Remarkably Bright Creatures
by Shelby Van Pelt•2022
385 pages
In "Remarkably Bright Creatures", Shelby Van Pelt crafts an extraordinary tale of unexpected connection between Tova Sullivan, a widow working night shifts at an aquarium, and Marcellus, a highly intelligent giant Pacific octopus.
Set against a backdrop of personal loss and mystery, the novel explores themes of companionship, healing, and the profound emotional intelligence of non-human creatures, revealing how connection can emerge from the most unlikely places and how grief can be transformed through compassionate understanding.
Key ideas
Developing keen observation skills and patience helps build deeper empathy for others, as demonstrated through Marcellus the octopus's careful study of human behavior.
In the book, Marcellus the octopus spends countless hours observing the night janitor Tova Sullivan, learning to read her emotions and understand her past through careful attention to her behaviors and routines. Despite being a different species, his patient observation allows him to understand her grief over her lost son and her lonely evenings. This demonstrates how taking time to truly observe others, rather than making quick judgments, can lead to deeper understanding.
The book shows this through Marcellus's detailed observations of Tova's cleaning routines and subtle changes in her behavior, which allow him to piece together her story and eventually help her find closure. This careful observation leads to one of the most unlikely yet meaningful connections in the story.
This insight extends beyond the novel to our daily interactions. In our fast-paced world, we often make quick judgments about others without taking time to truly observe and understand their situations. By practicing patient observation, we can develop deeper empathy and form more meaningful connections.
Understand others through careful observation
Focus entirely on observing the other person's facial expressions, tone, and body language. Notice three specific details about their behavior without immediately judging or responding.
Who should read this book?
- Readers who appreciate emotionally complex, character-driven narratives with unconventional relationships
- Those interested in stories exploring empathy, grief, and unexpected connections across species
- Fans of literary fiction that blends profound emotional insight with unique narrative perspectives
Why It Matters
The novel represents a unique intersection of contemporary fiction and interspecies empathy, offering a nuanced exploration of human vulnerability and animal consciousness.
By presenting a relationship between a human and an octopus with remarkable emotional depth, Van Pelt challenges traditional narrative boundaries and invites readers to reconsider notions of communication and connection.
The book's reception highlights a growing literary trend of exploring non-traditional perspectives and emotional landscapes, resonating with readers seeking stories that transcend conventional emotional narratives.
While primarily a work of fiction, the novel draws subtle attention to marine biology and animal intelligence, potentially encouraging broader conversations about cognitive complexity in non-human species.