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Rate: 4.5/5

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Medium: Audiobook

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Overview (No Spoilers): 

Remarkably Bright Creatures is such an engaging look at loneliness and loss, with hope seeming to be always just out of reach. As the story unfolds, with the determination of others, perhaps happiness could be a reality. 

This beautifully developed story is mostly set in Sowell Bay in Washington. This sleepy town serves as the unexpected focal point for two, seemingly isolated, paths to converge at the local aquarium. While Tova and Cameron’s meeting seems destined to be tangential, their futures seem to share the theme of loneliness. 

Van Pelt’s characters shine bright in this novel, bringing the tragic stories easily to life. Marcellus is the star of Remarkably Bright Creatures. As a giant pacific octopus at the local aquarium, the vastness of his intelligence is hard to fathom, and when paired with his snarky attitude, he is the source of endless amusement. Marcellus’ relentless determination to bring closure to Tova has us rooting for him to succeed in the face of impossible odds and before his biological timer runs out. 

Tova is a rock. She is beyond strong and fierce in the face of tragedies she’s had to face. Though as the story progresses, one gets the sense that she’s resigned to living out her days isolated, in the quiet routine she’s built. 

Cameron is deliberately rough around the edges with his hurtful childhood flavoring every interaction he has. As an adult, he can’t seem to hold a job down or stay in relationships. After uncovering a clue regarding the identity of his father, Cameron finds new purpose in life and goes on an adventure that teeters on disaster every step of the way due to poor decisions several times. Little did he know, going on this trip was the best decision he could have made. 

The story is tinged with sadness which permeates throughout, and the story weaving is exquisite. I was so invested with the outcome I became a bundle of nerves. I was so worried that the opportunity for healing and happiness would be lost, despite Marcellus’ scheming.

Overall, Remarkably Bright Creatures is an elegantly told story of hope surrounding vivid, but lonely characters who all have hauntingly sad pasts. I can’t wait to see how Netflix will shape this adaption, especially with Sally Fields headlining the cast. 

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Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound): 

• Did Cameron get a job with Simon Brinks?
• Does Cameron end up with Ivory?
• Does Cameron find his mom?

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