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A review by boba_nbooks
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.75
Remarkably Bright Creatures is such a sweet book, and I completely understand why it is so beloved.
Marcellus is a giant Pacific octopus who knows he doesn't have long left to live, due to octopi's shortened lifespan. He dreams of escape from the aquarium that trapped him when he was young, but when he begins to befriend the old woman, Tova, who cleans the aquarium at night, Marcellus finds that this life might just be enough for him. Tova also finds solace when she talks to Marcellus, but when she has an accident that keeps her from cleaning, she just might find another human being to connect with after all.
I went into this novel fairly blind, and I'm glad I did. I loved following each of the characters--especially Marcellus. All of their individual stories wove together perfectly, and I loved seeing how they each collided.
If you're looking for a heartwarming novel about love, loss, aging, and acceptance, this is it.
Marcellus is a giant Pacific octopus who knows he doesn't have long left to live, due to octopi's shortened lifespan. He dreams of escape from the aquarium that trapped him when he was young, but when he begins to befriend the old woman, Tova, who cleans the aquarium at night, Marcellus finds that this life might just be enough for him. Tova also finds solace when she talks to Marcellus, but when she has an accident that keeps her from cleaning, she just might find another human being to connect with after all.
I went into this novel fairly blind, and I'm glad I did. I loved following each of the characters--especially Marcellus. All of their individual stories wove together perfectly, and I loved seeing how they each collided.
If you're looking for a heartwarming novel about love, loss, aging, and acceptance, this is it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction, Death, and Drug abuse
Minor: Cancer, Suicide, and Suicide attempt