Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel by Shelby Van Pelt Book Review
About this book in 50 words
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt tells the heartwarming story of a grieving widow who forms an unexpected bond with a perceptive octopus.
Together, they unravel the mysteries of loss, friendship, and hope, discovering how unexpected connections can transform lives.

Summary in 100 words
In Remarkably Bright Creatures, Tova Sullivan, a widow coping with her husband’s death and the disappearance of her son thirty years prior, finds solace working night shifts at the Sowell Bay Aquarium.
There, she befriends Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus with an uncanny intelligence. Marcellus, who typically resents humans, takes a liking to Tova and pieces together clues about her son’s fate.
Determined to help her uncover the truth, Marcellus embarks on a race against time.
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut is a heartwarming tale about loneliness, resilience, and how unexpected friendships can bring clarity and hope.
Book Name | Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel |
Author | Shelby Van Pelt |
Publisher | Ecco |
Release Date | May 3, 2022 |
Audiobook Publisher | HarperAudio |
Audiobook Duration | 11 hours, 16 minutes |
About the Author
Shelby Van Pelt is an American author whose debut novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures, showcases her talent for blending heartwarming narratives with unique perspectives.
A lover of storytelling and the quirky intricacies of human relationships, she draws readers into worlds filled with hope, loss, and redemption.
Her work has garnered widespread acclaim for its wit, emotional depth, and distinctive characters.
Van Pelt lives near Chicago, where she continues to explore the unexpected connections that shape our lives.