Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

In the vast ocean of literary fiction, some stories manage to create ripples that reach far beyond their initial splash. Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” is one such tale that swells with the power of unexpected connections, weaving together the lives of its characters like the intricate patterns of a Pacific Northwest tidepool. As we dive into this review, let’s allow ourselves to be swept away by the currents of Van Pelt’s storytelling, much like the waters that shape the lives of her characters.

The Essence of the Story

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a novel that defies easy categorization, blending elements of literary fiction, mystery, and a touch of magical realism. At its heart, it’s a story about the intricate web of relationships that bind us – to each other, to our past, and to the natural world around us.

The narrative centers around Tova Sullivan, a widow in her seventies who works the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. Tova’s life has been marked by loss—first her son, Erik, who disappeared over thirty years ago, and more recently, her husband. The aquarium becomes her sanctuary, a place where the routine of cleaning and tidying helps her cope with the emptiness of her life.

Enter Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus residing at the aquarium. Marcellus is no ordinary cephalopod—he’s the novel’s most unexpected and delightful narrator. Through his keen observations and surprising intellect, Marcellus becomes the lynchpin that connects the various threads of the story.

The third major player in this tale is Cameron, a directionless thirty-something who arrives in Sowell Bay searching for his roots. As these three lives intertwine, secrets long buried begin to surface, leading to revelations that will change each of them forever.

The Brilliance of Characterization

Tova Sullivan: A Portrait of Resilience

Van Pelt’s portrayal of Tova is nothing short of masterful. She’s a character etched with the fine lines of grief and resilience, her stoic exterior belying a depth of emotion that’s palpable on every page. Tova’s nightly rituals at the aquarium, her meticulous attention to detail, and her quiet interactions with the creatures she tends to are rendered with a tenderness that’s deeply moving.

Marcellus: An Unlikely Hero

Marcellus is, without doubt, the star of the show. Van Pelt takes a significant risk in giving voice to an octopus, but it pays off brilliantly. Marcellus is curmudgeonly, intelligent, and unexpectedly empathetic. His sections are filled with wry observations about human behavior and poignant reflections on his own captivity.

Cameron: The Search for Identity

Cameron’s journey serves as a counterpoint to Tova’s. While she’s rooted in Sowell Bay, burdened by memories, Cameron is adrift, searching for a place to belong. His quest to uncover his past adds a layer of mystery to the novel, driving the plot forward as he uncovers connections he never knew existed.

Themes That Resonate

The Nature of Grief and Healing

Van Pelt handles the theme of grief with a deft touch. Tova’s loss is not a dramatic, all-consuming force, but rather a quiet undercurrent that shapes her days. The novel suggests that healing doesn’t always mean moving on, but sometimes simply learning to coexist with loss.

The Interconnectedness of Life

Perhaps the most powerful theme in “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is the idea that we are all connected in ways we can’t always see. Just as the ecosystem of a tidepool depends on the intricate balance of all its inhabitants, the lives of Tova, Marcellus, and Cameron are inextricably linked.

The Intelligence of the Natural World

Through Marcellus, Van Pelt challenges our assumptions about intelligence and consciousness. The novel invites us to consider the complexity of the creatures we share our world with, and the responsibilities we have towards them.

The Craft of Storytelling

Van Pelt’s prose is as fluid as the waters of Puget Sound, effortlessly shifting between perspectives and tenses. She has a keen eye for detail, bringing the coastal town of Sowell Bay to life with vivid descriptions that engage all the senses.

The structure of the novel, alternating between Tova’s third-person narrative, Marcellus’s first-person musings, and Cameron’s journey, keeps the pacing brisk. Each chapter ends with a subtle hook that pulls the reader forward, much like the gentle but insistent tug of a tide.

A Debut That Shines

For a debut novel, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” shows a remarkable assurance in its storytelling. Van Pelt manages to balance whimsy with depth, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

While there are moments where the plot veers towards the predictable, particularly in Cameron’s storyline, the strength of the characters and the uniqueness of Marcellus’s voice more than make up for any minor shortcomings.

In the Company of Giants

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” sits comfortably alongside other works that blend literary fiction with elements of magical realism. Readers who enjoyed the gentle wisdom of “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce or the unexpected narrator of “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein will find much to love here.

Van Pelt’s novel also shares DNA with works that explore the intelligence of the natural world, such as Barbara Kingsolver’s “Prodigal Summer” or Richard Powers’ “The Overstory,” albeit on a more intimate scale.

Final Thoughts: A Tide Worth Riding

“Remarkably Bright Creatures” is a novel that sneaks up on you, much like the tide slowly rising on a beach. What begins as a quiet story about a widow working in an aquarium gradually reveals itself to be a rich tapestry of love, loss, and unexpected connections.

Shelby Van Pelt has crafted a debut that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. Her ability to create fully realized characters—including a cantankerous octopus—and weave them into a story that feels both intimate and universal is truly impressive.

As we close the pages of this novel, we’re left with a renewed sense of wonder at the world around us and the myriad ways we’re all connected. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” reminds us that sometimes, the most profound truths can come from the most unexpected sources—even from eight arms reaching out from behind the glass of an aquarium tank.

In the end, this is a novel that, like its cephalopod hero, wraps its tentacles around your heart and doesn’t let go. It’s a remarkable debut from an author who, like Marcellus, proves to be remarkably bright indeed.