54 pages • 1 hour read
Shelby Van PeltRemarkably Bright Creatures
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt tells the story of an elderly cleaning woman, Tova Sullivan, who befriends an intelligent octopus named Marcellus at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. As Tova searches for answers about her son's mysterious death, her path crosses with Cameron Cassmore, a man seeking his estranged father. Their lives intertwine, revealing deep truths about grief, family, and connection. This novel prominently concerns a death by suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Shelby Van Pelt's Remarkably Bright Creatures blends charm and emotional depth, with a quirky octopus adding unique appeal. Critics praise its heartfelt storytelling and well-drawn characters, though some find the plot meandering. Overall, it's a compelling read that balances humor and poignancy.
Who Should Read Remarkably Bright Creatures?
A reader who enjoys heartwarming, character-driven stories about unexpected friendships and personal growth will love Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Fans of A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple will find Van Pelt’s debut equally enchanting and emotionally resonant.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Animals
Grief / Death
Parenting
Emotions/Behavior: Grief
Relationships: Family
Relationships: Friendship
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
Magical Realism