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A review by quasinaut
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
These characters are so frustrating and flawed, yet I grew to care so deeply about them and their happiness.
I credit that to the writing of their different points of view. Tova was quietly independent - but oblivious to how her solo decisions hurt her friends who wanted her to let them in. Cam has to learn to get over his entitlement and immaturity, and we start seeing glimpses of him figuring his stuff out - notably through seeing Avery as an extremely capable mom and business owner. And then there's Marcellus, our bored and curious octopus, whose commentary on human behavior is funny yet insightful. And I don't want to forget Ethan, who is so welcoming and forgiving but doesn't realize how his chattiness reads as judgemental gossip to both Tova and Cam.
Just like its characters, this book has its flaws, but I'm happy to overlook them because of the story's overall impact.
I credit that to the writing of their different points of view. Tova was quietly independent - but oblivious to how her solo decisions hurt her friends who wanted her to let them in. Cam has to learn to get over his entitlement and immaturity, and we start seeing glimpses of him figuring his stuff out - notably through seeing Avery as an extremely capable mom and business owner. And then there's Marcellus, our bored and curious octopus, whose commentary on human behavior is funny yet insightful. And I don't want to forget Ethan, who is so welcoming and forgiving but doesn't realize how his chattiness reads as judgemental gossip to both Tova and Cam.
Just like its characters, this book has its flaws, but I'm happy to overlook them because of the story's overall impact.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Addiction, Child death, and Abandonment
Minor: Drug abuse and Suicide attempt