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rain_97's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
earthmother73's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
richardrbecker's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- 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
Remarkably Bright Creatures is an exceptionally original, light, and bright novel by Shelby Van Pelt. It is a story of friendship, personal growth, and hope, with the unlikely addition of a giant Pacific octopus who serves as a hero journey's mentor of sorts.
In truth, there are two mentors. The first is Marcellus, who studies humans from his tank inside the aquarium more than humans study him. The second is Tova Sullivan, the night shift cleaning lady at the aquarium. Both are prisoners in their own way—Marcellus is mainly confined to a tank, and Tova is confined to a life of mostly solitude after the loss of her son. It's the bond these two characters form that brings so much warmth into a story that isn't their own.
The true protagonist (arguably) is Cameron, a brash and immature twenty-something who is trying to find his real father in Washington state after his life falls apart (again) in California. The most likely candidate is a self-made real estate millionaire named Simon Brinks. Unfortunately, Cameron is probably the least likable character in the story, especially in contrast to the aforementioned mentors. It's clear, early on, that Marcellus and Tova have their work cut out for them.
Remarkably, Bright Creatures is an incredibly tender story, which is why so many people love it. That said, plenty of people will not connect with it. There isn't much mystery, and the stakes are never very high. It's simply a change of pace—a heartwarmer that hinges on the idea that people in small towns are connected to each other in ways that aren't always apparent.
In truth, there are two mentors. The first is Marcellus, who studies humans from his tank inside the aquarium more than humans study him. The second is Tova Sullivan, the night shift cleaning lady at the aquarium. Both are prisoners in their own way—Marcellus is mainly confined to a tank, and Tova is confined to a life of mostly solitude after the loss of her son. It's the bond these two characters form that brings so much warmth into a story that isn't their own.
The true protagonist (arguably) is Cameron, a brash and immature twenty-something who is trying to find his real father in Washington state after his life falls apart (again) in California. The most likely candidate is a self-made real estate millionaire named Simon Brinks. Unfortunately, Cameron is probably the least likable character in the story, especially in contrast to the aforementioned mentors. It's clear, early on, that Marcellus and Tova have their work cut out for them.
Remarkably, Bright Creatures is an incredibly tender story, which is why so many people love it. That said, plenty of people will not connect with it. There isn't much mystery, and the stakes are never very high. It's simply a change of pace—a heartwarmer that hinges on the idea that people in small towns are connected to each other in ways that aren't always apparent.
ldillaway's review against another edition
3.0
This was a very pleasant and nice reading experience, but not one that I think will stick with me long term. I did quite enjoy the octopus though.
sydatwell's review against another edition
4.0
A sweet story, but a slow burn. Though it wasn’t a page turner I still enjoyed the characters and plot. I never thought my favorite character would be an octopus, but Marcellus forever.
dana_sg's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
valegbecerra's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction and Abandonment
Minor: Suicide and Suicide attempt
mjhj888's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love Marcellus. While the plot is pretty straightforward, and you can certainly see the happy ending coming, the author writes with such empathy for all the characters -- including the octopus -- that you can't help but root for them all. I only wish there had been a little more closure on the boat wreck, simply because I felt that was a loose end. I understand why it made sense for Tova not to know every detail, but I still wanted to know.
shelbyharts's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0