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Remarkably Bright Creatures” What an enjoyable book! The characters were not only likable but lovable. And the important thing about that is they were not perfect characters. They had flaws, they were trying to find their way in life, especially the 20 something boy. It was a good lesson in how we may feel like we meander through life with things not working out, but it does all work together at the end. The octopus had such a special role for the elderly woman and what a beautiful friendship that ended up being. It was also a lesson and how two lonely souls, one elderly and one young, found each other, became friends and were so respectful of each other. I really liked it and think of it often. I may actually re-read this one at some point. 8. SMCNEELY Review Remarkably Bright Creatures Several lonely people come together in this book, a couple of them helped by an octopus named Marcellus who lives in the local aquarium. I thank the author and publisher for providing a DRC of this wonderful book via Edelweiss+. All opinions expressed here are my own. 3. C.BRAD COX Review Remarkably Bright Creatures I received this audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley and Harper Audio. It was my pleasure to listen to and review this wonderful story!
I must advise you that our time together may be brief. The plaque [on my tank] states ... the average life span of a giant Pacific octopus. Four years. ... There have been lots of books between dogs and cats forming impressive bonds with humans. But this is the first that involves an octopus and a human. Marcellus is a giant Pacific octopus. And he’s nearing the end of his expected life span. Tova is the seventy year old woman that cleans the aquarium where Marcellus is a prisoner, as he sees it. She’s a widow and her 18 year old son went missing decades earlier. When an unlikely friendship develops between Tova and Marcellus, we learn from the fresh perspective of a tale told by an octopus that her mother's intuition was right and that there was more to the police report of her greatest tragedy. Oh, the realistic story is well done, don’t get me wrong. I loved both Tova and Cameron—both sympathetic and well-drawn. The writing is good. The plot is interesting and fast moving, but there is one huge coincidence that you have to buy into. I overlooked that the situation was unlikely because I liked the book so much. Also, the ending is a little too tight for my liking, but then again, it’s heartwarming. Who doesn’t want a feel-good ending these days?
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The story is told from the perspective of three characters. Tova is a 70-year-old widow. Thirty years ago, her son, Erik, died at the age of 18 in a boating mishap. His body was never recovered. There were rumours of suicide or perhaps murder, but Tova firmly believes it was an unfortunate accident. Her grief was overwhelming, but she kept going by working as a cleaner in an aquarium and taking pride in her work.
Three wonderful characters and one giant octopus. Tova. Cameron, Ethan, and Marcellus. All searching for something and as I listened I so wanted them to succeed. If the wily Marcellus has his way, Tova will get hers. I should mention that one learns a bit about the lives of giant octopi and how Marcellus came to live in a tank in a aquarium. Secrets are everywhere. Some humans are crammed full of them. How do they not explode? It seems to be a hallmark of the human species: abysmal communication skills.” I finished this book with a bittersweet feeling and a smile. How important is that? For me it's priceless. How rare was that for this reader? Pretty darn rare. Maybe I've been reading the wrong books.
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Marcellus is an Octopus. A very intelligent octopus who sees so much more than everyone gives him credit for. On top of his uncanny ability to understand is his ability to squeeze through very small places. I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. III. [Quote] Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
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