We're open! Your support & feedback is appreciated 💕

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Curl up with 'that octopus book' everyone is talking about
4.38 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 751,383 ratings, 91,014 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a heartwarming novel about an unlikely friendship that forms between Tova Sullivan, a widow who works the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. As Tova cleans the aquarium, Marcellus helps her uncover a mystery from her past, ultimately teaching her about the unexpected ways in which bonds can form and heal.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
OVERNIGHT DELIVERY ACROSS NZ

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate stories that explore the unlikely friendship between a human and a giant Pacific octopus. Set in a small-town aquarium, it captures themes of grief, healing, and the connections that transcend species. Its warmth and wit make it a heart-warming and captivating read.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
The Instant New York Times Bestseller Over 1.5 Million Copies Sold Worldwide BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick Over 60,000 5-Star Reviews Good Housekeeping Best Books of 2022 Glamour Best Books of 2022

Remarkably Bright Creatures is a heartwarming and compelling debut novel by Shelby Van Pelt, weaving together themes of loss, love, and unexpected friendships in an unforgettable narrative.

After losing her husband and grappling with the mysterious disappearance of her 18-year-old son Erik three decades ago, Tova Sullivan finds solace in working the night shift as a cleaner at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Her routine is disrupted when she encounters Marcellus, a curmudgeonly giant Pacific octopus who has a keen eye for details and a penchant for solving mysteries.

Marcellus, with his sharp mind and extraordinary observational skills, gradually pieces together the clues surrounding Erik's disappearance. His bond with Tova becomes the axis on which the story turns, leading to moments of revelation and a poignant journey towards healing.

Shelby Van Pelt masterfully blends humour, emotion, and an undercurrent of mystery to create a tale that is as tender as it is intriguing. The unique perspective of Marcellus adds a fresh layer to the narrative, making it truly immersive.

Critically Acclaimed:

“Remarkably Bright Creatures [is] an ultimately feel-good but deceptively sensitive debut. . . . Memorable and tender.”Washington Post

“Full of heart and humour . . . I loved it.”Ruth Hogan

“Will stay with you for a long time.”Anstey Harris

“I defy you to put it down once you’ve started.”Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

Van Pelt’s debut novel is a reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible. The story’s beautifully nuanced characters and the unique friendship that develops between Tova and Marcellus will captivate readers and linger in their minds long after the final page is turned.

“You won’t be able to put it down because when you’re not reading this book you’ll be hugging it.” —Jamie Ford

“Truly original and touching.” —Helen Hoang

Reader Reviews:

“I couldn't put it down”

“Marvelous, heartwarming, brilliant”

“I enjoyed every second”

“I was gripped from the first page”

“Read it, there's no way you won't fall in love with Marcellus the octopus!”

“Goodness me, what a unique and wonderful book.”

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews of Remarkably Bright Creatures describe it as an original and feel-good mystery packed with memorable characters. The book is praised for its heartfelt humour and its elegant portrayal of a widowed woman's connection with a clever octopus. Critics commend the story for its exploration of family, loss, and the transformative power of connection, calling it a charming, surprising, and luminous tale.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526649676

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 July 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 384

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)

About the Author

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

More from General Fiction

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent specialist on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our cozy 200m2 warehouse in Auckland holds over 10,000 books in-stock so you're not waiting for books to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Pick Ups

Auckland Pick Ups

We're an online-only store but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.