If you are like me and you plan out the books you are going to read on vacation, I have a great recommendation for you!  Perhaps you are looking for a good read for the upcoming Fall Break? If so, it is without hesitation that I recommend Remarkably Bright Creatures, the debut novel of Shelby Van Pelt.

Based in the Pacific Northwest, the story takes place in a small, touristy town by the ocean, Sowell Bay.  Our leading lady is a widow, Tova who should be retired, but to keep busy, she cleans the Sowell Bay Aquarium at night.  Tova is not only grieving the loss of her husband of many years, but she also lost her only son at the age of eighteen. Unanswered questions about his mysterious death keep her up at night.

A bright spot in Tova’s predictable and structured life is a resident at the aquarium, Marcellus the Giant Pacific Octopus.  Over time, her interactions with him become welcome and familiar and a friendship, although most unusual, is formed.  The life span of an octopus is only four years, and Marcellus awareness of his remaining days is both impressive and gloomy.

Just as we are understanding who Tova is, learning her circle of friends, and her routine, a stranger comes to the small town, seeking his biological father.  Cameron is a handsome young man who is very intuitive and emotionally aware, nut he hasn’t always made the best choices.  He has been somewhat aimless in life, even though he has great potential, he seems to be held back by unanswered questions. Why did his mother disappear? Who is his father and where in the world is he? Will he be happy to see Cameron, or will he turn him away?

I love a book that pulls you in right away, and Remarkably Bright Creatures had me from page one. Written from Marcellus (the octopus) point of view, it says, “Day 1,299 of my captivity…” By the time I was about halfway through the book, I thought that the author had perhaps taken great liberty with the capability of the octopus, but a quick google search informed me that octopi are in fact, very intelligent. They have incredible problems solving skills, as well as both short- and long-term memory.  They can easily distinguish shapes and patterns, they are often playful, and some species have been observed using shells as tools.  Additionally, they are known for breaking out of their aquariums and into others looking for food.  One I realized their intellect, it made the story even richer, and I know I will never look at octopi the same way again.

The story switches point of view frequently, occasionally being told by Marcellus instead of human characters.  I am in awe of how the author was able to develop his character and make his point of view very believable instead of completely ridiculous.

I found myself completely engrossed in Tova’s future, wanting her to remain in her home and keep her spunky independence.  Along the way, her community cares for her so sweetly and old and new friends help her find the answers she has been longing for. Her optimism in spite of her grief is inspiring and remarkable.

If you are a sucker for a feel-good story with a little mystery that will fire up your imagination, Remarkably Bright Creatures will not disappoint! 

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