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When I first heard about Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, I honestly wasn’t sure it was my kind of book. The description sounded… unusual — a friendship between a widow and an octopus? I didn’t know if that would grab me.
But after seeing it recommended over and over again, I finally gave it a chance. And I’m so glad I did.
I decided to listen to the audiobook, and I can’t recommend that experience enough. The narration brings each character to life in a way that adds so much depth and emotion. The voices they chose for the main characters were spot-on — heartfelt, witty, and full of personality. It made me feel completely immersed in the story.
What Makes This Book So Special
Remarkably Bright Creatures isn’t just about loss or friendship — it’s about healing, connection, and unexpected perspectives. The story follows Tova, an older woman working the night shift at an aquarium, and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who’s far more clever than anyone realizes.
What starts as a quiet, melancholy story turns into something truly touching. The pacing sneaks up on you — I went from curious, to engaged, to completely emotionally invested without realizing when it happened.
There’s humor, heartache, and hope all woven together beautifully. And by the end, I understood exactly why everyone was raving about it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for something different — something that reminds you of the quiet strength in unlikely friendships and second chances — this is a book you’ll want to finish slowly, just to make it last.
Whether you read or listen, Remarkably Bright Creatures is one of those stories that lingers long after you’ve finished it.
