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mckennamartinosky's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Graphic: Drug use, Addiction, Drug abuse, Death, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, Suicide, Cancer, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death
jamespwaa's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Summary
In Remarkably Bright Creatures, Tova Sullivan, an elderly cleaning lady at the Sowell Bay (Washington) Aquarium, forges an unlikely friendship with Marcellus, an intelligent octopus capable of escaping his enclosure. Tova, who has faced significant loss with the death of her son and husband, finds solace in Marcellus and her weekly seniors’ social club, the “Knit-Wits”. Meanwhile, young Cameron Cassmore, having been thrown out by his girlfriend for his irresponsible behavior, arrives in Sowell Bay seeking his estranged father, believed to be wealthy real estate developer Simon Brinks. Tova and Cameron’s paths intersect at the aquarium, where Cameron takes over Tova’s cleaning duties while she recovers from an injury. The two will go through a series of discoveries aided by Marcellus’s clever interventions.
Tova Sullivan
Tova, the novel’s steadfast and reflective protagonist, is someone you can’t help but fall in love with. When she arrives at the aquarium for work, she always has a kind thing to say to all of the sea creatures, most significantly to Marcellus. Still grieving the loss of her son, she finds herself talking to him at length (he doesn't talk back of course, but does he seem like he understands?), revealing her longing for understanding and companionship. Her one-way conversations with Marcellus, and her working alone at night, are a testament to her loneliness. Regardless, she carries on with her duties diligently and with kindness. She embodies the themes of loss and perseverance that permeate the story.
As I was reading, I followed Tova as she navigated her way through the loss of her son, exacerbated by the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. I held hope for her that she would find her way to a place of understanding, acceptance and closure. Shelby Van Pelt kept me so invested in her journey because she portrayed Tova with such a tender authenticity that resonated deeply with me. I was captivated by this character, and I held her with me for some time after reading the book.
Oh, Tova also befriends a stray cat at her home, who she simply calls "Cat". I loved her interaction with this yet another animal!
Cameron Cassmore
Cameron, on the other hand, the novel’s other protagonist, was a more difficult character for me to deal with. Cameron has suffered abandonment from his mother and the absence of his father growing up. He uses these circumstances to skirt responsibility and not take ownership of his life.
I’ve read several reviews where people didn’t finish the book because they were so repulsed by this character! I don’t think that’s really a valid reason to stop reading a novel, but I can understand their struggle. In some ways he’s a foil to Tova. He is unfocused and, frankly, lazy. He doesn’t take responsibility for his problems, blaming them on others or his circumstances. He has little self-confidence and doesn’t follow through on commitments. He’s recently turned 30, but he looks younger, maybe 25, and he acts even younger than that, as a moody and indignant teenager. He’s just a guy you don’t want to be around. Yet while we spend much of the novel challenging Cameron's undesirable behavior, Cameron returns in kind and challenges us as well.
Cameron’s story, told through his own lens, was a profound tool for fostering empathy in me. Van Pelt's narrator is third person, but the narrator adopts Cameron's own way of speaking and his unique vocabulary. Cameron is not speaking to us - the narrator is speaking about him using his voice and his interpretation of the world. This serves not just to narrate, but to immerse us in his world. This is a fascinating kind of storytelling that is incredibly effective. Through showing, not telling, our heart softens for him as we begin to understand his motivations and the depth of his pain. We are shown that we can find understanding for this character who initially was so unrelatable. We don’t need to agree with how he behaves, but we can, if we try, find compassion for him. In fact, this intimate glimpse into Cameron’s thoughts and struggles broke down barriers between him and myself, making his journey
This is a testament of the transformative power of literature to evoke empathy and affect the heart of the reader. In a way, my world is a little bit bigger now after traveling through this novel with Cameron.
Marcellus
It’s Marcellus, however, who binds the other two, and he really is the MVP of the story. Marcellus, who is a particularly astute study of human behavior, communicates with the reader directly. He shares some witty observations, bringing refreshing humor to punctuate an otherwise sober story. But he also invites us to think critically about the story we are being told - we find if we apply his insights of humanity to Tova and Cameron specifically, then we gain a more nuanced understanding into their motivations and values. His truth and clarity help to bring the narrative into focus. Overall, this eight-tentacled character embodies hope, resilience, sacrifice, great intelligence and warm hearts (3 of them) - all of the noble qualities that Tova and Cameron possess to some degree and use as a compass to find their way. Marcellus will demonstrate these traits as well through his own actions when he plays a pivotal role by providing some missing pieces to the puzzles that perplex both of the other characters. Without him, the story would never come into fruition. That we are spoken to and get a peak into his thoughts? Well, this is a bonus! You’ll love what he has to say. If you’re like me, your heartstrings will be pulled and your eyes will well up as you fall in love with this remarkably bright creature.
Through Marcellus, Van Pelt also makes clever use of irony. We learn very soon that the octopus is privy to information that is unknown to our human protagonists. This narrative technique doesn’t spoil the story for us; rather, it offers us a lens through which we can understand and reflect on Tova’s and Cameron’s journeys with greater clarity. Our attention shifts from anticipation of what will happen next in the story to a deeper appreciation of how the events that unfold affect each character. This vantage point allows us to observe their growth, struggles and moments of realization in a more profound way. We see the beauty of their transformation as each event unfolds. It is a deeply rewarding experience.
Prose
“Cameron still can’t seem to wrap his head around the shape of the sea here. It’s like a monster with hundreds of long fingers is gripping the edge of the continent, tendrils of deep blue cutting channels through the dark green countryside in every unexpected way.”
Van Pelt's prose is filled with vivid and eloquent descriptions. The expressive language talking about the beautifully lush Pacific Northwest landscape, the quaint Sowell Bay Aquarium, and even Cameron’s love interest, for example, jumps off the page and surrounds you, evocatively affecting all of your senses. At one point our characters
Themes
Themes of grief, family, and freedom are expertly woven throughout the narrative, with each character’s story reflecting these concepts in unique ways. Tova’s unwavering search for the truth about her son’s death. Cameron’s struggle to escape the shadows of his past. Marcellus’s desire for a life beyond the confines of his tank. All these paths converge in a way that celebrates the resilience of the spirit and the bonds that transcend traditional definitions of family. (Family, whether found or by blood, is a biggie in this novel - so pay attention!)
Conclusion
Remarkably Bright Creatures is a novel that will pull you in and never let go. It not only demands that you read it intensely, it also begs to be pondered and reflected upon long after the reading experience has ended. For sure, it’s a journey through the heart, the kind that entertains, enlightens and even changes you a bit. Shelby Van Pelt has really given us something special here, especially so considering it’s her debut novel! It's not just another book on your shelf - it’s an experience, a real treasure. I would go so far to say that it’s just shy of a masterpiece, one that beautifully marries emotional depth with narrative elegance. Its characters are unforgettable, its themes universal and trenchant, and its impact indelible. I can’t recommend this book to you enough! You’ll be so glad that you picked it up. I know that you won’t regret taking a dive into this beautiful world. Cherish the experience!
Rating
4.5 Stars
Criteria: When a book is rated 4.5-stars, it signifies that any minor flaws present are effortlessly eclipsed by the work's substantial merits, such as memorable character arcs, an engaging narrative, or innovative thematic treatment. The decision is influenced by the book's profound emotional or intellectual impact, leaving an enduring impression that prompts an enthusiastic endorsement. Books in this echelon are deemed essential reading, offering profound experiences that resonate well beyond the final page, meriting an unreserved recommendation.
Rationale
Here are some factors that nudged me toward a 4.5-star rating for <i>Remarkably Bright Creatures</i>.
- Character Depth and Dynamics: The development of Tova and Cameron, alongside Marcellus, is masterfully done. Their growth, imbued with realism and empathy, anchors the novel’s emotional core.
- Unique Perspective: Marcellus’s perspective is a rare and delightful treat! It adds layers of meaning and insight, elevating the narrative beyond the conventional. The novel’s approach to storytelling is a significant factor in my rating.
- Thematic Exploration: Van Pelt handles themes of grief, family and freedom with a nuanced touch, weaving them through the narrative in ways that are both thought-provoking and deeply relatable. The depth of thematic exploration is impressive.
- Setting: The vivid portrayals, especially of features of the Pacific Northwest’s landscape, add an essential layer to the story. This rich backdrop contributes to the novel’s immersive experience.</li>
- Emotional Impact: The novel’s ability to weave through the complexities of human (and cephalopod) emotions with such clarity and depth is remarkable. The emotional resonance of the story is a key element in my high rating.
However, there was at least one weak area for me.
- Supporting Characters who are not Fully Realized: Though the supporting cast of characters play a pivotal role in Tova’s and Cameron’s journeys, they seemed slightly underdeveloped. I’m not saying their characters are not richly portrayed; rather, a deeper dive into their backstories and motivations could have enriched the narrative landscape even further.
Despite that minor critique, Remarkably Bright Creatures stands as a profoundly moving and ingeniously crafted novel. Its originality, coupled with the depth of character and thematic exploration, justifies a 4.5-star rating. This book is an essential read, offering an experience that resonates long after the last page is turned.
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Abandonment and Death
Minor: Suicide
chaoticenby's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Addiction
alisonreadsitall's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Marcellus was the ultimate star of this book, and I do wish he had gotten more time to shine, but I loved his journey. Michael Urie was the PERFECT narrator for this role. 😆 Tova was absolutely wonderful and quirky. Cameron was the annoying character who you couldn’t help but root for and hope for the character development. The book was a bit slow to start, but the backstory was necessary to understand how everything tied together.
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Abandonment, Child death, and Addiction
Minor: Suicide attempt, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Suicide
isabelvegga's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
No sé si he terminado este libro o este libro ha terminado conmigo…
Graphic: Abandonment, Grief, and Child death
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Addiction, and Drug use
zoekai's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Suicide, and Grief
Minor: Drug abuse
hkantola11's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Minor: Abandonment, Drug use, Cursing, and Death
bethancy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Grief, Abandonment, and Child death
Moderate: Drug abuse, Addiction, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Minor: Suicide
audreyxine's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Addiction, Child death, and Grief
owlymay's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Grief and Abandonment
Minor: Death and Child death