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A review by grettypop
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
5.0
5/5 incredible stars for this unforgettable novel!
Tova is a 70 year old widow, whose husband passed a few years ago from cancer. She had one son, who vanished 30 years ago into the sea, leaving Tova lonely, grief-bridled, and with a not-so-positive outlook on the future. But she is a woman of principle, who believes it's better to keep busy. So she cleans the local aquarium at night, finding solace in the quiet company of the sea creatures.
Marcellus is a giant pacific octopus. Octopuses are known to be extremely smart, curious creatures, but Marcellus is extraordinary even in that. At night, he sneaks out of his tank and explores the aquarium (and snacks on some of the other creatures).
The two slowly build an unlikely bond that transforms how one thinks about friendships and saves both the octopus and the lonely old woman. Marcellus also knows a secret - and he wants to help Tova find out what happened to her son so many years ago.
I will admit, the storyline is pretty predictable. BUT!! That doesn't take away from how incredibly it is written, and how touching it is to see people find family, deal with grief, loneliness, and the inevitable passage of time. This story is riddled with hilarious characters (like an old aunt who gets chlamydia, or the Scottish store owner who has a special crush on our girl, Tova), and will make you rethink your blessings and the importance of community.
I can already tell this is a story I'm going to be thinking about for a very long time.
Tova is a 70 year old widow, whose husband passed a few years ago from cancer. She had one son, who vanished 30 years ago into the sea, leaving Tova lonely, grief-bridled, and with a not-so-positive outlook on the future. But she is a woman of principle, who believes it's better to keep busy. So she cleans the local aquarium at night, finding solace in the quiet company of the sea creatures.
Marcellus is a giant pacific octopus. Octopuses are known to be extremely smart, curious creatures, but Marcellus is extraordinary even in that. At night, he sneaks out of his tank and explores the aquarium (and snacks on some of the other creatures).
The two slowly build an unlikely bond that transforms how one thinks about friendships and saves both the octopus and the lonely old woman. Marcellus also knows a secret - and he wants to help Tova find out what happened to her son so many years ago.
I will admit, the storyline is pretty predictable. BUT!! That doesn't take away from how incredibly it is written, and how touching it is to see people find family, deal with grief, loneliness, and the inevitable passage of time. This story is riddled with hilarious characters (like an old aunt who gets chlamydia, or the Scottish store owner who has a special crush on our girl, Tova), and will make you rethink your blessings and the importance of community.
I can already tell this is a story I'm going to be thinking about for a very long time.