Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt: A Bittersweet Dive into Grief and Connection
From the moment I stumbled upon Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel featuring an octopus’s perspective, I knew it would be a unique literary adventure. Who could resist the allure of a story told through the eyes of such an intelligent and misunderstood sea creature? As Swaye is my witness, I even called part of the ending by page four. You might find yourself predicting the trajectory, too, but that doesn’t diminish the bittersweet reflective themes woven throughout this tale.
At its core, this novel explores grief, aging, loneliness, and family ties. Tova, our strong female lead, grapples with the loss of her son while managing a dead-end job at a local aquarium. It’s around her that the narrative truly crackles—her sorrow and grit are palpable. And then there’s Marcellus, the octopus with his own unique insights and touching interactions. Together, they highlight the emotional struggles that accompany life’s unpredictabilities.
However, one can’t overlook that the pacing felt uneven, with supporting characters lacking the same depth and resonance. I found myself truly invested in Tova and Marcellus, and while their dialogues had a genuine snap and warmth, others felt flat, leaving me craving a bit more substance. It’s a simple, mainstream novel—ideal for reading on a sunny beach or as a lighter complement to denser works.
Now, let’s get to the writing itself. While some sections sparkled, I found myself frustrated with certain choices. For instance, Van Pelt’s foreshadowing could be more subtle; rather than feeling elegantly alluded to, I often felt as if I were being bludgeoned with hints of what was to come. I like a gentle nudge in storytelling, rather than a full-scale announcement of their intentions.
Furthermore, one little obsession of mine began to rear its head—Van Pelt’s consistent reliance on the word “some.” It’s one of those quirks that, while perhaps insignificant to many, caused minor irritation for me. Through my reading, phrases like “some travel app” or “some show” popped up repeatedly. It left me thinking: could we not have a bit more specificity? In a world with rich, imaginative prose, vagaries felt like a missed opportunity to fully immerse into the narrative.
Overall, while I reveled in the conversations sparked by the novelty of an octopus narrator, I found the reading experience itself a bit less engaging than I had hoped. The companionship of a savvy buddy-reader provided relief, and I can’t deny that sharing our thoughts and feelings about Tova and Marcellus made the journey worthwhile.
In closing, if you’re drawn to stories that tackle the complexities of familial bonds and the richness of companionship—albeit with a splash of sea life—Remarkably Bright Creatures may just brighten your day. It’s good for those in between heavier reads or those simply seeking a simple yet engaging narrative. Though mildly disappointed, the experience allowed me to reflect on deeper themes of connection and loss, reminding me that sometimes, even novels that fall short of expectations can lead to delightful discussions and revelations.
And for an evocative listening experience, I pair this read with Florence + The Machine’s "Never Let Me Go"—an apt backdrop for contemplating the ebb and flow of life.
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