Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel

Written by Shelby Van Pelt

Narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie

A New York Times Bestseller

Soon to be a Netflix Film

A Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!

“Remarkably Bright Creatures is a beautiful examination of how loneliness can be transformed, cracked open, with the slightest touch from another living thing.” -- Kevin Wilson, author of Nothing to See Here

For fans of A Man Called Ove, a charming, witty and compulsively readable exploration of friendship, reckoning, and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat in Puget Sound over thirty years ago.

Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors—until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova.

Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late. 

Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: May 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063204188

Shelby Van Pelt

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Shelby Van Pelt lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her family. Remarkably Bright Creatures is her first novel.

Reviews for Remarkably Bright Creatures

[Carrie Vick · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

3 stories come together to paint a beautiful and unique picture of overcoming pain and finding family!

[Samantha Reeves · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book truly was a “remarkable and surprisingly “ read. The balance of the storyline and characters was meaningful, heart warming and sweet tempered. An effortlessly intriguing book. The narrator was excellent as well.

[Shelby Call · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What to say about this book? I have no good words. It’s absolutely breathtaking & now one of my favorite stories of all time!

[val · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the most gentle and heartwarming books I have ever read. The characters are my friends, be they two legged, four legged or eight legged!

[Tabea · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Perfektes Buch ich liebe es sehr! Empfehlung auf jeden fall

[Helen O. F. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Never thought I'd care so much about an octopus, but here we are.

[Ginny Doss Pantin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This audio book was great. Wonderful narration and sweetest story.

[Connie Kopko Kramer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well-performed, truly enjoyable. Engaging characters and satisfying conclusion. A good read.

[Dayna Bennett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well, that was one of the best books ever. In the way of Frederick Backman, this will warm your heart and give you all the feels! The narration is excellent!

[Monica Pirtle Davis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book-
The octopus made it a delightful story.

[Noémi Anna Galazek · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a wonderful story, people's life beautifully intertwined. The narrators were amazing as well!

[osphakerhaker · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good book, thank you for your efforts, thank you, thank you

[mcclurgalison · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Easily one of my favourite books. Don’t skip out on listening to this one, the voices make the book so much better!

[lynne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely loved it couldn’t put it down and couldn’t get back quick enough when I had to break away. I hope I can find more books by Shelby F is interesting and fun as this.

[Raluca Vomir · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Cute little story, emotional but with in a way a happy ending. Loved the narrators.

[Mariska De Mey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a very enjoyable story! I loved it from start to finish, even if somewhat predictable, this is comforting reading in these conflicting difficult times. The narrator was completely up to par too! Many thanks to both author and narrator!

[missmay1287 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the most heartfelt books I have read in quite awhile. This book was like a warm hug and I am sad it is over. I will miss all of these characters.

[jha.manjari · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A nice ‘feel-good’ read. I enjoyed reading it.
Recommended for someone looking for a light fiction.

[Rebecca Kneller · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A feel good story of brokenness coming to healing. The interconnected relationships of man and animal.

[Maco21029 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written ? also great narration in particular. Highly recommended

[themultipassionista · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Perfect. Beautiful story. Moving, yet uplifting. Highly recommend. Especially if you love a good yarn without romantic overtones.

[vg · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Storyline - loved it! Audio narration - loved it! Thoroughly enjoyed the book!

[t.22 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A delightful, heartwarming story rich with beautifully broken-open characters who find their wholeness in each other. Narration was spot on. A highly recommended when looking for an easy, engaging read/listen.

[Lisa Diy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I hardly get teary eyed from a book. The one and only time was from Philadelphia, the screenplay adaptation by Christopher Davis. But Shelby Van Pelt’s work is too special not to be felt or touched by it. First, it is not common to know the thoughts of an octopus. I love how these thoughts connect to the story. Second, the emotional state of the characters does jump from the pages and straight to the reader’s heart. The characters are real people and I actually had a feel of the sadness they were going through. This well-written novel does deserve a movie adaptation. The performance on audio was excellent, both for humans and the octopus, making this octopus story quite unforgettable.

[mmz9yg7744 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What an interesting book from start to finish and incorporated lots of different things but wow, they all tied together so beautifully very well written thought out book I loved it. I will probably listen to it again. at first, it’s a bit confusing when it waffles back from Marcella the octopus to the life story of the characters but bear with it because it builds everything you need to know awesome book.

[Jessica Hamernik · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written. No surprise ending but such a beautiful tale to unfold. Heartfelt. Sweet. Audio narration is fantastic. I want to be friends with them all.

[dr.aisha.mohanna · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed it ? clear voices and great characters imitations

[lisamason0968 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Was skeptical... But WOWED . I Highly recommend this book!

[Charles Mustachia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Couldn’t have loved the story more! Great narration too. Five stars.

[pawnwife · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely amazing. The story is unique and beautiful. The narration is excellent. Was sad for it to end. Highly recommend