughts are both funny and touching. I loved this book.”
• “The idea was great, and the emotional parts hit hard. But the story moved a little too slowly for me.”
• “I wanted to love this, but it didn’t hold my attention. Some characters felt flat, and the plot was easy to guess.”

Remarkably Bright Creatures is different because a very smart octopus tells part of the story. Marcellus adds humor, wisdom, and a fresh perspective. The book is full of emotion, yet also contains mystery and quiet beauty. It’s not just about solving a secret—it’s about healing, friendship, and finding connection in surprising ways.

What Popular Authors Have to Say About This Book

Remarkably Bright Creatures has received lots of love from other writers, especially for its heartwarming story and the unique character of Marcellus the Octopus. Here’s what some authors had to say:

• Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, author of The Nest:
  “This book is charming, wise, and full of surprises. Marcellus the Octopus is one of the most interesting characters I’ve come across in a long time.”
• Jamie Ford, author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet:
  “Shelby Van Pelt has written a heartwarming, mysterious, and absorbing story. You won’t want to put it down—and when you’re not reading it, you’ll want to hug it.”
• Helen Hoang, author of The Kiss Quotient:
  “A truly original and touching story about family, community, and hope. You’re going to fall in love.”

Many readers and reviewers also compare Van Pelt’s writing to that of authors such as Fredrik Backman, Matt Haig, and Jodi Picoult—writers known for their emotionally charged stories and unforgettable characters.

Is Reading Remarkably Bright Creatures Worth It?

“Some trees aren’t meant to sprout tender new branches, but to stand stoically on the forest floor, silently decaying.”
― Shelby Van Pelt, Remarkably Bright Creatures

Yes, this book is worth reading—especially if you enjoy stories that evoke emotions. The way it’s told is different, with part of it coming from a smart and funny octopus. The story features sweet moments, emotional scenes, and characters who quietly grow stronger as the narrative unfolds.

Some readers might find the beginning to be a bit slow, and certain parts of the plot are somewhat predictable. The message and the characters make it stand out.

If you like books with unusual narrators, small mysteries, and stories about healing, friendship, and second chances, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a great choice.

Similar Books if You Enjoyed Remarkably Bright Creatures

• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
• The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
• The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
• Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
• The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin