A review by mariahmmm
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

challenging emotional hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • 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

Synopsis: In an effort to keep herself busy, lonely grief-stricken 70 year old Tova holds a night cleaning job at the local aquarium after the loss of her parents, her husband, and the cold-case disappearance of her only son. There she meets the remarkably bright Marcellus (a giant Pacific octopus living out his final days in captivity) and Cameron (a man still struggling with abandonment issues from his childhood). Their friendship provides a backdrop against many changes and experiences as each learns to open up to others.

Review: This was such a beautifully written emotional story capturing the loneliness many experience, from an elderly woman, to an abandoned child grown up, to an octopus. However, the second half of the book was very cliched and Cameron remained a poor character. Marcellus was fantastic and I loved hearing his perspective as he "wrote" half the chapters.
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