Title : Remarkably Bright Creatures
Author : Shelby Van Pelt
Narrators : Marine Ireland, Michael Urie
Genre : Contemporary
Publisher : Harper Audio
Listening Length : 11 hours 16 minutes
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You might be surprised to learn that the Remarkably Bright Creatures referred to in the book’s title are octopuses. Or one giant Pacific octopus in particular. His name is Marcellus McSquiddles and he lives in the Sowell Bay aquarium. Here he develops a friendship with the cleaning lady Tova Sullivan – and I say friendly because Marcellus tells us so. The book is told from his point of view, counting his days of captivity, and giving us his wry, witty take on human behavior.
Humans are the only species who subvert truth for their own entertainment. They call them jokes. Sometimes puns.
When Tova must unexpectedly take a leave of absence from her work at the aquarium, a young man, Cameron, is temporarily hired in her place. Cameron is in town for a few weeks (or so he thinks). Biding his time and working in the aquarium to pay the bills, Cameron comes to know the local townsfolk and Tova, who visits the aquarium from time to time.
Tova has had a tragedy-filled past, but little does she know that Marcellus can help solve the mystery of her son’s death. Marcellus, who’s quite the detective as well as being an avid people-watcher, must use the last remaining days of his life to bring happiness to his favorite person.
As a general rule, I like holes. A hole at the top of my tank gives me freedom. But I do not like the hole in her heart. She only has one, not three, like me. Tova’s heart. I will do everything I can to help her fill it.
Shelby van Pelt excels at building her characters. I really liked how beautifully Tova, Marcellus and Cameron are sketched out, and how their lives start intersecting gradually and naturally. Marcellus was especially interesting because he has quite a personality! Tova is a brave resilient woman and one quite likes her. Cameron despite his faults has a core of goodness. The Knit Wits are an interesting bunch. And even minor characters like the considerate grocery owner Ethan Mack, and the aquarium director Terence Bailey are attributed believable details.
Remarkably Bright Creatures is an enjoyable, feel-good book. Narration is very good too! Highly recommended!
