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A review by richardrbecker
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
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.