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Remarkably Bright Creatures

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

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( 784,674 ratings, 94,638 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.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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.

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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 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 startedCynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night cleaner shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Ever since her eighteen-year-old son, Erik, mysteriously vanished on a boat over thirty years ago, keeping busy has helped her cope. One night she meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium who sees everything, 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 body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late...

Shelby 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.

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 touchingHelen 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.

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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

Based on 1 review
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Matt S.
A heart warmer

This is a truly beautiful book with a unique storyline that keeps you engaged and intrigued throughout. I bought this from Book Hero and after arriving overnight, I finished the book within a couple of days! A great summer read!

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.

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