Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel

Written by Shelby Van Pelt

Narrated by Marin Ireland and Michael Urie

A New York Times Bestseller!

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: HarperAudio
• 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

[Line Rosegaard · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Best book ever! Such a good story. I love the different perspectives and narration <3

[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!

[Gina Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent narration! I loved this unique, special book. Incredible story with amazing characters.

[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.

[V Shep · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

You have yo meet Marcellus he’s absolutely delightful. I enjoyed this book

[Michelle McDonald · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I finished this book in less than 2 days because it was so incredibile! Highly recommend!

[cwpeters22 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Almost passed over and so glad I didn't. Enjoyed every second!

[Michael Winslow · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Who knew that I would love a book partially narrated by an octopus! This is a really beautiful story. The narration is also very good. Highly recommend. Heartwarming and fun.

[Amanda K. Meiler · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It reminded me of why I love my favorite children’s’ book, “Charlotte’s Web”. This book was so wonderful. I think it’s my fav of the year, although I got to it a couple years after it was published. Such an endearing story and I like how the characters are so realistic. The narration from Marcellas was perfect: very cute that he was an intellectual. I just loved this book.

[Michelle Barnett · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wasn’t sure about this one at first, but I quickly started to gain interest. Such a unique approach to the story and love how the characters lives intertwine. Great read!

[Atticus Foster · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was truly a touching story. It has the adorable meandering quaintness that gives you time to enjoy the characters and have it feel like a journey. I loved the dual narration, and I feel as though I have been gripped deep down. I highly recommend to anyone who feels a little lost right now, or just wants a lovely story to get lost in.

[Michelle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a really well written story. I wasn't sure about at first and in complete transparency, I loved Marcellus the best! I was rooting for the others but the octopus character made me smile throughout the entire book.

[sarah · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I’m amazed by octopuses so this book was a no brainer. I finished it quickly in 2 days. Marcellus was my favorite character, obviously. But the human characters grew on me too. I’m sad it’s already over. Definitely one of my top favorite reads of all time! 10/10

[Suzy Blunk · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful story, beautifully written and pulls at the heart strings. The audiobook is an absolute pleasure to listen to!

[George Szmaj · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a lighthearted book, reminiscence of the old stories from Ulysses and Homer. You wanna know what’s going to happen next then you know what’s going to happen next and try to figure out how you can get there. It was a delight to listen to kept me totally distracted just was a lot of fun.

[Seema Afridi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a truly amazing life affirming book. I loved it.

[Bernard Jacobs · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Exceptional in every way! The story and the audio, well worth listening.

[Dave Johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I very much enjoyed this book. The narration, especially the Marcellus parts, gave it life.

[Yjia Pagayon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

wonderful ❤️ cried reading this book. absolutely lovely read ❤️

[afacchin2350 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A heartwarming book indeed. I enjoyed the books many perspectives. I have already recommended it to several friends. The mark of a really good book is when it makes me emotional. This one got me!

[Lynne Lyn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you for a lovely storyline. I finished the book in 1 enjoyable day.

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

Such a wholesome read. It left me wishing for a little more closure in some parts, but I loved it just the same.